The AMEB Online Orchestra brings together instrumentalists and singers of all ages across Australia to virtually perform a song as one of Australia’s largest virtual orchestra projects. Participants download the relevant music arrangements, rehearse, record their performance, and upload it. We then combine all the clips into one impressive virtual performance.
"The beauty of the AMEB Online Orchestra is that it is inclusive regardless of musical ability and brings people together. It demonstrates all that is best about the AMEB community." — Bernard Depasquale, AMEB CEO
We aim to create space to nurture and amplify the voices of those who might not otherwise be heard. Through a partnership with the Yugambeh Youth Aboriginal corporation, the traditional custodians of the land located in south-east Queensland, we have increasingly included Yugambeh language in the Online Orchestra repertoire – from a Yugambeh language opening in 2019, to an original piece based on a Yugambeh lullaby in 2021.
We will continue to lead the way in providing an inspiring and inclusive repertoire to our performing arts community. Since our first Online Orchestra in 2018, participation has continued to grow with every new iteration of the project to build a nationwide community of passionate instrumentalists and singers. Online Orchestra will be returning in 2024 – watch this space to find out how to get involved!
2021
2021
Morning Star and Evening Star
In 2021, the Online Orchestra performed 'Morning Star and Evening Star,' written by Dr Candace Kruger, Yugambeh Elder and Songwoman, Lann Levinge, and Isobella Kruger.
We are thankful for the invaluable support of the Besen Family Foundation, Yugambeh Youth Aboriginal Corporation, and Levinge Events, who enabled us to commission 'Morning Star and Evening Star' and provide Learning Resources and Learning Plans mapped to the National Curriculum. An original piece based on a Yugambeh lullaby, this project supports increased education of First Nations music throughout Australia.
"Wow, I'm absolutely loving this new AMEB Online Orchestra learning resource. Thank you for creating such a wonderful resource to use in music education to help students develop an understanding of the Aboriginal culture." — 2021 Online Orchestra participant
Project credits
'Morning Star and Evening Star': lyrics adapted by Dr Candace Kruger and composed by Dr Candance Kruger, Lann Levinge, and Isobella Kruger Arrangement for Online Orchestra: Steven Hodgson, David Howell, and Alex Garsden Learning Resources: created by Dr Candace Kruger, Leanne Kuss and Paula Nihôt Philanthropic Partner: Besen Family Foundation Event Partner: Levinge Events Project Partner: Yugambeh Youth Aboriginal Corporation
The 2019 Online Orchestra, conducted by Jessica Gethin, performed the Australian anthem ‘I am Australian.’
The much-loved song brought 1,244 musicians from every corner of Australia together in a virtual performance full of passion and warmth.
Project credits
‘I am Australian’ music and lyrics: Bruce Woodley AO and Dobe Newton Arrangement for Online Orchestra: Steven Hodgson, David Howell, Alex Garsden, and Alice Giles (harp arrangement) Audio and visual engineers: Jarrad Gilson and Jaspar James, Oakland Productions Yugambeh language translation: Yugambeh Museum Yugambeh language performers: Yugambeh Youth Choir Conductor: Jessica Gethin Project Ambassadors: Bruce Woodley AO and Jessica Gethin Project Sponsors: Hal Leonard Australia, Valient Press, Oaklands Productions Event Partner: Melbourne Conservatorium of Music
2018
2018
Waltzing Matilda
The first AMEB Online Orchestra project saw 1900 people come together to perform the Australian traditional song, ‘Waltzing Matilda.’
We had a saxophonist from rural NSW, a flute choir from Victoria, a plethora of choirs and pianists, and even a full symphony orchestra and chorus.
Project credits
‘Waltzing Matilda’ music: adapted by Christina MacPherson (1864-1936) from Thou bonnie wood o’ Craigielea by James Barr (1779-1860) ‘Waltzing Matilda’ words: Andrew Barton ‘Banjo’ Paterson (1864-1941) Arrangement for Online Orchestra: Steven Hodgson and David Howell Audio and visual engineer: Jarrad Gilson, Oaklands Productions Conductor: Benjamin Northey Yugambeh language translation: Yugambeh Museum Yugambeh language performers: Yugambeh Youth Choir Project Ambassadors: Ambre Hammond and Benjamin Northey Project Sponsors: Kawai, Oaklands Productions, D’Addario, Fine Music, and Hal Leonard
AMEB Award
By clicking Subscribe, you agree to receive marketing emails from AMEB Ltd. at the details provided. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Message frequency varies. Click the unsubscribe link where applicable. By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.
Want to know more?
We’d love to hear from you! Call, email or send us a message.
