The QLD Youth Orchestra Young Composer Program pairs emerging composers with talented soloists to create short solo works for the QLD Youth Symphony and QYO 2. Throughout the process, composers collaborate closely with their chosen soloist, crafting music that highlights the performer’s unique talents while exploring the full timbral and technical possibilities of their instrument. Participants are mentored by cellist and composer Craig Allister Young and Brisbane-based composer John Rotar, gaining expert guidance in composition, collaboration, and orchestral writing.
Each student will develop a short work (3 minutes) for solo instrument and orchestra.
The available instrumentation includes:
Woodwinds: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon
Brass: Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba
Percussion: Timpani, one additional percussionist
Strings
Mentorship and Development
Throughout the project, students will receive:
Both the live reading and final performance will be professionally recorded for participants’ personal use.
Learning Outcomes
By the conclusion of the project, students will have developed practical skills in:
This program offers a comprehensive, professional-level creative experience, culminating in the performance by an Australian Youth Symphony orchestra.
QLD Youth Orchestra
Queensland Youth Orchestras (QYO) is the State’s major orchestral training and performance organisation for young musicians aged 7 to 25. Founded by John Curro AM MBE (1932-2019) in 1966, QYO is now under the artistic leadership of Simon Hewett.
QYO currently has seven ensembles: three symphony orchestras, two concert bands, junior string ensemble and big band. Each group has its own program of activities including rehearsals, tutorials, concerts, camps and tours.
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.
The organisation relies heavily on the services of volunteers as orchestra managers, librarians, stage managers and for assistance with concerts, fundraising, canteen, auditions, camps, office and maintenance tasks.
QYO is a non-profit organisation requiring substantial funds to fulfil its mission. In order of magnitude, the organisation’s main sources of income are from membership fees, grants from local and State Governments through Brisbane City Council and Arts Queensland, corporate sponsorship and donations, concert income and fundraising activities.
Applications currently open