We are the raw orchestra of Melbourne.

We play the classics with a contemporary edge.

We nurture young players.

You won’t hear us play in a concert hall.

You won’t see us play in tails.

You will hear us play with our souls.

You will see us move with emotion.

Photograph and share if you love it. 

Because music is made to be shared and felt.

Our Musicians

We have a diverse group of musicians, ranging from music students, teachers, budding composers to aspiring meteorologists and UX designers. What we share is a passion for music and a desire to share it with the city of Melbourne.

The Artistic Director

Nicholas Matherne

Nick Matherne's endeavors as an artist, teacher, and researcher center around cultivating music engagement for performers and listeners of all ages. He envisions a world where all people have access to meaningful musical experiences as singers, players, and audience members throughout their lives.

As Artistic Director of the Victorian Youth Symphony Orchestra, Nick works to create a collaborative environment which allows musicians to articulate a shared artistic vision. His projects place the people with whom he works at the heart of performances, from facilitating interactive group improvisations to highlighting the extra-musical skills and artistry of his fellow musicians.

Nick is a relentless advocate for lifelong musicianship in all aspects of his work and has presented internationally as a clinician, researcher, and music teaching specialist. His work has been published in many peer-reviewed research journals, including the International Journal of Community Music and the International Journal of Music Education. His research and teaching interests focus on motivation for lifelong music learning, effective music teaching, and community music engagement.

 FAQs

  • Rehearsals are at 9:30 am on Saturdays in Box Hill, with rehearsal dates and schedules given to players at the beginning of each concert season.

  • Musicians aged 16 to 35 are welcome to join VYSO, and will need to be able sightread and play music with ease. Please enquire about vacancies for your particular instrument.

  • There are no auditions necessary, we simply invite those interested along to a rehearsal so they experience the repertoire and community firsthand.

  • Upcoming concerts are always in the works! Head over to the Concerts page to see what we're working on at the moment.

The Victorian Youth Symphony Orchestra is a community not-for-profit organisation and is able to operate with the help of your generous donation and by collecting an annual fee from our members.

Contact us.

Hit us up if you have questions about joining the orchestra or our concerts!