AYS

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.

As would be expected among such a  talented group, the demands on their time are high.  Despite this,  most show a  singular loyal dedication to the orchestra, with other diverse achievements  amongst its present and past members.  These include involvement in water sports  at a national level, a member of the NZ Athletic team for the Sydney Olympics  and regular participation in the National Youth Orchestra (NYO) by a number of present  and past AYS members.

A former  AYS orchestra leader, Joe Harrop, was the Concert Master  for the 1999 NYO, which had the privilege of providing music for the 1999 APEC  Leaders dinner in Auckland.   

Interested in finding out more? See our contact page for Mike Rush or click here

More members are welcome for both the Aotea Sinfonietta and the Aotea Youth Symphony.

Enquiries to Paul Harrop, ph 307 2361.    

Auditions for the Aotea Youth Symphony main orchestra are being held now.  Contact Mr Harrop for details.
Between the two groups, the Aotea Youth Symphony Inc. now caters for over 100 musicians.    

Committee and Community Support

   Strong support is necessary for an organisation of this size to survive and  flourish. The Aotea Youth Symphony has an enthusiastic and multi talented  committee comprised of players, parents and members of the community, who meet  regularly to plan and put into place all the necessary infra structure for the  Aotea Youth Symphony. With weekly rehearsals starting in late January, with up  to 18 concerts a year, and with Orchestra activities continuing right up to  nearly Christmas, the Aotea year is a busy one.    
    The Aotea orchestras have enjoyed strong support financially from both  central and local government agencies together with community boards and  associations. This support has enabled the Aotea to provide instruments, such as  timpani, double basses, bassoons and a tuba, which would otherwise be  unavailable to players. It also provides other assets in the form of music  stands, an extensive music library, and a custom built trailer for transporting  percussion instruments and music stands to events away from our normal rehearsal  venue.

   In August 2003, the Aotea was offered Community Support from a slightly unusual source - the Selwyn Foundation,  an Organisation whose business is running retirement homes.  The CEO of  Selwyn Village in Pt Chevalier recognised the potential synergy of having a youth orchestra group basing its rehearsal and operations in its lightly used 400 seat auditorium.  And so on the 26th of August 2003, the first rehearsals took place in Selwyn Village.  We hope this will be a long and beneficial relationship!