The Big Busk 2024

SYO Presents The Big Busk 2024: 

A Celebration of Orchestral Music Across the City 

Sydney Australia – Saturday September 28th 2024 – Sydney Youth Orchestras (SYO) is excited to announce the return of The Big Busk our biggest annual fundraising event happening on Saturday September 28th  bringring our orchestras to some of Sydney’s most iconic locations.

This year marks a special evolution of the event as we shift from our traditional weekday slot to a Saturday allowing more people to immerse themselves in a full day of music and community engagement across Sydney’s CBD and Parramatta with over 600 talented musicians from the SYO taking to the streets for the love of music. 

A Legacy of Innovation and Impact 

The Big Busk began in 2018 as an audacious undertaking: moving over 660 young musicians across the city to perform at multiple venues in an incredible showcase of talent and dedication and in 2022 we added in livestreaming the entire event in a single day. This innovative initiative that not only raises money to support young musicians but celebrates to the depth and diversity of youth orchestral music will also be presented in South Australia by the Adelaide Youth Orchestras (AdYO) on September 21st 2024.  

Never seen or heard an orchestra? SYO has 15 orchestras full of talented young people aged 5 to 25 years of age. Performing over 16 hours and 60 pieces of music The Big Busk has something for everyone. From pop classics to classical masterpieces The Big Busk is an exciting day out or even a music filled day in via the live stream! 

Why We Busk 

The Big Busk is not just about the performances — it is about ensuring the future of music through vital fundraising. With less than 7% of our funding coming from government sources we depend on the generosity of our community to continue nurturing young talent. Your donations during The Big Busk directly support: 

• Purchasing “endangered” instruments: Ensuring our orchestras have access to rare and unique instruments. 
• Expanding our sheet music library: Providing our musicians with a diverse repertoire to learn and perform. 
• Supporting business infrastructure: Maintaining the resources needed to operate and grow. 
• Finding a permanent home: Securing a dedicated space for our musicians to rehearse and perform. 

2024 Busking Locations 

This year The Big Busk will take over five key locations across Sydney each offering a unique atmosphere for the performances: 

• Pitt Street Mall: The bustling shopping district will be transformed by the sounds of live orchestral music.  
• Queen Victoria Building (QVB): Experience music within one of Sydney’s most beautiful heritage sites. 
• Dixon Street Mall: Enjoy the fusion of classical music with the cultural vibrancy of Chinatown. 
• Market City: Catch our orchestras in the lively marketplace that houses Paddy’s Markets and an amazing array of shops restaurants and cafes.  
• Parramatta Centenary Square: Witness the incredible Western Sydney Youth Orchestra bringing their big sound to the streets of Parramatta.  
• In addition to these locations we will be livestreaming all day from Haymarket Creative so wherever you are you can join in the festivities. 

A Day for the Whole City 

Moving The Big Busk to a Saturday this year means more Sydneysiders can make a day of it. Whether you are exploring the city shopping or simply out for a stroll you can enjoy live music from our talented young musicians and be part of this unique event. 

Host or Publisher Sydney Youth Orchestras