Launched in November 1993 to provide leadership, service and support to orchestras in New South Wales, Orchestras Australian expanded to become a national organisation in 1998. Information and advice about the orchestral industry is available through the Orchestral Outlook magazine produced three times a year, an annual program of activities, website and by phone from the Orchestras Australia office. Orchestras Australia is a non-profit organisation.

Our Vision

As the recognised peak national body, Orchestras Australia promotes an environment in which all orchestras throughout Australia can flourish.

Our Role

  • Representing orchestras across Australia as a group;
  • Advocating on behalf of our common interests;
  • Providing a forum where new issues and ideas about orchestras can be developed; and
  • Creating opportunities for people to enjoy the experience of orchestral performance.

Our Goals

Teamwork - Energy - Artistry

An orchestra is so much more than a group of musicians playing together.

Instruments, players, conductors, concert halls, artists, audiences, box office, stage management, rehearsals, recordings, composers, music educators, marketing, music parts, pleasure, profession, education and entertainment. In the lives of all participating adults, young people, families and children, orchestras represent teamwork, energy and artistry.

Bringing together a unique national network of orchestras, Orchestras Australia provides opportunities for all players to share ideas, resources and develop skills. The annual National Orchestra Forum is rapidly becoming the major orchestral industry forum, attracting prestigious speakers, advocates, animaters and teachers.

Orchestras Australia supports a number of special activities in which members can take part. Amongst these are the Conductor in the Community Fellowship program, Conductor Workshops, the Orchestral Scores & Parts(OSP) Database and Open Rehearsals with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. A new initiative from 2000 was the introduction of the Orchestras Australia National Orchestral Awards.

Who should join?

Australia's major professional orchestras are members of Orchestras Australia along with numerous educational organisations, school and youth orchestras, who nurture the orchestral musicians of the future. The burgeoning sector of community orchestras as well as associated music industry associations, individuals, conductors, soloists, musicians, educators and students, also enjoy the benefits of membership of Orchestras Australia.

Click here for a Membership Application Form.

Membership Benefits