Provided through the Department of Premier and Cabinet, the funding agreement recognises and supports Adelaide Youth Orchestras’ mission to provide talented young South Australian musicians with orchestral training, life skills and education in a safe, empowering and joyful environment. 

“We are extremely pleased to secure this increased investment in our organisation. The announcement represents an acknowledgment of the important role AdYO plays in the arts landscape of South Australia, now and into the future,” said AdYO Executive Director, Nic Jeffries. 

“We are encouraged by the acknowledgement of the need for a sustainable arts ecosystem in the State Government’s Cultural Policy. As an organisation that provides access to and participation in the arts for all South Australians, AdYO welcomes the stability and confidence this funding affords our team, our community and – most importantly – our young musicians,” he said. 

Each year, AdYO engages 300 young people aged 8-24 across six ensembles and a range of chamber groups, offering performance opportunities and high-level instruction from SA’s top professional musicians. Over the past 24 years, AdYO has supported more than 2,000 emerging performers, many of whom have gone on to arts careers in SA and across the world. 

Adelaide Youth Orchestras Board Chair Catherine Baldwin said, “In 2026, AdYO celebrates 25 years as the premier orchestral training organisation in South Australia.  

“Alongside the tremendous support of the James and Diana Ramsay Foundation and Klein Family Foundation, generous State Government funding of $80,000 p.a. for the next two years will see us enter this landmark year with increased support to provide world-class development programs and career pathways for SA’s young musicians. 

“It is a welcome vote of confidence in our organisation, and an acknowledgement in the importance of the arts, both in the lives of young people and in the future of our state.” she said. 

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