Join AYO
Play with the best of your generation.
Play with the best of your generation.
So, you're looking for that something extra? The next big challenge, or a chance to really hone your skills while performing incredible repertoire with like-minded peers?
We rehearse hard, perform often, and expect a lot, and we give a lot back.
AYO teaches you what it takes to perform at your best. But more than that, AYO helps you find your people, musicians who get it, who encourage and inspire you, who show up week after week chasing the same thing you are. Camps, tours, long rehearsals, the nerves before a big concert: shared experiences like these build friendships that outlast the music, and memories that stay with our players for life.
What it takes
An audition: set orchestral excerpts (we'll send these ahead) plus a short piece of your choice
Weekly rehearsals on Wednesdays from 7pm to 10pm in Epsom, plus concerts, our annual weekend camp and weekend tours.
AYO welcomes musicians aged 16 to 26. Contact the Orchestra Manager to discuss exceptions.
Commitment to your peers. You giving your best for the whole ensemble
What you get
High-level orchestral training & performance opportunities
Professional coaching
Multiple performances a year, on real stages, for real audiences
The opportunity to audition for our Soloist Competition, and eligibility for our Scholarships
A community that, for many of our alumni, lasts a lifetime
2027 fees
The annual Player Subscription for 2027 is $225, due by 5 December 2026. It is fully refunded if AYO is unable to offer you a place.
The 2027 camp runs from 5 to 7 March. The separate $210 camp fee is due by 18 December 2026 for accepted players.
If you need financial assistance, contact the Orchestra Manager before applying.
Auditions
Auditions for AYO 2027 will be held on 5 and 6 December 2026. Register by 21 November 2026 for an in-person December audition, or by 5 December 2026 for a video audition, including submission of your video link.
All players re-audition each year. The registration form includes the audition instructions, excerpts and the season schedule.
Found us mid-year? No worries! We're always keen to hear from aspiring young musicians, so get in touch and we can chat about if AYO is a good fit for you right now.
Questions? Contact our Orchestra Manager, Mary Lin at manager@ayo.org.nz.
Auckland Youth Orchestra
Join the sound.
The first rehearsal
Sit inside something larger than yourself.
The work
Section by section, phrase by phrase, the orchestra becomes one instrument.
AYO Founded
First rehearsal at Auckland Town Hall
First International Tour
Tour of Australia
European Debut
Performed at Royal Albert Hall
New Music Director
Appointment of new music director
Asia Tour
Performances across Japan and Korea
Town Hall Season
Regular concerts at Auckland Town Hall
60th Anniversary
Gala concert celebrating six decades
Record Year
Highest number of applicants in history
1959 – Present
Section
Strings
Section
Woodwind
Section
Brass
Section
Percussion
Crescendo
Everyone arrives at the same breath.
After the final note
The room answers.
Auditions
Register AYO
Registrations are currently open until May 20th, 2026.
Register for An AuditionEnquires: Mary Lin, Orchestra Manager
manager@ayo.org.nzOpportunities
There are a range of opportunities we offer, exclusively to AYO players.
There are no opportunities open at the moment. Check back soon.