Every young musician deserves to have the opportunity to be part of an orchestra, to have access to exceptional teachers and conductors, to create music from the greatest composers and be part of something which is far greater than themselves. These experiences when provided for young people not only shapes an individual but strengthens communities and enriches the sound of the future. All funds raised will support the Sydney Youth Orchestras Opportunity Fund which ensures SYO programs are accessible for all young people regardless of financial or geographical situation.

At SYO, we believe the love of music transcends all social, cultural and economic backgrounds. These donors ensure talented young musicians who are experiencing financial disadvantage can access our programs through Opportunity Scholarships. This fund also allows us to provide programs for young musicians and communities in geographically isolated areas of NSW. Your gift will assist us to provide:

• Young musicians experiencing financial hardship with access to the SYO Orchestral Training Program each year;
• Young regional musicians with a travel and accommodation bursary to attend the SYO Summer School in January every year;
• Schools in Western Sydney and regional NSW to experience concerts by Sydney Youth Orchestras;
• Extension programs to further develop the Western Sydney Youth Orchestra;
• Travel subsidies for young regional musician residing more than 200km from Sydney CBD to be part of the SYO Orchestral Training Program

As an expression of our thanks, all donors will be recognised as SYO Opportunity Fund Supporters for 12 months online and in our concert programs. If you would like your gift recognised in a specific way or under a different name to the donor please include in the tribute section.

“An orchestra is far more than an artistic structure…it builds a spirit of solidarity, a brotherhood, it develops self-esteem and fosters ethical and aesthetic values”

 – Jose Antonio Abreu, Founder El Sistema

 Donations of $2.00 or more are tax deductible

Here is how your donation can help:

$20 gives one school student their first experience of orchestral music 

$100 helps a regional musician join an SYO Orchestral workshop for 1 day 

$500 funds a full year travel subsidy for one young regional musician residing more than 3 hours from Sydney to be part of the SYO Orchestral Education Program 

$1000 gives a young regional musician a scholarship to the SYO Summer School + a travel and accommodation bursary

$2500 sends one SYO Conductor to a regional town to present a workshop

$5000 provides one talented regional musician a scholarship for one year 

$10000 gives a regional town in NSW a concert by Sydney Youth Orchestras 

Read more about the impact of an opportunity here.