about

Celebrating 25 years in 2026

Since 2001, Adelaide Youth Orchestras (AdYO) has provided world-class development programs and career pathways for South Australia’s brightest young musicians. 

Adelaide Youth Orchestras (AdYO) creates world-class opportunities for remarkable young musicians.

Come experience it for yourself.

Ambitious in practice and high-level in performance, we elevate and celebrate the next generation of talent emerging from our UNESCO City of Music.

Across six main ensembles open to ages 8–24, AdYO connects young players to a community of musical peers and respected mentors. We share creativity in common, coming together to practise, perform and progress in a spirit of joyful play.

Our repertoire is adventurous, encouraging our musicians to take risks, extend themselves and build confidence in their growing abilities and achievements.

And our live experience is exhilarating for players and audiences alike. By bringing a sense of surprise and delight to the stage, we create a powerful connection in the moment through music.

Being part of AdYO — as a musician, educator, supporter or audience member — is a chance to experience something extraordinary.

our patron

Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia

our people

Catherine Baldwin AM
CHAIR
Belinda Porter
deputy CHAIR
Andrew Size
treasurer
Andrew Carmichael
secretary
Tom Bastians
member
Simone Gibbs
member
Geoff Rangai
member
Harbinda Roberts
member
Catherine Sanders
member
Nic Jeffries
executive director
Jack De La Lande
operations manager
Amber Patrick
production assistant
Keith Crellin OAM
Artistic director
& conductor
Kate Mawson
conductor,
symphonic winds
Martin Butler OAM
conductor
junior strings
Jessica Manning
conductor,
wind ensemble
Sami Butler
director,
percussion ensemble
Sarah Byron
acting conductor,
wind ensemble
Rosie Burn
Helen Carrig
The late Ian Carrig OAM
Nicholas Linke OAM
Howard Parkinson
The late Diana Ramsay OAM DSJ
Ray Thomas
Adam Wynn

our purpose & values

Our Purpose

To provide orchestral music experiences and skills development for young musicians, in a safe, empowering and joyful environment.

What We Value

  • Collaboration
  • Fun
  • High-performance
  • Inclusivity
  • Accountability

support us

From new equipment to needs-based scholarships, from tutorials with SA’s best musicians to performance opportunities in world-class venues – your donation will give the gift of music (and all the advantages it offers in youth and beyond!) to our incredible young players.