Australian Youth Orchestra to perform Mahler, Wagner

The Australian Youth Orchestra (AYO), Australia’s most prestigious youth ensemble, is coming to Geelong for a powerful performance with Mood: Mahler and Wagner.

Under the baton of Nicholas Carter, almost 100 of Australia’s best and brightest young musicians will assemble for some of the most momentous works of the orchestral world.

“Mahler and Wagner were two formidable figures in an era when music was all about grand emotions, big sounds, and pushing boundaries,” the orchestra stated.

“Wagner’s transcendent ‘Prelude und Liebestod’ is a harrowing rumination on the perils of love and trembles with anticipation. Passion and heartache swell through the orchestra, stirring from the opening touch of the cello.”

Mahler’s “Symphony No.5” is bold. Hold your breath as solo trumpet commands its opening; the herald of a work that twists and turns through tension and tenderness. Out of the anguish

of a funeral march unfurls the heart-rending release of the symphony’s “Adagietto”, one of history’s greatest love letters, rich with eternal yearning.

Across 70 minutes of music, joy, grief and hope vie for their place in the spotlight.

Opening the program, the afternoon features the world premiere of “Overt” by Australian composer Iain Grandage. Each young musician shines in this concerto for orchestra, written in honour of Colin Cornish, who led AYO from 2005 to 2023.

AYO holds a vital and unique place in Australia’s musical landscape, bringing together exceptional artists, tutors and young musicians from every corner of the nation and beyond. AYO

concerts are high-energy, edge of your chair experiences and are perfect for newcomers as well as seasoned audiences.

The orchestra’s training pathway has been created to nurture the musical development of Australia’s finest young instrumentalists across metropolitan and regional Australia: from the emerging, gifted, school-aged student to those on the verge of a professional career. AYO presents tailored training and performance programs each year for aspiring musicians, composers, arts administrators and music journalists aged 12 to 30.

The Australian Youth Orchestra will perform Mood: Mahler and Wagner at Costa Hall, Geelong on July 13 at 3pm.

Early bird tickets are now on sale for $30.

For more information or to book, head to geelongartscentre.org.au/whats-on/all-events/mood-mahler-and-wagner-world-premiere-by-iain-grandage