This was a wonderful concert and the standard of playing was excellent. Congratulations to all the performers. You have every right to feel proud of yourselves.

Tricia

Wonderful concert. So many lovely sounds. Highland Cathedral was fabulous! Congratulations all round.

Lesley

Loved the concert – the choice of music, the way each piece was introduced and championed, the way audience introduced to the people behind the music, both conductors.

Great music from beginning to end – appreciated the way WAYO tried to personalise the performance for us.

Sybil

Saturday night was such a fantastic concert. Just great music from all these young musicians – such commitment!

These wonderful young people make the future look good. Not just in music but in whatever area their future takes them.

Ruth

Thank you for another superb night of musical entertainment. Congratulations to all involved. Excellent choice of program and superbly executed.

Jan

Last month, the WA Youth Orchestra (WAYO) took audiences on an unforgettable journey through five decades of music, celebrating our 50th anniversary in grand style at the Perth Concert Hall. Performing to over 3,000 enthusiastic patrons across two sold-out performances, our exceptional young musicians delivered a program featuring “the music that made us”—a collection of works that have defined WAYO’s history.

Under the expert baton of our esteemed Music Director Peter Moore OAM and renowned Singapore-based conductor Tze Law Chan, the orchestra brought to life some of our most cherished pieces. From the powerful crescendos of Boléro to the emotional depth of Cinema Paradiso, the stirring grandeur of 1812 Overture, and the soaring beauty of Highland Cathedral, each piece resonated deeply with both performers and audience members alike.

Interwoven with the music were short video tributes recounting WAYO’s extraordinary journey over the past 50 years. These glimpses into our past—featuring archival images, stories from alumni, and reflections on our milestones—served as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy we continue to build.

The evening was not only a celebration of our musical heritage but also a tribute to the village of patrons, supporters, sponsors, donors, and families who make everything we do possible. Their unwavering commitment has allowed WAYO to nurture generations of young musicians, fostering artistic excellence and lifelong friendships.

As we look ahead, we are excited for what the future holds. With another exciting season on the horizon this September, we can’t wait to continue inspiring and shaping the next generation of musicians. Here’s to the next 50 years of music, memories, and milestones!

We would like to extend a massive thank you to everyone that came out in force to support this celebration, and made such magical & memorable performances possible: