Choose Music. Choose Community

As we approach the end of the financial year, we're taking a moment to reflect on just how much music-making has been happening across the Music for Canberra community.

The past three weeks alone have showcased the remarkable breadth of our programs. Canberra Youth Orchestra students had the opportunity to learn from professional musicians through a special MusicaViva Chamber Ensembles Workshop, developing their chamber music skills and musical independence. Our Louise Butler Strings and McCusker Strings musicians shared the joy of live performance with residents at Calvary Haydon, while the Canberra Youth Concert Band recently performed at Goodwin Monash alongside the debut performance of the new CYO Wind Quintet.

These experiences are at the heart of what Music for Canberra does: creating meaningful opportunities for young musicians to learn, connect, perform and contribute to their community. As a registered charity, we rely on the generosity of supporters to keep participation accessible, provide high-quality educational experiences, and bring music to audiences across Canberra. Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible, and every contribution helps ensure that music remains accessible, inspiring and inclusive for people of all ages and abilities.

Every rehearsal, workshop and performance you read about in this newsletter is made possible by a community that believes music matters.

Thank you for helping us keep the music playing.

Help us raise $10,000 to support scholarships, instruments, performance opportunities, and community music programs across Canberra.



Your donation makes a difference

• $25 could help promote Music for Canberra concerts, workshops, and community programs.

• $50 could help purchase accessible instruments and resources for our senior and community music programs.

• $100 could help purchase sheet music for our instrumental and choral programs.

• $250 could help support a scholarship for a young musician for one term.

• $500 could help expand our instrument bank, providing access to an instrument for a young musician.

• $1,000 could help support a scholarship for a young musician for an entire year.

CYO - MusicaViva Chamber Music Workshop

For many of our Canberra Youth Orchestra students, this year's MusicaViva Chamber Ensembles Workshop was their very first experience of chamber music. In a remarkable afternoon of music-making, students were placed into small ensembles, worked closely with a team of outstanding professional musicians, and learned and performed a chamber work by the end of the day.

The workshop challenged students to listen, communicate and collaborate in new ways, building confidence and independence as musicians. We are grateful to the wonderful MusicaViva artists who shared their expertise and inspired the next generation of chamber musicians.

McCusker and Louise Butler Strings performing Calvary Haydon

Our Louise Butler and McCusker Strings students recently brought music and companionship to residents at Calvary Haydon with a delightful afternoon performance. The musicians played beautifully, sharing a varied program that was warmly received by the audience.

One of the highlights of the visit was the opportunity to connect with residents after the performance, creating conversations and friendships across generations. A special mention must go to our favourite audience member, Billy the puppy, who was undoubtedly one of the day's most enthusiastic supporters!

CYCB and CYO Wind Quintet Performing at Goodwin Monash

Residents at Goodwin Monash recently enjoyed an afternoon of music from the Canberra Youth Concert Band and the newly formed CYO Wind Quintet. The performance marked the debut of the Wind Quintet, an exciting new Music for Canberra initiative that gives Canberra Youth Orchestra students the opportunity to develop their chamber music skills in a small ensemble setting.

Both groups performed brilliantly, sharing their music with an appreciative audience. Performances like these strengthen community connections while giving young musicians valuable opportunities to engage with audiences beyond the concert hall.