The Dunedin Youth Orchestra (DYO) is Dunedin's premier amateur orchestra for young classical musicians, and welcomes students from both secondary schools and tertiary institutions.
It provides an excellent training ground for instrumentalists to develop their orchestral skills - many past members are now playing in professional orchestras around New Zealand, including Dunedin's own The Southern Sinfonia.
Rehearsals are focused and enjoyable, they allow players the opportunity to socialise with other talented musicians and perform in public concerts twice a year.
2011 Concerts
The first concert for 2011 was on May 24 in the Glenroy Auditorium, conducted by Peter Adams. The second semester concert will be on Sunday 25 September in the Maurice Joel Theatre, Otago Boys High School, conducted by Anthony Ritchie.Becoming a Member
We encourage all those under 25 who play an orchestral instrumental, preferably at a level of grade 6 or above, to audition for the Dunedin Youth Orchestra. Entry is by audition in late February/early March of each year and member subs, currently around $100, are to be paid after successful entry into the orchestra. Applicants may also be able to join midyear in June. Please email us for more information.The DYO Scholarships
Local businesses provide two $1000 scholarships open for all members of the youth orchestra who have shown a commitment to music. As well as proving financial help to further musical studies, there has become a tradition where recipients of the scholarships may perform as a soloist with the orchestra the following year. Scholarships close mid August.In 2011 DYO introduces the annual Audrey Reid Composition Prize. This is a $1000 award made at our May concert and the winner has their work performed in the September concert.
Rehearsals
Orchestra rehearsals are on Friday nights from 6-8 pm during the university semester. Additional weekend workshops are also scheduled once or twice a semester as needed. Rehearsals culminate in public performances in late May and September. Members are expected to attend all rehearsals as well to practice the music in their own time.Location
Rehearsals are held in the Sinfonia Rooms, 1st floor of the Carnegie Centre, Moray Place (above the Indian Summer restaurant) Dunedin.Further Information
For further information about the Dunedin Youth Orchestra or classical music events or organisations in Dunedin please contact us at dunedinyouthorchestra@gmail.com. Also if you have any comments, suggestions or information to improve this webpage we would love to hear it.Webpage last updated: 28th May, 2011