AYS

Aotea Youth Symphony

Established in 1986 as a small group of young musicians, the Aotea Youth Symphony Incorporated now consists of two orchestras, the Symphony, and its training orchestra for younger players, the Sinfonietta. Members are drawn from all over Auckland. Both orchestras provide the discipline and experience of ensemble playing within a friendly supportive atmosphere, a wide ranging repertoire, and varied performances throughout the region.

The Symphony has toured worldwide, and has given concerts in Japan, America, Canada and Australia, in front of royalty and Heads of State. Not only is this an excellent musical experience, but the players also experience other cultures and play in world-renowned facilities such as the Sydney Opera House. Both orchestras have made new friends by hosting visiting orchestras and choirs.

The Sinfonietta aims to give at least three concerts each year, to give younger players confidence and experience. The Symphony gives about ten performances most years, from Garden Party style concerts and Cabarets through to conventional classical concerts.

The Symphony members age from 13 upwards and entry is by audition. The Sinfonietta accepts younger players, normally with grade 3 or better. Both Orchestras rehearse at Selwyn Village, Pt. Chevalier. We are grateful to the Selwyn Foundation for the facilities so generously provided.

The Aotea Youth Symphony (AYS or Aotea for short) is a community based orchestra for young musicians
(ages 13 to 25), under the Music Directorship of Paul Harrop, ONZM. It enjoys the Patronage of Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, and was formed in 1986 with the objective of providing a further dimension of performance for young musicians beyond that provided by school orchestras.

This objective remains, but is expanded by the social outlet and friendships that players in the Aotea enjoy. Players have been known to remain in the orchestra for more than seven years, such is the enjoyment and satisfaction enjoyed by its members!

Entry to the orchestra is by audition, with a minimum level of music ability of Grade Five. Please contact the Music Director.

Sinfonietta

In 1993 a training orchestra for younger and less experienced players was established. It is available for young instrumentalists from about Grade 3 level and up, with some members achieving Grade 7 or 8.

The members consist mainly of primary and intermediate aged players (9 to 13+ years) with a few secondary school aged musicians. This group provides the basics in ensemble playing and the Music Director is Steven Rapana with Nicola Walton as the Assistant MD.

The Sinfonietta's program is less ambitious than that of the AYS, focusing on developing group playing skills, with usually 3 concerts given during the year.

Aotea Youth Symphony to Tour!

The Aotea Youth Symphony is Touring! Yes, after a longer wait than anticipated, the Aotea Youth Symphony departs Auckland on the 11th April for a two week tour to Germany.

A number of contacts in Germany have help catalyse the tour, in particular the chance of a return visit to Stuttgart to be hosted by Patrick Strub and the Christophorus Symphony Orchestra and numerous personal contacts, particularly past and present members of the AYS.

After several days in Stuttgart the AYS visits Freudenstadt, Bonn and Cologne with a final night in Frankfurt before returning to Auckland.

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