SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA MUSICIANS’ ASSOCIATION (SOMA)

Statement on the defunding of Melbourne Youth Orchestras

The union for Australia’s professional orchestral musicians calls on the Victorian Government to urgently restore funding to Melbourne Youth Orchestras (MYO), one of Australia’s most important youth arts organisations.
MYO is an essential training pathway for aspiring Victorian musicians to gain the skills and experience required to join professional orchestras both in Australia and around the world.
Even more importantly, it gives the opportunity for over 600 young Victorians each week and over 1000 more each summer to have music in their lives. Through music, MYO participants are nurtured and challenged, learn discipline, creativity, emotional intelligence and teamwork in the most wonderful way. It is the whole community who benefits.
We understand that the $200,000 of state funding was used by MYO to ensure the accessibility of its programs. In the context of a multi-billion dollar state Budget, this is a small investment in an organisation that has such a profound impact on the lives of young people.
The Symphony Orchestra Musicians’ Association (SOMA) represents Australia’s professional orchestral musicians and is part of the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance. Many of SOMA’s members are MYO alumni and consider it one of their most formative experiences.

SOMA statement on MYO funding cuts Jan 2024

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Last update: February 15, 2024