Overview

Queensland Youth Orchestras (QYO) is the State’s major orchestral training and performance organisation for young musicians aged 8 to 25. Founded by John Curro AM MBE (1932-2019) in 1966, QYO is now under the artistic leadership of Simon Hewett. QYO is renowned as a world-class youth orchestra organisation and a member of Youth Orchestras Australia (YOA), a network comprising the major state youth orchestras of Australia and the Australian Youth Orchestra. QYO currently has eight ensembles: three symphony orchestras, two concert bands, two junior string ensembles, and big band. Each group has its own program of activities including rehearsals, tutorials, concerts, camps. and tours. Each October, around 700 musicians audition for QYO before a panel of professional musicians and over 510 musicians are offered positions in the orchestras. QYO employs five full-time staff, including a General Manager, Administrator, Marketing and Events Manager, Administration Officer and Community Development Officer. Part-time staff include seven conductors, a Venue Manager, and Venue Bookings Manager. QYO employs over 70 professional musicians casually as tutors, audition panel members, accompanists, competition judges, and guest artists. As a not-for-profit, QYO relies heavily on the services of volunteers, donations and fundraising events, corporate sponsorships, and funding from State and Federal Governments.