Queensland Youth Orchestras


Queensland Youth Orchestras is one of the state's organisation for orchestral training and performance and is based at the Old Museum building in Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Under the artistic leadership of Maestro John Curro since 1966, QYO has 470 members aged from 9 to 24 in three symphony orchestras, two concert bands, a junior string orchestra, a chamber orchestra and a big band. Each group has its own annual program of rehearsals, tutorials, concerts and, in some cases, music camps and tours.
The leading orchestra, the Queensland Youth Symphony conducted by John Curro, tours internationally every four years and performs an annual concert series at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre and the Old Museum.
Each October, around 640 musicians audition for QYO before a panel of professional musicians and over 500 musicians are offered positions in orchestras. Performing members of QYO must re-audition for a place each year alongside new applicants.

Conductors

The National Youth Concerto Competition was established in 1976 by QYO founder John Curro. Open to string players in Australia under the age of 17, the NYCC is the most prestigious competition of its kind in Australia. Up to four Recitalists are selected to perform recitals, and rehearse and perform as members of the Queensland Youth Symphony during Finals Week. Three finalists are selected to perform their concerto with the Queensland Youth Symphony at the Finals Concert each October, from which an overall winner is chosen.

Photos of the Old Museum Building