SYDNEY Youth Orchestra will return to Broken Hill and the Far West next week, performing with local musicians and connecting with community in the region.
Sixty-five talented young musicians will travel to Gulgong, Warren, Cobar, Bourke, Wilcannia and Broken Hill, continuing on a partnership established between the orchestra and the Far West when they visited in 2023 for the Sydney Youth Orchestra’s 50th birthday celebrations.
SYO CEO Mia Patoulios said that the group first came to Broken Hill for their 30th birthday.
“We came way back for our 30th, and then 2023 was part of our big 50th birthday celebrations,” she said.
“A couple of the musicians that came last time are coming again, and then there’s a whole new cohort that, many of them wouldn’t have seen the outback or Broken Hill.
“Some of them, it’s the first time they’ve ventured out of Sydney.”
The tour is set to see the group engage in cultural exchanges, while working with regional musicians such as Leroy Johnson, Alyce Pogson, Aimee Volkofsky and hip-hop artist Fioula Havili.
Ms Patoulios said as part of the musicians’ cultural experience, they’ll also spend time on Country.
“We’re going to spend a day on Country with Leroy Johnson as well,” she said. “Which will be such a special experience for our musicians.”
Along with connecting to perform with local music groups such as the Broken Hill Philharmonic Choir and Broken Hill Community Choir, a school concert series will be presented to provide access to students from 20 remote schools.
The tour will begin on June 28 until July 8, with performances happening along the way.
In partnership with Wilcannia Community Children’s Choir, an collaborative performance will be held at Wilcannia Central School on July 2.
The ochestra’s Tour Finale Gala concert will take place at the Broken Hill Civic Centre on Friday, July 4 at 7pm, with tickets on sale now.
Participating groups will include the Big Sky Orchestra, Broken Hill Civic Orchestra, Broken Hill Philharmonic Choir, Broken Hill Community Choir and Wilcannia Community Children’s Choir.
Tickets can be purchased here:
https://aubhcc.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/150770
