Mozart Philharmonic Orchestra performing on stage
Mozart Philharmonic Orchestra

Mozart
Philharmonic
Orchestra

Nurturing the next generation of orchestral musicians through discipline, artistry, and the transformative power of ensemble performance.

The Mozart Philharmonic Orchestra exists to place young musicians at the heart of the orchestral tradition — cultivating technique, expression, and the irreplaceable experience of making music together at the highest level.

What is the Mozart Philharmonic Orchestra?

A professional-standard youth ensemble program committed to orchestral excellence from first rehearsal to final performance.

Orchestral Excellence

Students are placed in one of three ensembles — Preparatory, Chamber, or Symphony — matched precisely to their level and age, ensuring every rehearsal is both challenging and achievable.

Performance as Education

Concerts, festivals, and competitions are woven into every term — not as special occasions but as the core measure of musical growth. Students perform in distinguished Sydney venues throughout the year.

World-Class Faculty

Conducted and guided by internationally credentialed musicians — conservatorium graduates, principal players, and acclaimed soloists who bring professional-level insight to every rehearsal.

MPO rehearsal — conductor leading the orchestra

Rigorous, Inspiring, Collaborative

Every week, MPO students gather for a structured ensemble rehearsal guided by professional conductors and section tutors. Repertoire spans the full canon of the orchestral tradition — from Handel and Haydn to Dvořák and Shostakovich — ensuring students develop both historical breadth and technical depth.

Beyond technique, students learn the discipline of listening, the art of blending, and the confidence that only comes from performing alongside exceptional peers. This is orchestral education at a standard befitting the Sydney Conservatorium tradition.

Explore the Program
MPO students performing in concert

Performing at the Highest Level

The Mozart Philharmonic Orchestra presents a rich calendar of public performances throughout the year — from intimate chamber evenings to full symphonic concerts at prominent Sydney venues. Students experience the full arc of professional performance: preparation, rehearsal, dress rehearsal, and the stage.

Exceptional students are selected to participate in masterclasses with visiting artists, AMEB preparation workshops, and the annual Sydney International Music and Fine Arts Festival — one of the most prestigious youth music competitions in the Asia-Pacific region.

About the Festival

Sydney International Music & Fine Arts Festival

The Mozart Philharmonic Orchestra is the official host of the annual Sydney International Music & Fine Arts Festival — an internationally registered competition renowned for fostering collaboration between young musicians around the globe.

The festival allows students to compete at a virtuoso level, receive masterclasses from leading musicians and educators, and perform in prestigious venues including the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and the Sydney Opera House.

From Our Community

"Joining the Mozart Philharmonic Orchestra was the turning point in our daughter's musical life. The standard of instruction is simply exceptional — she has grown more in one term here than in three years elsewhere."

Sarah L.
Parent of Year 8 Violinist

"Performing Dvořák's New World Symphony at the end of our first year was something I never imagined possible at my age. The conductors and tutors push you to achieve things you didn't know were within reach."

James T.
MPO Cellist, Year 10

"As a parent, what impresses me most is the professionalism of the faculty and the seriousness with which every student is treated. This is not a hobby group — it is a genuine conservatorium-standard training ground."

Dr Michelle W.
Parent of MPO Flautist

Led by World-Class Faculty

The Mozart Philharmonic Orchestra is shaped by an internationally credentialed faculty — among the most distinguished music educators and performers working in Australia today.

Mr Ilya Isakovich — Musical Director
Mr Ilya Isakovich
Violin · Musical Director

Our Head of Strings and Musical Director of the Mozart Philharmonic Orchestra. A violinist of international standing, Mr Isakovich brings rigorous conservatorium training and broad ensemble experience to every rehearsal.

Mr Frank Celata — Head of Woodwind
Mr Frank Celata
Clarinet · Head of Woodwind

Head of Woodwind at the Academy, Mr Celata studied at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and has performed with leading Australian and international ensembles. His expertise guides MPO's woodwind section to an exceptional standard.

Ms Rachel Siu — Head of Cello
Ms Rachel Siu
Cello · Head of Cello

Head of Cello at the Academy and a distinguished performer and pedagogue. Ms Siu's exacting standards and warmth as a teacher make her an indispensable part of the Mozart Philharmonic Orchestra's string faculty.

Meet the Full Faculty

Ready to Join the Orchestra?

We welcome students of all backgrounds who demonstrate dedication, curiosity, and a genuine love of music. Applications for the 2026 season are now open.