Background

The Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra (formerly known as the ANJO Youth Big Band) was formed in 2020, and is an exciting initiative that brings together our brightest and youngest stars from around the country to form an elite jazz orchestra for musicians aged 18 - 25.

Entry to the Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra is by competitive, anonymous audition and participation is zero cost due to government, business and philanthropic support.

Successful candidates participate in two projects annually including a multi-day rehearsal and performance intensive in Sydney and for the first time in 2026 AYJO will be performing at Generations in Jazz

in 2026 AYJO is working with 2x incredible international jazz artists. If accepted into the band, you will be required to attend both projects.

2026 Guest Artist(s)

Bert Joris (Generations in Jazz) & Florian Ross (Sydney Con Jazz Festival)

For the first time in 2024, AYJO was part funded by Music Australia, the federal governments arts advisory board which alongside our loyal sponsors, allowed us to offer a zero cost experience to Australia’s leading young jazz musicians.

check out testimonial video >>> or goto video hub to view previous live performances of AYJO

2026 Key Dates

Dec 1, 2025 audition materials made available on AYJO page and audition portal opens

January 10 auditions close at 11:59pm

January 25 2026 AYJO announced

April 29, 30 Rehearsals Intensive w/ Bert Joris @ Generations in Jazz

May 1 Performance at Generations in Jazz w/ Bert Joris

May 28 - 30 Rehearsal Intensive in Sydney with Florian Ross & AYJO Artistic Directors

May 31 Performance at Sydney Con Jazz Festival with Florian Ross

Dec 1 2027 Guest Artists announced