THE TASMANIAN YOUTH ORCHESTRA

Conductor: Christopher Bearman, OAM

TYO’s flagship ensemble, providing exceptional development opportunities and outstanding performance experiences under the inspirational leadership of TYO Chief Conductor Christopher Bearman, OAM. The accomplished young musicians in this orchestra range in age from 14 to 25 and represent some of Tasmania's finest young musical talent. Musicians in this orchestra have the opportunity to rehearse weekly with their musical peers, perform challenging symphonic repertoire at least three times per year; and collaborate annually with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra through TSO's 'Big Rehearsal'.

ABOUT THIS ENSEMBLE

ELIGIBILITY

Level: AMEB (or equivalent) GR7+
Age range: 14-25

The Tasmanian Youth Orchestra rehearses and performs advanced symphonic repertoire: a high level of technical proficiency and musicianship is required. Audition rounds are held annually, with late auditions for vacant positions only.

REHEARSALS

Saturdays 11am-1.15pm (variable): Hobart

This orchestra rehearses and performs between February and November each year. There are no rehearsals during Tasmanian school holidays. Rehearsals generally finish at 1.30pm; however, at least once per program there is an extended rehearsal finishing at 2.30pm.

INSTRUMENTS

Tasmanian Youth Orchestra auditions for the following instruments

FEES

2023 fees for this ensemble are $745.00 Fees assistance is available for eligible applicants; and payment plan options are also available.

All TYO ensembles have fees. However, they should never be a barrier to participating.
We offer a financial bursary program and fees assistance options. Payment arrangements are also available for those who wish to spread payments across the course of the year. Annual ensemble fees do not include entry to TYO concerts: concert tickets for family and friends need to be purchased separately.

PROTOCOLS

Expectations
COVIDSafe Protocols

TYO works to a culture of mutual respect and collegiality, aligned to TYO's values. Program and performance dates and are confirmed at the start of each year. Musicians are required to be available for scheduled performance dates. At least 90% rehearsal attendance is expected. COVIDSafe protocols are in place and must be observed at all times.

LEADERSHIP ROLES

Rotation Policy
Concertmaster

TYO believes strongly in promoting and supporting broad development of musical and leadership skills. For this reason, TYO operates to a rotation policy in which a.) principal chairs are not assigned and b.) section leadership roles and parts are allocated per program. Allocations are entirely at the conductor's discretion. The exception is the concertmaster's role, which is an annual appointment, with auditions held in February.

CHRISTOPHER BEARMAN, OAM

TYO Chief Conductor

Christopher was born in Chichester, Sussex UK. His music education was at Dartington College of the Arts and the Guildhall School of Music (London) where he studied violin with Eli Goren. Following his graduation, he was a professional violinist based in London for more than 20 years, playing with the BBC Symphony Orchestra; London Mozart Players; English Sinfonia and other leading ensembles.
On moving to Australia in 1994, Christopher taught at Newcastle Conservatorium NSW. In 1996 he also became Head of Strings at the Central Coast Regional Conservatorium NSW and in 1999 was appointed Artistic Director and then Director there. The post included Director of the Youth Orchestra Programme; Director of the Faculty String Ensemble and Artistic Director of the Central Coast Symphony Orchestra. During this period, he served on the Executive Committee of NSW Regional Conservatoriums.
In 2012 Christopher returned to Newcastle University Conservatorium as cohort leader of Strings and conductor of the University Orchestra. In 2017 Christopher moved to Tasmania with his partner Stephanie. They reside in Ross.