About Penrith Youth Orchestra

Founded in 2018, Penrith Youth Orchestra (PYO) was created to provide young musicians in Western Sydney with a unique opportunity for growth and development.

The Orchestra was born from a historic collaboration between Penrith Performing & Visual Arts (PP&VA), Penrith Symphony Orchestra (PSO), and Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO), following the success of the Penrith Strings program (2015-2017).

From its humble beginnings, the ensemble has expanded its reach and scope, incorporating wind, brass, and percussion sections alongside strings, fostering a well-rounded orchestral experience.

The Orchestra’s growth reflects its commitment to creating a locally-based, accessible program for the young musicians of Western Sydney and its surrounds.

PYO is built on a strong foundation of expert mentoring, a family-friendly schedule, and a collaborative, non-competitive environment. The Orchestra continues to thrive through the ongoing support of its founding partners, ensuring its students receive the highest standard of musical education and performance opportunities.

Artistic Team

Dr Paul Terracini

Artistic Director | Conductor

Aiko Goto

Director | PYO Academy

Ilya Isakovic

Director | PYO Academy

Patron

Maestro Richard Bonynge AC, CBE

Renowned Australian conductor and pianist Richard Bonynge is celebrated for his outstanding contributions to the world of opera and classical music. A distinguished figure in the international music community, Bonynge’s career spans over five decades, and he is particularly known for his long-standing professional and personal partnership with the legendary soprano Dame Joan Sutherland.

Bonynge conducted nearly all of Joan Sutherland’s operatic performances from 1962 until her retirement in 1990, helping shape some of opera’s most iconic moments. His leadership in opera houses worldwide has cemented his legacy as a leading conductor.

He has received numerous prestigious honours, including the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1977, and Commandeur de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 1989. In 2009, he received the Sir Bernard Heinze Memorial Award, and in 2012, he was made Companion in the Order of Australia (AC).

Bonynge is also dedicated to mentoring young talent and continues to inspire future generations of musicians.

Partners

Established in 1990, Penrith Conservatorium of Music (Penrith Con) is Western Sydney’s leading music education provider operated by Penrith Performing & Visual Arts (PP&VA). Penrith Con provides quality music tuition for people of all ages, through the delivery of individual lessons, group classes and ensemble programs. Over 15,000 students take part in activities throughout the calendar year.

Through its annual scholarship program, Penrith Con endeavours to support outstanding young artists in Western Sydney, and pathways to professional practice are fostered through an annual performance program.

ABOUT PENRITH PERFORMING & VISUAL ARTS

Penrith Performing & Visual Arts (PP&VA) is made up of the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith Conservatorium of Music, Q Theatre and Penrith Regional Gallery, Home of The Lewers Bequest, and represents a diverse and dynamic blend of creative practice in the Western Sydney region. Since its establishment in 2006, PP&VA has been dedicated to showcasing creativity in all its forms to enhance people’s lives and make Penrith a better place to live, work, and play. As an entity established to offer cultural centres for the entertainment, enjoyment and education of the local community, PP&VA offers more than just the performing and visual arts – it offers a vision of a creative Penrith for the whole community.

Penrith Symphony Orchestra (PSO) presents the only annual concert season of major symphonic, oratorio and operatic repertoire in Western Sydney. Since its formation in 1988, it has brought together talented musicians from the local community and experienced professional musicians to present a unique musical o ering that is a highly valued part of Penrith’s cultural calendar, attracting large audiences from Western Sydney, the Blue Mountains and beyond.

As well as performing with world-class soloists and conductors, PSO has throughout its history created musical pathways for young people in Penrith and surrounding areas. It regularly showcases emerging young artists, exposes new local composers, and provides opportunities for young orchestral musicians.

Numerous former young members of PSO now enjoy highly successful careers as professional performers, music educators, and arts administrators. Over the years, PSO has collaborated extensively with local choirs, championed the performance of opera in Western Sydney, and introduced thousands of young children to the enjoyment of orchestral music through its popular annual family concerts.

The Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO) has lived and breathed music for 50 years, making waves around the world for its explosive performances and brave interpretations. Steeped in history but always looking to the future, ACO programs embrace celebrated classics alongside new commissions, and adventurous cross-artform collaborations.

Led by Artistic Director Richard Tognetti since 1990, the ACO performs more than 100 concerts each year. Whether performing in Manhattan, New York, or Wollongong, NSW, the ACO is unwavering in its commitment to creating transformative musical experiences. The Orchestra regularly collaborates with artists and musicians who share its ideology, from instrumentalists, to vocalists, to cabaret performers, to visual artists and film makers.

In addition to its national and international touring schedule, the ACO has an active recording program across CD, vinyl and digital formats. Recent releases include Water | Night Music, the first Australian-produced classical vinyl for two decades, Beethoven 1, 2, & 3 Eroica and ARIA award-winning albums River and Indies & Idols.

In 2023 the ACO launched its digital streaming platform, ACO On Demand, which hosts the Orchestra’s award-winning season of cinematic concert films, ACO StudioCasts, alongside live concert streams and premium on-demand content.