Penrith Youth Orchestra 2023
2023 Applications Now Open
Join Penrith Youth Orchestra (PYO), the professional orchestral training program for young musicians in the heart of Western Sydney and build your ensemble skills in a dynamic and supportive environment. Led by tutors from Penrith Symphony Orchestra (PSO), Penrith Conservatorium of Music at Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre and the world-renowned Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO), PYO rehearses and performs four times per year under the guidance of PSO’s Artistic Director, Dr Paul Terracini. On occasion, the orchestra also performs in public concerts alongside Penrith Symphony Orchestra.
- Key Info:
- Dates & Times
- Tickets
2023 Dates
TERM 1 – w/ Alexandre Da Costa
Dates: February 26 | March 5 | March 12
TERM 2 – w/ Australian Chamber Orchestra
Dates: June 9 | June 10 | June 11
TERM 3 – w/ Penrith Symphony Orchestra
Dates: August 6 | August 13 | August 20
TERM 4 – PYO & RBE in Concert
Dates: November 12 | November 19 | November 26 | December 3
Key Offerings and Benefits
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 focuses on learning, not competition.
A locally based youth orchestra that is dedicated to the students of Western Sydney and its surroundings.
The strong partnership of three key organisations including the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Penrith Conservatorium and Penrith Symphony Orchestra ensures a solid educaional, musical and administrative foundation.
Recommended Player Standards
No audition is required to join Penrith Youth Orchestra. Places are allocated according to performance standard and ensemble experience.
We encourage all applications, even if students are well above or slightly below the recommended minimum standard guidelines outlined below:
STRING PLAYERS
Violin: Grade 5 AMEB/Suzuki Book 5 (or equivalent) up to AMusA
Viola: Grade 3 AMEB/Suzuki Book 3 (or equivalent) up to AMusA
Cello: Grade 5 AMEB/Suzuki Book 4 (or equivalent) up to AMusA
Double Bass: Grade 3 AMEB/Suzuki Book 3 (or equivalent) up to AMusA
WIND, BRASS AND PERCUSSION PLAYERS
All Instruments: Grade 4 AMEB (or equivalent) up to AMusA
Meet PYO's Artistic Director
DR PAUL TERRACINI
Paul is an Australian conductor, composer and arranger who now lives in the Blue Mountains after spending almost 20 years living and working in Europe. He was appointed Artistic Director of Penrith Symphony Orchestra in 2010 and is in constant demand as a guest conductor and instructor.
Previously, Paul held positions as Principal Trumpet in the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra; Lecturer at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music; and Solo Trumpet in the Danish Chamber Players, with whom he performed throughout Europe, South America and Asia. He has also been guest professor and conductor at several conservatoriums in Europe and China. As a trumpet soloist, he has performed in Europe, the USA, England and Asia, as well as with the Melbourne, Queensland, Tasmanian and West Australian symphony orchestras. As well as that, as a conductor he has recorded ten CDs with the Prague Symphony Orchestra and conducted operas and orchestral concerts in Germany, Denmark and Italy.
Paul’s compositions have been performed by ensembles including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Brass, the Prague Symphony Orchestra and the Australian Chamber Orchestra. He has composed widely for film and television.
