On Saturday April 26, the Sydney Youth Orchestras (SYO) brought their regional tour to Glen Innes as part of the 2025 Youth Orchestral Camp. These talented young musicians travelled to Armidale and the surrounding communities of Gloucester, Glen Innes and Inverell, teaming up with local players to rehearse, learn, and perform together. The concert at the Chapel Theatre was a collaborative effort, featuring the Western Sydney Youth Orchestra (WSYO), conducted by Dr. Sadaharu Muramatsu, and the Richard Gill Chamber Orchestra (RGCO), under the baton of Kate Morgan.
The performance was a joyful showcase of dedication and talent. It was clear how much effort had gone into preparing for such a challenging program, and the young musicians brought it to life with energy and enthusiasm.
Opening the program, the WSYO delivered a dynamic performance of the overture to Mozart’s The Abduction from the Seraglio. It was a bold and exciting start. The orchestra offered a spirited performance, packed with contrast and colour—thunderous percussion, gentle string passages, and bright, punchy brass, all layered with flowing, melodic lines from the winds. Following the overture, the orchestra shifted seamlessly into a world of fantasy adventure, delivering a beautiful performance of an excerpt from Joe Hisaishi’s Castle in the Sky, from the beloved Studio Ghibli movie classic. With its vibrant textures and lyrical melodies, the piece drew the audience in from the very first note, providing a striking contrast to the energy of the overture.
Experiencing a full orchestral performance in Glen Innes is a rare treat, so there was a moment of disappointment when the musicians rose to leave. However, any sense of letdown quickly vanished as the stage filled once more with the many players of the RGCO.
The audience was treated to polished excerpts from Mozart (Rondo Alla Turca), Nielsen (Little Suite for Strings), and Vivaldi (Concerto for Strings). The impressive size (forty musicians) of the ensemble delivered full-bodied and cohesive interpretations, while the musicians’ disciplined playing captured the intricacies and textures demanded by each score. So confident was the conductor in her orchestra’s abilities that she invited two audience members to the stage to conduct! The first was a local gentleman whose flowing gestures suggested some previous orchestral experience—perhaps air performances? Not to be outdone, the next was a lovely little girl in a sparkly dress, who stunned the audience with her confidence and aplomb.
This was the second time the Sydney Youth Orchestras have visited Glen Innes, and they continue to impress with the talent of their young musicians. The Youth Orchestral Camp performances not only bring music to the regions but also provide valuable opportunities for local young musicians. As Mia Patoulios, CEO of Sydney Youth Orchestras, explains:
“We are thrilled to be able to offer this unique opportunity to young musicians from regional areas. The Youth Orchestral Camp is a chance for participants to develop their skills in a supportive and inspiring environment, and to connect with other like-minded young musicians from across the state and share the joy of creating music together.”
The writer, along with music lovers in Glen Innes, eagerly awaits the next Youth Orchestral Camp visit to our lovely Chapel Theatre.
