Adelaide Youth Orchestras

12/06/2026

Sami’s story shines through his accomplished musical career, which continues to grow as he confidently leads AdYO’s percussion ensemble as its conductor. With a world of inspiring musical influences surrounding him, Sami took up the violin at a very early age through Adelaide Youth Orchestras' Junior Strings program. He expresses gratitude to Amanda Grigg, Rebecca Lagos, Timothy Constable, Mark Robinson, Rick Miller, and Roger Benedict . He now enjoys a career as the Associate Principal Percussionist and Timpanist of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.

Read Sami's full story via the link below.

10/06/2026

Yesterday, AdYO string players had the privilege of performing at the Australian of the Year Awards Breakfast. 🇦🇺🎶

It was a wonderful opportunity to contribute to an event celebrating leadership, service and achievement within the Australian community, while showcasing the talent and dedication of Adelaide Youth Orchestras' young musicians.

Congratulations to 2026 Australian of the Year, Katharine Bennell-Pegg and 2026 Young South Australian of the Year, Chloe Wyatt-Jasper on their well-deserved recognition, and thank you to the Australia Day Council of South Australia for including AdYO as part of this special event.

📸 Highlights from the morning at Adelaide Convention Centre.

09/06/2026

🎶 We’re thrilled to see Saint-Saëns’ Organ Symphony reach #36 in the Classic 100 of All Time!

Come and experience this breathtaking masterpiece live at Living Legacy on June 27!

👇 Link in the comments

A truly beautiful selection from Satie's solo piano works to Saint-Saëns’ Organ Symphony at #40 - #36 in the ABC Classic 100: Greatest of All Time.

Image description: A tile with ABC Classic 100 rankings
#40 Satie: Gymnopédies
#39 Bizet: The Pearl Fishers
#38 Delibes: Lakmé
#37 Allegri: Miserere mei, Deus
#36 Saint-Saëns: Symphony No. 3 'Organ'

02/06/2026

Sarah Wozniak officially started her journey with AdYO when it was first established in 2001! Ever since then, music has continued to be an important part of her life - from her first performance as the concertmaster in the Youth Orchestra, to now leading her own professional string quartet, the Aurora Strings. They have been known to play regularly in Adelaide, whether elevating wedding ceremonies or gracing concert stages.

Read Sarah's full story via the link below.

23/05/2026

Come hear our Youth Orchestra playing Saint-Saens organ concerto!
June 27, Town Hall

22/05/2026

Tim spent eight years in AdYO's programs from 2007-2015, starting as a principal bassoonist for the Adelaide Youth Sinfonia. Tim's journey has come full circle, as he is now a chair supporter with AdYO's 'Take Your Seat' program.

While he is now an ICT Systems Engineer, he still has a knack for music, playing his bassoon on the weekends as a casual with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and as a founding member of the Adelaide Wind Orchestra.

Read Tim's full story via the link below.

18/05/2026

🎻 Sponsor a chair. Uplift a young musician.

There’s never been a better time to support AdYO.

Through Creative Australia’s Plus 1 program, donations are currently being matched - meaning your contribution goes twice as far in supporting young musicians across South Australia.

From scholarships and learning opportunities to performances in world-class venues, your support helps create life-changing experiences for young musicians.

Matched funding ends May 31.

🎟️ Donate here: https://adyo.com.au/take-your-seat/

16/05/2026

16/05/2026

A memorable evening of winds, brass and percussion as Adelaide Youth Orchestras presented Distant Shores in March 2026. 🌍🎶

Featuring AdYO’s Percussion Ensemble and Symphonic Winds alongside special guests Unley Concert Band, the program journeyed across cultures and landscapes through music rich with colour, atmosphere and energy. From the folk-inspired sounds of Percy Grainger to the driving rhythms of Alex Stopa’s Three Scenes from the Desert, it was a vibrant celebration of collaboration and musicianship as part of AdYO’s 25th anniversary season.

From the energy on stage to the atmosphere in the hall, Distant Shores was a fantastic showcase of the talent and community that define AdYO.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special concert.

📸 Explore some highlights from the evening.

06/05/2026

“I still can’t control the smile and tears that come in the final moments of that piece.”

For six years, Paris Netting grew from a young violin student into Concertmaster of the Adelaide Youth Orchestra, building lifelong friendships, discovering a passion for music education, and beginning a professional career in music along the way.

As part of our 25 Stories for 25 Years project, Paris reflects on the performances, people and moments that shaped her journey through AdYO. From performing Holst’s The Planets and Saint-Saëns’ Organ Symphony, to meeting her future husband through the orchestra community.

Today, Paris continues to perform, teach and inspire the next generation of young musicians here in South Australia.

Read Paris’ story via the link below.