about us
The Aotea Youth Symphony was initially established as the Mt Albert Youth Orchestra in 1986. Attracting players from all over Auckland the orchestra grew quickly, giving rise to the AYS. The AYS aims to give young players between the ages of 13 to 18 the opportunity for orchestral experience.
We are a unique community asset, always seeking opportunities to give back to society through our performances. From community halls in rural New Zealand, to the QEII, the Sydney Opera House, and performing in front of Heads of State, we love the opportunity to play to anyone, anywhere, in venues large or small.
Our concerts range from our annual formal concert at which we showcase items we have worked on, to staged works such as the "Hits of the Blitz" with Crash 29, special concerts such as "The Four Senses" for the hard of hearing, and the party atmosphere of the Last Night of the Proms complete with flags and painted faces.
In the past few decades, we have toured Australia, Japan, Canada, the USA, Germany, China, Tahiti, and France, showcasing to international audiences the musical talent New Zealand has to offer.
We are a unique community asset, always seeking opportunities to give back to society through our performances. From community halls in rural New Zealand, to the QEII, the Sydney Opera House, and performing in front of Heads of State, we love the opportunity to play to anyone, anywhere, in venues large or small.
Our concerts range from our annual formal concert at which we showcase items we have worked on, to staged works such as the "Hits of the Blitz" with Crash 29, special concerts such as "The Four Senses" for the hard of hearing, and the party atmosphere of the Last Night of the Proms complete with flags and painted faces.
In the past few decades, we have toured Australia, Japan, Canada, the USA, Germany, China, Tahiti, and France, showcasing to international audiences the musical talent New Zealand has to offer.
THE SINFONIETTA
Request an Audition In 1993, a training orchestra for younger and less experienced players was established. Members of the Sinfonietta consist mainly of primary and intermediate school students aged 9 to 13. The Sinfonietta welcomes applications from musicians with a Grade 3 level or higher ability.
The Sinfonietta provides the basics in ensemble playing led by Music Director Rosalind Mason. The Sinfonietta's program is less ambitious than that of the AYS, focusing on the development of group playing skills. The group usually has three concerts during the year. Applications to join us are welcome throughout the year.
The Sinfonietta provides the basics in ensemble playing led by Music Director Rosalind Mason. The Sinfonietta's program is less ambitious than that of the AYS, focusing on the development of group playing skills. The group usually has three concerts during the year. Applications to join us are welcome throughout the year.
MUSIC DIRECTOR:
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Paul Harrop has been the Music Director for the Symphony since the orchestra began in 1986. His extensive experience playing several instruments, and across a variety of genres is invaluable to the ensemble. He has recorded, broadcast, arranged and composed over the last forty years and acts as advisory trustee for a number of trusts and organisations which support young musicians and singers.
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MUSIC DIRECTOR OF SINFONIETTA:
ROSALIND MASON, LRSM, BMUS, DIP ED.
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Rosalind Mason is the Music Director of our Sinfonietta. Having studied conducting, arranging and composing at the University of Auckland, and worked as a music teacher both privately and within schools, Rosalind brings priceless experience and knowledge to the Sinfonietta and its members.
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A MESSAGE FROM OUR PATRON: DAME KIRI TE KANAWA
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To the members of the Aotea Youth Symphony and the Aotea Sinfonietta.
As your patron I am delighted to observe the growth of your organisation over more than 30 years, during which your performances have provided great pleasure to audiences both in New Zealand and an increasing number of countries overseas. The provision of a community asset of this size and complexity comes only from a sustained effort from many areas from musical direction to funding, commitment of the players and support from the community. In a world of largely recorded music, live music and its performance provides a feeling of creativity and raises the self-esteem of young people who play it. With the addition of overseas tours to perform in venues such as the Sydney Opera House the experience is a very full one and will be long remembered. I offer you my full support and best wishes for the year, and all that lies ahead. Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, ONZ, DBE, AC |