CYO - Audition Process

The Christchurch Youth Orchestra (CYO) was founded in the 1970s and is the senior orchestra of the Christchurch School of Music.   The orchestra is a musically and technically advanced orchestra for the city's musical youth to widen and develop their musical and performing experience

Each year the orchestra performs 3-4 concerts and often perform at corporate and community events. Professional players from the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and the NZSO work with students at sectionals to coach them in the nuances of orchestral playing.

The Orchestra has been lucky to have wonderful conductors taking up the baton over the years and each conductor has brought their own strengths and passions to ensure the orchestra has always provided great opportunities for young musicians to develop musicianship and build their orchestral repertoire. In 2015 the CSM signed a sponsorship agreement with the University of Canterbury for the youth orchestra which was an exciting development in the orchestra’s history.

Entry into the Youth Orchestra is by audition. This not only ensures that talented students throughout Christchurch are given the opportunity to join the orchestra, but also that those students who might choose to pursue a musical career have the chance to experience the “live” audition process.

The orchestra caters for young people in the 15-25 age range, although exceptions will be made in certain circumstances.

A typical year runs from February to - 1st December.  Four concert programs are usually performed within Christchurch each year.

Entry into the Youth Orchestra is by audition. This not only ensures that talented students throughout Christchurch are given the opportunity to join the orchestra, but also that those students who might choose to pursue a musical career have the chance to experience the “live” audition process.

For Christchurch Youth Orchestra audition packs for 2026 - see below link:

Come and join Christchurch's premier Youth Orchestra. Get opportunities to learn as an orchestral player, soloist, conductor, composer and content creator, in this acclaimed and prizewinning ensemble. 

          Music has a lot of power. It can uplift your consciousness. 

It is a salve for all emotional wounds and is a powerful tool of connection.