Queensland Youth Orchestras (QYO) is the State’s major orchestral training and performance organisation for young musicians aged 7 to 25. Founded by John Curro AM MBE (1932-2019) in 1966, QYO is now under the artistic leadership of Simon Hewett. QYO is renowned as a world-class youth orchestra organisation and a member of Youth Orchestras Australia (YOA), a network comprising the major state youth orchestras of Australia and the Australian Youth Orchestra.

QYO currently has eight ensembles: three symphony orchestras, two concert bands, two junior string ensembles and a big band. Each group has its own program of activities including rehearsals, tutorials, concerts, camps and tours.

Each October, around 700 musicians audition for QYO before a panel of professional musicians and over 510 musicians are offered positions in orchestras. Performing members of QYO must re-audition for a place each year alongside new applicants.

QYO is a non-profit organisation requiring substantial funds to fulfil its mission. In order of magnitude, the organisation’s main sources of income are from membership fees, grants from local and State Governments through Brisbane City Council and Arts Queensland, corporate sponsorship and donations, concert income and fundraising activities.

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