2025 Composer Mentor
NZSO Todd Young Composer Awards
Ryan Youens is a New Zealand-based composer, arranger and orchestrator with a diverse and collaborative career across concert music, live events, recording projects and theatre. His work has been performed globally, from Australia and Europe to the Americas, Asia and the Middle East.
Orchestras to perform Ryan’s charts include the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Sydney Symphony, London Metropolitan Orchestra, Budapest Scoring Orchestra, Dutch Radio Chamber Orchestra, Danish National Opera (Den Jyske Opera), Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, Auckland Philharmonia, Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and the Young Artists Orchestra of Las Vegas. His work has also been performed by artists such as Alicia Keys, Neil Finn, Ria Hall, Tami Neilson, Dave Dobbyn, John Butler and Shapeshifter. He has created arrangements for major international events including the 37th America’s Cup, Formula One Las Vegas and the opening of Sindalah Island in Neom. He has also contributed music engraving work for leading publishers such as G. Schirmer and Massey University Press.
In film and television, Ryan’s orchestration and copying work includes The Hobbit trilogy (Song of the Lonely Mountain, The Last Goodbye), Ka Whawhai Tonu, Pike River, Happiness and Belief: The Possession of Janet Moses. He has worked closely with composers such as Victoria Kelly, Rhian Sheehan, Arli Liberman, Tiki Taane and Karl Steven.
A founding creative behind Synthony - Ryan serves as both show director and principal arranger. He has arranged over 180 charts for the production, which now tours internationally and plays to sold-out audiences in world-class venues.
Ryan has taught and mentored emerging composers through the New Zealand School of Music, University of Auckland, University of Otago, Unitec, MAINZ, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Auckland Philharmonia, Chamber Music New Zealand and the CANZ Composers Workshop. He is known for his practical insight and for supporting emerging artists to build creative, sustainable careers.