The Newcastle Youth Orchestra:
A New Chapter of Growth and Innovation
https://www.nyo.com.au
The Newcastle Youth Orchestra (NYO) has been a vibrant part of the region’s cultural life for over a decade. Now entering an exciting new phase, the orchestra is rebuilding in response to shifting family priorities after COVID-19 and a shortage of teachers for some orchestral instruments.
Transition and New Direction
NYO is deeply grateful to all who have contributed their talents, energy, and mentorship to its journey so far. The orchestra is now entering a period of renewal, with a change in Artistic Director and a new musical program that reflects contemporary practice and adapts to a changing world. The University of Newcastle, through the Conservatorium of Music, now sponsors NYO by providing the Harold Lobb Concert Hall as its home for rehearsals and select performances. It’s wonderful to have this partnership!
A Brief History
The Newcastle Youth Orchestra (NYO) was established in January 2013 by the Newcastle Improvised Music Association (NIMA Inc.), founded by Capree Gaul and Rachel Pogson, in partnership with Principal Conductor and Artistic Director Jack Machin and Orchestra Manager Mikey Power. The Newcastle Museum became NYO’s first venue partner, hosting Saturday morning rehearsals for both the full symphony orchestra and NYO Kids.
In its early years, the orchestra’s players were mainly tertiary music students, joined by secondary school students from across the region. From the beginning, NYO’s mission was both educational and inclusive – welcoming all young musicians. Its programs gave participants the opportunity to develop orchestral skills, build performance confidence, and nurture a lifelong love of orchestral music. Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of volunteers worked tirelessly to support rehearsals and performances, helping to make the magic happen.
Jack Machin, the inaugural Principal Conductor/Artistic Director, brought an engaging and supportive presence to the young players, working alongside a dedicated team of music tutors. The orchestra benefited from the guidance of outstanding musicians such as Susan Collins and Sally Walker – both internationally recognised performers – as well as many talented members of Newcastle’s music community.
One of NYO’s earliest highlights was the first Kids Classic concert at the Civic Theatre (April 2013), featuring conductor Jack Machin, concertmaster Prue Massey, and puppets by John Deacon, with narration bringing the music’s stories to life. The video from that concert captures the orchestra’s performance of Saint-Saëns’ Danse Macabre, showcasing youthful energy, artistry, and an engaging connection with a mostly young audience. The performance was lots of fun and many friendships were established.
Over the years, NYO has evolved as members move on – many to professional music careers – while maintaining strong support from guest conductors, professional mentors, and volunteers. In 2017, Dr Ian Cook was appointed Artistic Director and Conductor, and later the Newcastle Wind Orchestra joined NYO. 2017 also saw the appointment of Rodney Wikstrom to the position of NYO Kids Conductor. This expansion brought fresh collaborations and premieres of new works.
Newcastle Youth Orchestra is run by a dedicated board of directors who come from a background of arts, business, education and medicine – a not-for-profit community organisation. NYO employs an orchestra manager and the artistic director/conductor, as well as casual positions for music tutors.
New Creative Approaches to Music
In 2025, Sebastian Bonilla was appointed Artistic Director and Conductor. His vision for NYO is innovative and inclusive, designed to engage musicians aged 16–25 in creative approaches to orchestral music. The program includes mentorship from professional musicians – among them local migrant and First Nations artists – and encourages co-creation of works that reflect a strong connection to place. These works may incorporate non-traditional orchestral instruments, soundscapes, electronic elements, and visual storytelling.
Responding to Current Challenges
Many orchestral instrument players struggle to find suitable ensembles in their communities, and some instruments – such as the oboe, bassoon, viola, and French horn – are becoming harder to learn due to a shortage of teachers and changing attitudes toward instrument choice. The recent reinstatement of one-to-one instrumental tuition in the Bachelor of Music program is a welcome development. It is anticipated that more instrumental teachers will be employed into the future. NYO offers additional opportunities for players to extend their skills, explore unfamiliar instruments, and collaborate on works incorporating instruments from Newcastle’s diverse migrant communities.
Mentorship and Artistic Development
NYO’s professional mentors bring technical expertise, interpretive insight, and cultural perspectives to the orchestra. They guide players through challenging repertoire, build ensemble skills, and foster confidence. Guest artists lead workshops and performances, while First Nations musicians share cultural knowledge, stories, and music – connecting players to the land and its history.
Become an Active Participant and Co-Create
Importantly, young musicians help shape the program, choosing repertoire, co-creating works, and exploring varied musical styles. This collaborative model blends tradition with innovation, giving players a strong artistic voice.
Sebastian Bonilla: Redefining the Youth Orchestra Experience
Sebastian Bonilla brings extensive orchestral experience, creative vision, and infectious enthusiasm. He champions genuine collaboration, mentorship, and music that speaks to both local identity and global influences. Under his leadership, NYO will embrace soundscapes, electronic elements, and world-music instrumentation, always grounded in community connection.
Looking Ahead: 2026 Program
In 2026, NYO’s program will centre on six major project-based works, supported by additional repertoire for skill development and sheer enjoyment of music-making.
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Concerto Program with a Spanish Influence
Inviting talented Newcastle musicians to perform as soloists with the orchestra, featuring works for classical guitar and piano.
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First Nations Voices
A collaboration with Aboriginal knowledge holders/musicians, incorporating language, song, stories, and imagery. The work may feature clapsticks and yidaki, with visual projections of significant Hunter Region sites (with permissions). Partners include Wollotuka and the Purai – Global Indigenous History Centre at the University of Newcastle.
Mount Yengo -
“The Sea’s White Edge” – a sonic exploration of space.
A sonic exploration inspired by Newcastle’s coastline and heathland bird habitats. Field recordings of waves and natural soundscapes will blend with orchestral and electronic elements, supported by projected player-generated photography.
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Musical Bridges – Collaboration with other youth orchestras.
Collaboration with other youth orchestras, such as the Central Coast Youth Orchestra or Sydney Senior Secondary College, sharing repertoire and building connections through joint performances and social exchange.
Central Coast Youth Orchestra(?) at a Central Coast Campus Graduation Ceremony See: https://livinghistories.newcastle.edu.au/nodes/view/28942 -
Festival of Languages – Voices through Music.
Partnering with refugee and migrant musicians to present traditional music from cultures including Afghanistan, Poland, Türkiye, Egypt, and Tibet, using instruments not typically found in a classical orchestra.
All Nations Fair, Wallsend, NSW, 16 November 1897. Photo: Ralph Snowball See: https://livinghistories.newcastle.edu.au/nodes/view/45901 -
Rotunda Tour
Performing free, accessible concerts in Newcastle’s 11 rotundas, featuring a mix of popular classics and contemporary works. This project will bring live music to the community, provide players with public performance experience, and engage diverse.
Convenors, Newcastle Youth Orchestra
Further Reading
World Premiere – A Slender Strand of Memories by Colin Spiers