15 July 2010

Peter Garrett AM
Federal Member for Kingsford Smith
Minister for Environment Protection, Heritage and the Arts

The Federal Member for Kingsford Smith, Peter Garrett, yesterday met three local members of the Australian Youth Orchestra (AYO) which is rehearsing in Sydney prior to its international tour.

The AYO will tour China, Europe and the United Kingdom under the baton of Sir Mark Elder. Its program includes work from the repertoire of Rachmaninov, Shostakovich and Mahler.

“The AYO’s tour to China and Europe will show the huge depth of talent we have in this country and I am sure the response is going to be positive,” Mr Garrett said.

The local musicians – Emmanuel Cassimatis (oboe) of Maroubra, Emma Fetherston (viola) of Eastlakes, and Muhamed Mehmedbasic (double bass) of Redfern – are among some of Australia’s best young classical musicians.

“This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these talented musicians will show the world how good they are,” Mr Garrett said.

The Gillard Government is proud to be a major funding partner of the AYO with more than $2 million allocated in the 2009-10 Budget to support the AYO’s provision of elite performance training to young musicians who aspire to national and international careers.

“This opportunity to perform on the world stage will inspire these young musicians to achieve their personal best and to be outstanding ambassadors for their country.

“We are grateful to the Australian Government for their continued support, particularly for the AYO’s international touring program,” Mr Colin Cornish, CEO of the Australian Youth Orchestra, said.

An additional sum of almost $1 million has been committed over three years from 2010–11, to support the AYO’s national training programs and triennial international tour.