Queensland Youth Orchestras

Queensland Youth Orchestras (QYO) is the state's leading 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.

John Curro: Conductor of QYS (Queensland Youth Symphony (previously known as QYO1)) since 1966 and founder of QYO. He also established the National Youth Concerto Competition (NYCC).

Sergei V. Korschmin: Conductor of QYO2 (Second Queensland Youth Orchestra) since 2003. Sergei Korschmin official website

Dr. Bradley Voltz: Conductor of QYO3 (Third Queensland Youth Orchestra) since 1998.

Warwick Potter: Conductor of the Wind Symphony since 2010.

David Law: Conductor of the Wind Ensemble since 2009.

Chen Yang: Conductor of the Junior String Ensemble since 1991.

Rafael Karlen: Conductor of the Big Band since 2013.

The National Youth Concerto Competition (NYCC) was established in 1976 by QYO founder John Curro. Open to string players (violin, viola, cello and bass) 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.

The Old Museum Building

A side entrance to
the Old Museum building

The Old Museum
( QYO concert announcements )

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