50 years of exploring professional pathways for musicians
You never know the places you’ll go with SYO. The evolution of Sydney Youth Orchestras has always been about its people. The musicians, the volunteers, the donors, the staff and supporters, and we love hearing about the journeys of each of them as they weave their way around the planet and back again.
In our 51st year, SYO stands as a beacon for aspiring young musicians, fostering their talents and forging enduring connections through the universal language of music. Since its inception in 1973, SYO has grown exponentially, expanding from two orchestras to a vibrant ensemble of 16 orchestras and diverse ensembles.
As we celebrate our rich legacy, the 50th-anniversary festivities continue to reverberate in the fabric of SYO’s history. The alumni, a remarkable tapestry of classical musicians, composers, conductors, DJs, rock stars, lawyers, neuroscientists, and more, showcase the profound impact SYO has had over the past half-century. The echoes of arpeggios and scales resonate in their memories, reflecting a community built on the enduring foundations of music.
Join us on an extraordinary journey as we catch up with our alumni and wrap yourself in the vibrant threads of SYO’s musical tapestry, celebrating the milestones, honouring the successes, and anticipating the harmonious journey that continues to shape the future of music in Australia and beyond.
Meet Our Alumni
Firstly, love the music, and every moment you're able to be holding it, whether that's just listening, thinking, learning, rehearsing or performing it. By all means, be ambitious. But a career & a lifestyle will or won't happen, and it's chancing are only enhanced by your ability to live in each moment in which you're involved in music.
Toby Thatcher, Conductor & SYO Alumni