End of an era for renowned youth orchestra

For a quarter of a century the SBS Youth Orchestra has toured the world and produced some of the country's finest musicians. But the orchestra has performed for the last time, instead its legacy will continue in a new form.

SBS Youth Orchestra. (SBS)

After 25 years the SBS youth orchestra has reached its coda.

The orchestra board has decided to disband one of the nation's premier ensembles for budding musicians.

Guest conductor Simon Thew denies it’s a controversial decision.

“There is no extra story behind it. There's no dirty laundry to air,” he told SBS. “It's a decision and it's a good one. “

But former child prodigy turned virtuoso pianist Simon Tedeschi says he is devastated at the news.

“I had so much to do with the orchestra.,” Mr Tedeschi said. “They gave me my concerto experience, hundreds of performances around the world and that's gold for a young performer."

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