Big Busk 2024

SYO Presents The Big Busk 2024: A Celebration of Orchestral Music Across the City of Sydney.

Sydney Youth Orchestras (SYO) is excited to announce the return of The Big Busk, our biggest annual fundraising event, happening on Saturday September 28th, across some of Sydney’s most iconic locations. This year marks a special evolution of the event as we shift from our traditional weekday slot to a Saturday, allowing more people to immerse themselves in a full day of music and community engagement across Sydney’s CBD and Parramatta.

Never seen or heard an orchestra? SYO has 15 orchestras full of talented young people aged 5 to 25 years of age. Performing over 16 hours and 60 pieces of music, The Big Busk has something for everyone. From pop classics to classical masterpieces, The Big Busk is an exciting day out or even a music filled day in via the live stream!

The Big Busk is not just about the performances — it is about ensuring the future of music through vital fundraising. With less than 7% of our funding coming from government sources, we depend on the generosity of our community to continue nurturing young talent.
Your donations during The Big Busk directly support:
* Purchasing “endangered” instruments: Ensuring our orchestras have access to rare and unique instruments.
* Expanding our sheet music library: Providing our musicians with a diverse repertoire to learn and perform.
* Supporting business infrastructure: Maintaining the resources needed to operate and grow.
* Finding a permanent home for SYO: Securing a dedicated space for our musicians to rehearse and perform.

This year, The Big Busk will take over five key locations across Sydney, each offering a unique atmosphere for the performances:
1. Pitt Street Mall: The bustling shopping district will be transformed by the sounds of live orchestral music.
2. Queen Victoria Building (QVB): Experience music within one of Sydney’s most beautiful heritage sites.
3. Dixon Street Mall: Enjoy the fusion of classical music with the cultural vibrancy of Chinatown.
4. Market City: Catch our orchestras in the lively marketplace that houses Paddy’s Markets and an amazing array of shops, restaurants, and cafes.
5. Parramatta Centenary Square: Witness the incredible Western Sydney Youth Orchestra bringing their big sound to the streets of Parramatta.
In addition to these locations, we will be live-streaming all day from Haymarket Creative, so wherever you are, you can join in the festivities.

For more information and to see the schedule for the days festivities head to syo website