Join AYO

Join AYO

Play alongside Aotearoa's most talented young musicians.

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So, you're looking for that something extra?

The next big challenge, or a chance to really hone your skills while performing incredible repertoire with like-minded peers?

AYO is for musicians aged 16 to 26 who've put in the years and are ready for more: the incomparable thrill of performing with a full symphony orchestra, exceptional training from our experienced conductor & mentors, and some of the most driven young players in the country as colleagues.

We rehearse hard, perform often, and expect a lot — and we give a lot back.

AYO teaches you what it takes to perform at your best. But more than that, AYO helps you find your people — musicians who get it, who encourage and inspire you, who show up week after week chasing the same thing you are. Camps, tours, long rehearsals, the nerves before a big concert: shared experiences like these build friendships that outlast the music, and memories that stay with our players for life.

What it takes

  • An audition: set orchestral excerpts (we'll send these ahead) plus a short piece of your choice.
  • Weekly rehearsals — [current rehearsal time, location]
  • Availability for concerts, our annual weekend camp, and weekend tours
  • Commitment to your peers. You giving your best for the whole ensemble

What you get

  • High-level orchestral training & performance opportunities
  • Professional coaching
  • Multiple performances a year, on real stages, for real audiences
  • The opportunity to audition for our Soloist Competition (LINK), and eligibility for our Scholarships (LINKS)
  • A community that, for many of our alumni, lasts a lifetime

The cost

As a Registered Charity we can keep costs low. An annual Player Subscription fee is due before audition — see [current fees] for this year's amount. If we can't offer you a place, it's fully refunded.

Auckland Youth Orchestra

Join the sound.

AYO musicians gathered in performance
Listen
AYO players rehearsing together
Rehearse
AYO orchestra performing on stage
Perform
AYO musicians preparing for a concert
Belong
AYO conductor leading the orchestra
Follow
AYO string players in rehearsal
Shape
AYO wind players performing together
Blend
AYO musicians taking a bow after a concert
Applaud

The first rehearsal

Sit inside something larger than yourself.

The work

Section by section, phrase by phrase, the orchestra becomes one instrument.

AYO founding concert photograph
1959

AYO Founded

First rehearsal at Auckland Town Hall

AYO musicians on tour
1965

First International Tour

Tour of Australia

AYO performing in London
1978

European Debut

Performed at Royal Albert Hall

AYO conductor leading the orchestra
1992

New Music Director

Appointment of new music director

AYO on stage in Asia
2003

Asia Tour

Performances across Japan and Korea

Auckland Town Hall audience
2011

Town Hall Season

Regular concerts at Auckland Town Hall

AYO anniversary performance
2019

60th Anniversary

Gala concert celebrating six decades

AYO musicians in rehearsal
2024

Record Year

Highest number of applicants in history

AYO History

1959 – Present

String section musicians playing violins

Section

Strings

Woodwind section with flutes and clarinets

Section

Woodwind

Brass section with trumpets and horns

Section

Brass

Percussion section with timpani and drums

Section

Percussion

Crescendo

Everyone arrives at the same breath.

After the final note

The room answers.

Auditions

Register AYO

Registrations are currently open until May 20th, 2026.

Register for an audition

Enquires: Mary Lin, Orchestra Manager

[email protected]

Opportunities

There are a range of opportunities we offer, exclusively to AYO players.

Showing 5 opportunities

Lodge of the Liberal Arts: Howard Wyatt Memorial Scholarship

Apply by 20th of May, 11:59pm NZST

The Freemasons of Lodge No.500 have established a trust for charitable purposes, to assist young musicians in their education. Scholarships totalling $3,000 are granted each year to members of AYO who have shown outstanding...

Apply

Chip and Muriel Stevens Award

Apply by 20th of May, 11:59pm NZST

This $1,500 award is dedicated to the memory of a former Chairman of AYO, N.W. (Chip) Stevens, who spent his lifetime encouraging young people to love music and young musicians to reach their full potential.

Apply

Regional Music Development Scholarship

Apply by 25th of May, 11:59pm NZST

Financial assistance for students from regional communities pursuing advanced orchestral studies.

Apply

AYO International Performance Grant

Apply by 1st of June, 11:59pm NZST

Supports orchestra members travelling internationally for advanced musical training and performance opportunities.

Apply

Conducting Masterclass Programme

Apply by 5th of June, 11:59pm NZST

A practical workshop series led by professional conductors focusing on rehearsal technique, score preparation, and ensemble leadership.

Apply

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