Sydney · Ages 13–19 · Launching May 2026
Watch your young person discover who they were meant to become. 76% of orchestra participants report feeling better about themselves. This is more than music — it's formation.
The Heart
Why we built the youth programs.
"Young creatives are some of the most sensitive, thoughtful, spiritually open-hearted people in the world — yet they're often the ones left without a place to belong."
Many churches don't have room for a bassoonist, a violist, a young composer. So we built something different — a place where their gift isn't 'too much,' where their faith isn't separate from their art.
Under Natalia Raspopova's leadership, the Australian Christian Youth Orchestra and Choir exists to give young musicians what they've been searching for: a place where they can grow into the artists — and the people — they were meant to become.
— Ryan Gilpin, Founder & CEO
What Makes This Different
Not just another youth orchestra.
Faith and artistry, held together
Most youth ensembles ask young Christians to compartmentalise. Here, devotion opens every rehearsal and worship is woven through the music we play. Faith isn't an add-on — it's the foundation.
World-class musical direction
Led by Natalia Raspopova — Assistant Conductor with the Queensland Symphony, Concerto Soloist with the Sydney Symphony, BBC Concert Orchestra. Professional standards in a nurturing environment.
No annual re-auditions
Audition once. Grow with us for years. Continuous development inside one stable ensemble — the way young musicians actually learn.
Guaranteed adult pathway
When you turn 18, you transition straight into the adult ensembles. No re-audition. No starting over. The continuity is the point.
Christian peers, real friendships
76% of youth orchestra participants report feeling better about themselves. Multiply that by being in a community where faith is shared, not awkward.
Comprehensive child safety
Every leader holds a current Working With Children Check. Youth and adult programs are completely separate. Full safety policies are public — read our child safety policy in full.
Commissioned compositions
Your child performs brand-new works written for our ensembles — fostering contemporary musical engagement and the thrill of premiering music no audience has heard before.
Ensemble training that transfers
Learning to listen, blend, and respond in real time. These are the skills private lessons alone cannot teach — and they translate directly into collaborative excellence in every area of life.
Accelerated musical development
A supportive yet challenging environment where young musicians grow faster than they would in isolation. Professional mentorship, peer accountability, and high-calibre repertoire do what weekly lessons cannot.
Future career preparation
Ensemble discipline, stage presence, collaborative problem-solving, and time management — skills highly valued in academic pathways, conservatorium auditions, and professional life beyond music.
All child safety details, leader checks, and incident-reporting procedures are public — read our full child safety policy. Additional needs and neurodivergent musicians are warmly welcomed — contact us early to arrange accommodations.
Child Safety
Your child's safety is non-negotiable.
Ages 13–19
Open to young instrumentalists and vocalists anywhere in Sydney.
Fortnightly Thursdays
5:30–7:30pm — convenient for post-school arrival via train or bus.
Sydney CBD
World-class rehearsal facilities in the heart of the city.
Grade 6+ AMEB
Orchestra requires Grade 6+ AMEB minimum. Choir requires good ear and ability to sing in tune. See adult membership info for full requirements.
2 Major Concerts
Mid-Year (Aug 29) and End-of-Year Grand Finale (Nov 21) in prestigious Sydney venues.
Guaranteed Adult Pathway
Audition-free, automatic progression into adult ensembles at age 18.
"Watch your youth discover who they were meant to become."
What It Builds
Not just music training.
Character formation.
Unshakeable Confidence
76% of participants report feeling better about themselves. Young musicians step onto stages that demand their very best — and discover they have it.
Lifelong Friendships
Fortnightly rehearsals build deep bonds. Christian peers who share both faith and passion — friendships that outlast the concert season.
Musical Excellence
Professional-standard training under Natalia Raspopova. Accelerated development through ensemble playing, leadership rotations, and mentorship.
Faith Integration
Faith deepened through worship, theology, and artistry woven into every rehearsal — not added on, but built in from the ground up.
Academic Excellence
Music training improves memory, focus, and problem-solving. These are skills that translate directly to better grades and sharper thinking across every subject.
Stage-Ready Presence
Performing in world-class venues before hundreds builds resilience under pressure. Your young musician learns to deliver their best when it matters most.
Chief Conductor
Natalia Raspopova
Russian-Australian Conductor & Concert Pianist
One of Australia's most distinguished conductors. Natalia has worked as Assistant Conductor with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, performed as Concerto Soloist with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and led productions with Queensland Opera, Opera Queensland, Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, Melbourne Youth Orchestra, Sydney University Symphony Orchestra, and the BBC Concert Orchestra.
Her focus: excellence, preparation, and developing the next generation. She brings professional orchestral standards into a nurturing youth environment — with a deep conviction that the best Christian music emerges from the best-trained musicians.
Instruments & Voices
Strings
- Violin
- Viola
- Cello
- Double Bass
- Harp
Woodwind
- Piccolo
- Flute
- Oboe
- Cor Anglais
- Clarinet
- Bass Clarinet
- Bassoon
Brass
- French Horn
- Trumpet
- Trombone
- Bass Trombone
- Tuba
Percussion & Band
- Timpani
- Tuned Percussion
- Untuned Percussion
- Piano
- Drum Kit
- Bass Guitar
- Guitar
- Harp
Choir Voices
- Soprano
- Mezzo-Soprano
- Alto
- Tenor
- Baritone
- Bass
Orchestra minimum: AMEB Grade 6. No annual re-auditions — audition once, grow together for years.
2026 Launch Pricing
Special 2026 launch price — $999 per child.
18 professional rehearsals · 2 major performances · world-class mentorship · automatic adult pathway at 18. Payment plans available. Scholarships for financial hardship (including 30% single-parent discount).
1 child
$999
or $249.75 × 4 monthly
2026 special launch price
2 children
$1,598
or $399.60 × 4 monthly
20% family discount — 2026 rate
3 children
$2,098
or $524.50 × 4 monthly
30% family discount — 2026 rate
In-Person Audition Requirements
Selected applicants will be invited to a live audition. Excerpts with detailed tempi and metronome marks will be provided in advance, along with audio material for preparation.
Strings
Dynamic control, intonation, tempo comprehension, stylistic awareness, bow control (legato/spiccato/vibrato), phrasing, rhythmic precision.
Woodwind
Breath control, pitch, articulation patterns, intonation, control in high and low register, stylistic awareness, phrasing, vibrato, ability to sustain lyrical phrases.
Brass
Breath control, clarity of tone, expressiveness, clean articulation, sound quality, soloistic flair, control in high register, rhythmic precision.
Percussion
Rhythmic precision, technical mastery of tambourine, triangle, snare drum, timpani, xylophone and glockenspiel, sight-reading of various time signatures.
Piano & Guitar
Ensemble skills, expressive phrasing, clear articulation, rhythmic precision, dynamic versatility, pedal control (piano), chord reading (guitar).
Harp
Clarity of tone, use of pedals, stylistic flair, articulation pulse.
Choir
Sight-singing test, aural (interval and chord singing), two contrasting pieces, pitch accuracy, musicality, tone quality, awareness of singing with others.
Interview Questions at the Live Audition
Our conductors and directors will ask both parents and students a short set of questions. Thinking about these in advance will help your child feel at ease on the day.
For parents
- What do you hope your child will achieve and experience through this programme?
For students
- Why do you want to be part of this programme?
- Have you been in a choir or orchestra before?
- How long have you been learning your instrument? Have you learnt any other instruments? What AMEB grades have you completed, including musicianship and theory?
Sight-reading: AMEB Grade 4. Aural test: interval, chord singing and rhythm at AMEB Grade 4 level.
80% Attendance Requirement
Your child needs to attend at least 80% of rehearsals in each concert cycle to perform on stage. This ensures every young musician feels confident and prepared. We understand life happens: 'holds' and 'freezes' are available for unavoidable or exceptional circumstances. If your child faces a significant challenge, please speak with our leadership team early so we can work together to find the best solution.
Includes all rehearsals, concert preparation, and performances. 10% family concert ticket discount applies. Financial hardship sponsorships available — contact us to discuss.
Audition Process
How to join.
2026 Audition Timeline
Feb 2
Applications Open
Apr 10
Submissions Close
Apr 11–25
In-Person Auditions
Apr 28
Offers Sent
Late submissions may be considered at the discretion of the panel. All video audition submissions are due by 5:00pm on the closing date.
Register Interest
Complete the Programs Interest Form. Our team will send you detailed audition information and answer your questions.
Video Audition ($50)
Submit a recording of two contrasting pieces on your instrument or voice. $50 per child covers processing. Applications closed April 2026 for the launch cohort — register now for 2027.
Live Audition
Invited applicants meet our conductors and directors for a brief live audition — a sight-reading and aural test alongside your prepared pieces.
Receive Your Offer
Offers sent within days of audition. Upon acceptance, complete payment and onboarding to secure your place.
2026 Calendar
Full rehearsal & concert schedule.
Child Safety First
Youth ensembles are completely separate from adult programs. Every leader holds a current Working With Children Check. Rehearsals occur at different times to adult sessions. Comprehensive child safety guidelines available at our parent resources page.
Young people with additional needs, including neurodivergent musicians, are warmly welcomed. Contact us early so we can ensure the right accommodations are in place.
Faith Requirements
Young people don't need to be Christian, but they do need to respect and support our Christian faith and statement of faith. Church membership is not required.
In Concert
Location
UTS Building 5
1 Quay Street, Haymarket NSW 2000
Look for the yellow "UTS Building 05" signs on the brick building, glass doors.
Arrive 10–15 minutes early for your first rehearsal. Bring your digital member pass with screen brightness up.
Public Transport
- · Paddy's Markets Light Rail (closest)
- · Central Station (5–8 min walk)
- · Chinatown bus stops
- · Darling Square / Tumbalong precinct
Parking
- · Market City Car Park (2 Quay Street) — recommended, night rate
- · 1 Dixon Street / Darling Harbour Car Park
- · First Parking, Darling Square
Parent Questions
Everything parents want to know.
Sydney's premier Christian youth orchestra and choir.
Watch your child discover who they were meant to become. Register now to receive audition information and secure your place.
Register Your Child's InterestFortnightly Thursdays · Sydney CBD · Ages 13–19 · $999 launch price