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 ANJO youth Big Band 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 culminating in a performance and a second project is hosted by the Perth International Jazz Festival during the first weekend of November.

2025 Overview

in 2025 the ANJO Youth Big Band is working with 2x incredible international jazz artists. If accepted into the band, you will be required to attend both projects.

Guest Artist(s) # 1

Gordon Goodwin & Wayne Bergeron. Sydney, May 2025

Guest Artist # 2

Claudia Döffinger. Perth, Nov 2025

For the first time, the ANJO Youth Big Band has been funded by Music Australia, the federal governments arts advisory board which alongside our loyal sponsors, allows 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

Key 2025 Dates

Feb 25 - audition materials made available on ANJO page

March 7 - audition portal opens and auditions can be submitted

March 17 - auditions close at 11:59pm

March 30 - 2025 ANJO Youth Big Band announced

Project 1 - Gordon Goodwin & Wayne Bergeron

May 5 - Rehearsals w/ ANJO Artistic Directors

May 6 - Rehearsals w/ Gordon Goodwin & Wayne Bergeron

May 7 (am) - Rehearsal w/ Gordon Goodwin & Wayne Bergeron

May 7 (pm) - Public Concert w/ Gordon Goodwin & Wayne Bergeron

Project 2 - Perth International Festival

October 27 - 29 Rehearsal intensive in Perth w/ Claudia Döffinger

October 30 Concert at Perth International Jazz Festival w/ Claudia Döffinger