Above : Maestro Mark Russell Smith conducting the Greater Twin Cities Youth Orchestra
The Music Masters Concert Series will present A Musical Voyage, a free concert at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall on Monday 29 June 2026, bringing together two of the United States’ most accomplished youth orchestras in an exhilarating celebration of orchestral music.
At a time when cost-of-living pressures are felt across the community, the concert offers free access to a world-class orchestral experience in one of the world’s most iconic venues.
Experience the exhilarating sound of the 120-piece Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies (Minneapolis, Minnesota), led by Maestro Mark Russell Smith and featuring the thunderous resonance of six timpani. Joining them is the 40-piece Spokane Youth Symphony (Washington State), under the direction of Dr Philip Baldwin.
En route to Sydney, the Music Masters concert series will present Kia Ora in Auckland on 25 June at the Bruce Mason Centre, in a collaborative performance between the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies and the Auckland Youth Orchestra.
A Musical Voyage is an inspiring program spanning masterpieces by Wagner, Brahms, Haydn and Prokofiev, alongside music by Copland, John Williams and contemporary American composers.
The program will feature a moving tribute to Australia’s servicemen and women, with a special performance by one of Australia’s leading bagpipers and buglers, including The Ode, The Last Post, and a Lone Piper’s Lament.
The concert continues Music Masters’ long-standing commitment to making world-class live music accessible to all audiences. Since 1994, the organisation has presented free performances at the Sydney Opera House, creating opportunities for international youth ensembles to perform for Australian audiences while fostering cultural exchange through music.
“Music has a unique ability to connect people across cultures and generations,” said a Music Masters spokesperson. “For 36 years, Music Masters has brought some of America’s finest youth orchestras to Australia, culminating in performances at the Sydney Opera House. We are proud to offer Sydney audiences the chance to experience these exceptional young musicians free of charge, and we look forward to continuing this annual tradition for many years to come.”
The Music Masters concert series is recognised internationally for showcasing exceptional youth, school and university ensembles in prestigious venues around the world. The Sydney series has become a valued part of the city’s cultural landscape, attracting audiences eager to experience emerging musical talent from across the globe.
EVENT DETAILS
A Musical Voyage
Monday 29 June 2026
Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
Doors open: 12.00pm Concert commences: 12.30pm Run time: 150 minutes
Free tickets: Book Here
The Spokane Youth Symphony is out of Spokane, Washington, not Minnesota.
Also, Minnesota is not in the Northwest; it is part of the Upper Midwest.
Thank you for your advice Amy
Have made the corrections
Best wishes
David