Penrith Youth Orchestra & Valda Silvy Ensemble in Concert

Penrith Youth Orchestra

Dr Paul Terracini / Artistic Director & Conductor | Penrith Youth Orchestra

Valda Silvy Ensemble

The Valda Silvy Ensemble (VSE) is a distinguished chamber orchestra comprising exceptionally talented young musicians from the Penrith Conservatorium of Music. As an extension of the Penrith Con’s chamber music program, the VSE specialise in performing works from the Classical period, reflecting the personal passion of their patron and namesake, Valda Silvy OAM.

The ensemble, under the guidance of experienced mentors and educators, breathes new life into the timeless masterpieces of composers such as Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven. Whether performing in intimate venues or on larger stages, the Valda Silvy Ensemble captivates audiences with their exceptional musicality and heartfelt interpretations. They strive to make classical music accessible and enjoyable for all, fostering a lifelong love of music in their listeners.

About Valda Silvy, OAM
Valda Silvy is a tireless champion of the arts in Western Sydney. She is well-known in the music industry for her commitment to nurturing young talent and providing opportunities for students who may not otherwise have access to high-quality music education. In 1990, Valda founded the Penrith Conservatorium of Music, an institution that remains the leading provider of music education in Western Sydney to this day.

Valda continues to actively support and promote the arts, ensuring that young musicians in Western Sydney have access to education and events that inspire them to pursue careers in music. Her contributions have been acknowledged through prestigious awards, including the Order of Australia Medal (OAM).

In February 2018, history was made for young musicians in Western Sydney when 44 students came together in the inaugural workshops of Penrith Youth Orchestra (PYO).

PYO was established in a partnership between the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith Symphony Orchestra (PSO) and the Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO). The Orchestra expanded on the highly successful Penrith Strings program which ran from 2015 to 2017, adding wind, brass and percussion sections.

Penrith Youth Orchestra is an ambitious partnership which provides young musicians in Western Sydney with

• Access to expert mentoring by leading performers and musicians
• A family-friendly schedule that includes workshops that are typically held on three Sunday afternoons per term
• A warm, caring and supportive environment which has a collaborative and community and focusses on learning, not competition
• A locally-based youth orchestra that is dedicated to the students of Western Sydney and its surrounds
• The strong partnership of key organisations which ensures a solid educational, musical and administrative foundation.