
Join AYO
Play alongside Aotearoa's most talented young musicians.
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.








The first rehearsal
Sit inside something larger than yourself.
The work
Section by section, phrase by phrase, the orchestra becomes one instrument.

AYO Founded
First rehearsal at Auckland Town Hall

First International Tour
Tour of Australia

European Debut
Performed at Royal Albert Hall

New Music Director
Appointment of new music director

Asia Tour
Performances across Japan and Korea

Town Hall Season
Regular concerts at Auckland Town Hall

60th Anniversary
Gala concert celebrating six decades

Record Year
Highest number of applicants in history
1959 – Present

Section
Strings

Section
Woodwind

Section
Brass

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 auditionEnquires: Mary Lin, Orchestra Manager
[email protected]Opportunities
There are a range of opportunities we offer, exclusively to AYO players.
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...
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.
Regional Music Development Scholarship
Apply by 25th of May, 11:59pm NZST
Financial assistance for students from regional communities pursuing advanced orchestral studies.
AYO International Performance Grant
Apply by 1st of June, 11:59pm NZST
Supports orchestra members travelling internationally for advanced musical training and performance opportunities.
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.
