It was music to their ears when they were officially announced as members of the Regional Youth Orchestra (RYO) of NSW, and now, Clarence Valley Conservatorium students Oscar Woods, Tessa Darby, Casey Palmer, and Toby Smidt are preparing to head overseas on June 29 to perform at some of the world’s most renowned venues as part of the 2025 Europe Tour.

Formed in 2016, the RYO of NSW comprises of more than 50 talented musicians aged between 13 and 22 from across the state through the Association of NSW Regional Conservatoriums, with the highly anticipated debut international tour providing participants with a memorable opportunity to grow personally and artistically while embarking on a global journey alongside their respective peers and mentors.

With upcoming performances at the Musikverein in Vienna, St Matthew’s Church in Berlin, and the University of Vienna, along with a variety of collaborative workshops and additional performances with youth ensembles in each country they visit, other highlights of the 2025 Europe Tour will also include sharing the stage with other world renowned musicians during the Summa Cum Laude Festival, also to be held in Vienna.

“This tour represents an extraordinary achievement for these young musicians, and a powerful example of what regional arts programmes can make possible,” said Wendy Brooks, President of the Association of NSW Regional Conservatoriums.

“Our students are about to share their music on an international stage and take their regional communities with them in spirit.”

An astute percussionist and timpanist, 14-year-old Oscar from Grafton has been a member of the RYO of NSW for four years and is excited to represent the Clarence Valley Conservatorium during the 2025 Europe Tour.

“I’m looking forward to playing in different venues overseas,” he said, adding he is also excited to have the opportunity to travel to Europe for the first time.

“One of the best things about being part of the RYO of NSW is playing repertoire.

“We’re all really good friends, they’re a great bunch of people, and we always have fun when we get together.”

After watching the RYO of NSW perform locally during a previous Grafton Jacaranda Festival, 16-year-old trumpeter Toby said he felt inspired to audition to become a member and was ecstatic when he was successful.

“I’ve been with the RYO of NSW for about two or three years now, and this tour is an amazing opportunity to travel and perform at some incredible venues,” he said.

“Everyone has been so supportive of us.

“I’m looking forward to meeting other musicians, especially during the Summa Cum Laude Festival in Vienna.”

Director of the Clarence Valley Conservatorium Adam Wills said the opportunity for local students to participate in the 2025 Europe Tour through the RYO of NSW is a once in a lifetime experience with the event highlighting the emerging talent of young musicians from across the region.

Prior to their departure for the southern hemisphere, the RYO of NSW will perform at the Sydney Conservatorium at 5pm on Friday, June 27.

The RYO of NSW is an initiative of the Association of NSW Regional Conservatoriums and is proudly supported by the NSW Government through the Regional Conservatoriums Grant Program.

Mr Wills also extended his appreciation to Clarence Valley Council (CVC), McDonalds Australia, and the Schwinghammer Foundation for their financial support and encouragement of participating students.

This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 25 June 2025.