Concerts

Songs of Flight

Sunday 30 August 2026, 11:00 am

Percy Grainger Youth Orchestra

Melbourne Recital Centre

Where folklore takes wing and myth comes to life 

Prepare to be swept away as the Percy Grainger Youth Orchestra presents Songs of Flight, a captivating concert inspired by the rich tapestry of folklore, legend, and the natural world. This spellbinding program weaves together evocative musical narratives centered on themes of avian majesty, magical transformation, and classic fairy-tale wonder. From the graceful imagery of mythical birds soaring through the skies to the dramatic grandeur of legendary heroes and epic romance, Songs of Flight transports audiences through a vivid landscape of orchestral storytelling.

These exceptionally talented young musicians bring vibrant energy, technical precision, and deep emotional expression to a wonderfully imaginative repertoire. Whether exploring hauntingly beautiful, intimate melodies or soaring, triumphant orchestral peaks, the performance promises an unforgettable experience of symphonic magic. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the next generation of musical leaders bring timeless stories to life with breathtaking passion and artistry.

Percy Grainger Youth Orchestra 
Monica Buckland conductor

Program

TIME UNBOUND

Sunday 30 August 2026, 5:30 pm

Melbourne Youth Orchestra

Melbourne Recital Centre

From intimate shimmer to symphonic grandeur. Witness the future of music unbound.

Melbourne Youth Orchestra in Time Unbound offers a vibrant program brimming with technical mastery and emotional depth. Opening with the wit and exuberance of Kabalevsky’s Colas Breugnon Overture, the spotlight then turns to exceptional pianist Stefan Cassomenos for the Melbourne premiere of Katia Beaugeais’ Piano Concerto No.1 ‘Bells of Time’ – a work that sparkles, shimmers, and showcases the entire orchestra. The first half concludes with the vivid characters of Khachaturian’s Lullaby & Lezghinka from Gayane.

After the interval, the orchestra will unleash the full sweep of Prokofiev’s Symphony No.5 – a monumental work of soaring themes, dramatic contrasts, and an unforgettable finale.

Joined by the expert baton of guest conductor Leonard Weiss, this program promises a journey from intimate shimmer to symphonic grandeur, celebrating the Melbourne Youth Orchestra in all its glory.

Melbourne Youth Orchestra
Stefan Cassomenos piano (soloist)
Leonard Weiss conductor

Program

Dmitry Kabalevsky
Colas Breugnon Overture

Katia Beaugeais
Piano Concerto No.1, Bells of Time (Melbourne premiere)
Stefan Cassomenos piano (soloist)

Aram Khachaturian
Lullaby & Lezghinka from Gayane

Sergei Prokofiev
Symphony No.5

The Big Busk 2026

Saturday 19 September 2026, 8:00 am

All ensembles

Queen Victoria Market

The streets of the Queen Victoria Market will come alive with the sound of music when Melbourne Youth Orchestras (MYO) presents The Big Busk on Saturday 19 September 2026, transforming one of Naarm, Melbourne’s most iconic destinations into a vibrant celebration of young musical talent.

From 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, more than 650 young musicians will perform across a main stage and multiple busking sites throughout the market. Audiences can enjoy live music from solo performances and chamber ensembles to jazz bands, string orchestras, concert bands and full orchestras, showcasing the extraordinary breadth of Victoria’s next generation of musicians.

Following the success of its inaugural event in 2025, which raised $35,000, MYO has set a fundraising target of $50,000 for 2026. Funds raised will support MYO’s Future Fund, a long-term initiative working towards a broader goal of ensuring young people across Victoria continue to have access to outstanding ensemble music education, performances, and creative opportunities for generations to come.

The MYO Big Busk is more than a fundraising event; it’s a celebration of community, creativity and the transformative power of music education.

Queen Victoria Market

Saturday 19 September, 8am-4pm

FREE EVENT

DONATE NOW: https://www.mycause.com.au/events/myobigbusk

MYJO at Melbourne International Jazz Festival

Saturday 17 October 2026, 12:00 am

Melbourne Youth Jazz Orchestra

Peter Foley

Federation Square

Melbourne Youth Jazz Orchestra returns to the world-renowned Melbourne International Jazz Festival on October 17!

The MIJF runs from October 16-25 2026 and MYO are exceptionally proud to be a part of such an iconic event.

This performance is FREE ENTRY and will be held at Federation Square, Melbourne.

More information coming soon.

Saturday 17 October, Time TBC

Federation Square, Melbourne

FREE ENTRY

2026 Ensemble Program Showcase Day 1

Sunday 08 November 2026, 10:30 am

Various Ensembles

Melbourne Recital Centre

Day 1 – 2026 Ensemble Program Showcase.

Performance times and ensembles TBA.

Sunday 8 November 2026

Melbourne Recital Centre

More information coming soon.

2026 Ensemble Program Showcase Day 2

Sunday 15 November 2026, 10:30 am

Hamer Hall, Arts Centre

Day 2 – 2026 Ensemble Program Showcase.

Performance times and ensembles TBA.

15 November 2026

Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne

More information coming soon.