Experience the thrill of 75 talented young musicians (ages 14-26) performing together with energy, precision and passion! 

The Auckland Youth Orchestra presents an exciting symphony concert.

On the Programme:

 Marquez: Danzon No.2
 Ravel: Mother Goose Suite
 Gershwin: An American in Paris
 Ben Hoadley: Concerto for Double Bass  

Marquez: Danzon No.2

Quietly elegant, passionately frenzied, the eminent Mexican composer Marquez has captured the essence of this tango-like ballroom dance perfectly.

Ravel: Mother Goose Suite
 This collection of five delicate miniatures, inspired by fairy tales, reveals Ravel’s  absolute mastery of orchestration.  His score employs many interesting percussion instruments – prepare to be delighted!

Gershwin: An American in Paris

This quintessentially American symphonic poem flows with utter vitality. Critics didn’t expect its popularity to last when it was premiered in 1928, but last it has – it is familiar and loved the world over.

Ben Hoadley: Concerto for Double Bass  

Ben Hoadley, one of our country’s finest bassoonists, indeed one of Australasia's most versatile bassoonists, he understands bass clef instruments!  An experienced and frequently-commissioned composer, Ben has written a work which is both a challenge for the performers and a fascinating listen for the audience. Welcome to this world premiere.

The Artists:

DOUBLE BASS  Oliver Spalter

Oliver is AYO’s Principal Bass.  He made his solo debut with the NZSO last year, playing the first movement of Bottesini's second concerto as an ‘NZSO Young Artist’.  As Principal Bass of the NZSO National Youth Orchestra in 2022, Oliver played the famous solo from Mahler's first symphony. Oliver will be heading to Illinois in September to commence his undergraduate bass studies.  

MUSIC DIRECTOR   Antun Poljanich studied piano in Dubrovnik and conducting at the University of Ljubljana. Following post-graduate studies in Austria, he won a scholarship which took him to Leningrad for a three-year Master Course in Conducting at the Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory.   Antun has since worked with prominent orchestras in Russia and Europe. 

AUCKLAND YOUTH ORCHESTRA (est. 1948)

AYO is a full symphony orchestra comprised of 75 of Auckland's most talented young musicians (ages 14-26).  
AYO has been training young people in the skills of orchestral playing for 75 years.  Many players go on to develop careers as professional musicians – Here Plays the Future!

AYO reserves the right to change the programme and artists.