Dispatches from Penrith Youth Orchestra

At the beginning of March, ACO Violin Ilya Isakovich and fellow string players Tim Yu, Beth Condon, Tim Nankervis and Nemanja Petkovic spent an inspiring weekend with Penrith Youth Orchestra Academy students. 

School-aged string, wind, brass and percussion players all took part in sectional and full orchestra rehearsals, and observed Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO) musicians, while working on music by Grieg, Vivaldi, Dvořák, Elgar and Wagner.

The Youth Orchestra aims to complement and enhance advanced primary school and secondary school students’ musical development and experience. Once successful, students get the opportunity to participate in rehearsals and workshops each term, and build towards performances alongside professional musicians under the guidance of PSO’s Artistic Director, Dr Paul Terracini. This includes annual workshops with musicians from the ACO, as well as other professional ensembles.

The weekend with the ACO culminated in a spectacular concert displaying everything the young orchestra members had learned over the weekend. 

“I was SO impressed at the progress the students had made. It was a really wonderful concert! Thank you so much to our musicians for facilitating an amazing opportunity for these Western Sydney students.”

- Tara Smith, Director of Learning & Engagement, Australian Chamber Orchestra

“I think it was a rewarding experience for everyone involved! And thank you again to my wonderful colleagues for great work.”

- ACO Violin Ilya Isakovich

Click here to discover more about Penrith Youth Orchestra.