“Music education opens doors that help children pass from school into the world around them.”
— Gerald Ford

March is where everything starts to lift—from rehearsal rooms to real stages.

Over the coming weeks, our young musicians will be stepping into meaningful performance opportunities and collaborative learning experiences that are difficult to replicate anywhere else in Canberra.

Here’s the scoop.

CYO x National Folk Festival

As many of you know, the 60th National Folk Festival is fast approaching—and the Canberra Youth Orchestra will once again take the stage.

This year’s feature performance, Celestial Emu (“Dhinawan” in Gamilaroi) brings together the CYO, Yamitji didgeridoo player Mark Atkins and composer Keyna Wilkins.

Inspired by the Gamilaroi “Emu in the Sky” constellation, this powerful yidaki concerto takes audiences on a journey across landscape and cosmos—with our young musicians performing alongside Mark.

• When: Saturday 4 April, 11:10 AM – 12:00 PM

• Where: Flute & Fiddle

This is a milestone performance—an opportunity to experience contemporary Australian orchestral composition, First Nations storytelling and large-scale festival performance in one.

If your child’s not already involved, we highly recommend coming along to support and experience it live.

WVYC opening the National Folk Festival

And adding to the magic of the festival, the Woden Valley Youth Choir will perform at the festival’s opening night concert, alongside Suara Indonesia Dance.

• When: Thursday 2 April, 7:00 – 8:30 PM

• Where: Budawang Pavilion

This flagship event marks the official opening of the festival—bringing together the artistic directors and a handpicked line-up of festival artists to share music and launch a weekend of folk celebrations.

Canberra Day Appeal until 20 March

We are proud to be part of Hands Across Canberra’s 2026 Canberra Day Appeal, supporting 88 local charities doing vital work across our community.

If you believe in the vital role that music plays in creating community and developing cognitive function, this is a powerful way to support Music for Canberra.

Until 20 March, every $1 donated is matched to $2 (up to first $2,500). A small contribution can go twice as far.

Tesselaar Bulb Fundraiser

How does brightening your garden while supporting young musicians sound? Through the Tesselaar Bulb Fundraiser, 40% of every purchase goes directly to the Woden Valley Youth Choir—helping keep participation accessible and supporting future performance opportunities.

Simply order via the dedicated link below to ensure your support is counted.

Best of Friends with Robert Harris

Strong ensembles require balanced instrumentation—and violists are always in demand!

Music for Canberra is pleased to support Best of Friends, a community event led by former Australian Chamber Orchestra Principal Viola, Robert Harris.

Best of Friends
Tuesday 24 March, 3 - 4 PM (followed by afternoon tea)
Tuggeranong Arts Centre

Part of the ACT’s UPSTAGEING festival, this relaxed midweek gathering explores music written by “best buddies”—from Bach and Telemann to Lennon and McCartney.

This is a welcoming, low-pressure way to deepen musical appreciation and community connection. Ticketing follows a pay-what-you-can format. Free tickets available.

We’re heading into one of the most exciting parts of the year—where preparation meets performance, and young musicians begin to truly feel the impacts of their work.

Thank you for being part of this journey, and for choosing music.