Melbourne Youth Orchestra - The Big Busk 2026

The streets of the Queen Victoria Market will come alive with the sound of music when Melbourne Youth Orchestras (MYO) presents The Big Busk on Saturday 19 September 2026, transforming one of Naarm/Melbourne's most iconic destinations into a vibrant celebration of young musical talent.

From 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, more than 650 young musicians will perform across a main stage and multiple busking sites throughout the market. Audiences can enjoy live music from solo performances and chamber ensembles to jazz bands, string orchestras, concert bands and full orchestras, showcasing the extraordinary breadth of Victoria's next generation of musicians.

This event is free to attend, however it is also a fundraiser event to support "MYO's Future Fund", a long-term initiative working towards a broader goal of ensuring young people across Victoria continue to have access to outstanding ensemble music education, performances, and creative opportunities for generations to come.

For many students, The Big Busk is a unique opportunity to perform in a relaxed public setting, building confidence while sharing their passion for music with the wider community.

The MYO Big Busk is more than a fundraising event; it's a celebration of community, creativity and the transformative power of music education.

Throughout the day, 14 MYO ensembles will perform, including string orchestras, concert bands, jazz ensembles, the Adaptive Music Bridging Program and MYO's Flagship orchestra, offering market visitors an unforgettable soundtrack as they shop, dine and explore, creating meaningful musical experiences for both performers and audiences.