MUSIC NEWS: Melbourne Youth Orchestra Announces The Big Busk Schedule
Melbourne Youth Orchestras will debut The Big Busk fundraiser for young musicians at Queen Victoria Market this September
Featuring 14 ensembles from Melbourne Youth Junior Strings to Melbourne Youth Jazz Orchestras
On Saturday, 20 September, the iconic Queen Victoria Market will transform into a vibrant hub of musical talent, hosting a spectacular day of performances. For the first time in its history, the 2025 edition of The Big Busk is expanding beyond its traditional Sydney roots to become a simultaneous, two-city fundraising celebration. This year, the Melbourne Youth Orchestras will proudly join forces with the Sydney Youth Orchestras, uniting young musicians from across Australia, as The Big Busk makes its highly anticipated debut in Naarm (Melbourne).
The Melbourne Youth Orchestras will take over the market from 8 am to 4 pm, with over 700 young Victorian musicians, comprising 14 ensembles, filling the market with a vibrant program of music. The performances will range from Jazz and Symphony Orchestras to string orchestras and symphonic bands, alongside chamber groups, duos, and soloists at various busking spots throughout the market. This day of celebration and fundraising aims to support the next generation of Victorian talent.
Each week, MYO brings together over 700 musicians to rehearse and explore music in our jazz groups, symphony orchestras, wind ensembles and string groups. Every dollar raised goes directly to supporting our young musicians, giving them opportunities to perform in world-class venues, acquiring new instruments, and supporting MYO’s critical infrastructure.
The Big Busk will unveil a full main stage schedule, kicking off with Melbourne Youth Junior Strings, continuing with various ensembles and the Adaptive Music Bridging Program, and concluding with a performance by the Melbourne Youth Jazz Orchestra. Throughout the market, other groups, duos, and solo artists will perform at beloved busking sites. With a dedicated fundraising link for each ensemble, the day provides an accessible way to experience all that Melbourne Youth Orchestra offers and to support young musicians throughout Victoria.
For over five decades, Melbourne Youth Orchestras (MYO) has been Victoria’s leading provider of ensemble music education for young people aged 8 to 25. MYO's dedicated team of conductors and educators have fostered the early careers of thousands of alumni and students. Notable alumni include award-winning composer and conductor Nicolas Buc, who has collaborated with artists like Wynton Marsalis, Nick Cave, and Tina Arena, and conducted live film concert premieres such as Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. Other distinguished alumni are Phoebe Russell, Principal Double Bass for Queensland Symphony Orchestra, and Benjamin Northey, Chief Conductor of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and Principal Conductor of the MSO.
Built on the passion of youth in music, the ensembles bring together students from all across Victoria, catering to all ages and levels to participate in one of the three symphony orchestras, five string orchestras, three symphonic bands, two jazz orchestras, and the 'Adaptive Music Bridging Program' supporting children and young people with disability.
Experience the sound of Victoria’s youth and ensure young musicians and their opportunities continue to thrive.
MYO Big Busk 2025
Date: Saturday 20 September
Location: Queen Victoria Market
Time: 8 am – 4 pm
Support The Big Busk and MYO
Main Stage Concert Schedule
Saturday 20 September | Queen Victoria Market
8:00 am: Melbourne Youth Junior Strings
8:30 am: Melbourne Youth Concert Band
9:00 am: John Antill Youth Band
9:30 am: Melbourne Youth Strings
10:00 am: Adaptive Music Bridging Program, Marjorie Lawrence Band
10:45 am: Adaptive Music Bridging Program, Melinda Smith Ensemble
11:30 am: Percy Grainger Youth Orchestra
Noon: Melbourne Youth Chamber Strings
12:30 pm: Melbourne Youth Wind Symphony
1:00 pm: Alexandra Cameron Strings
1:30 pm: Melbourne Youth Sinfonia
2:00 pm: Melbourne Camerata Strings
2:30 pm: Melbourne Youth Big Band
3:15 pm: Melbourne Youth Jazz Orchestra