Monash Academy Orchestra
Experience extraordinary music first hand
The Monash Academy Orchestra (MAO) stands among Australia’s leading university-based ensembles, inviting musicians from the Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music and Performance and the wider university community to partake in a shared pursuit of musical excellence.
Under the guidance of distinguished conductors and guest artists, MAO offers players a professional-level experience performing major symphonic works — from Beethoven and Mozart to Stravinsky, Kats-Chernin and Duke Ellington — with passion and precision. Each season the orchestra also premieres a new work by an Australian composer, commissioned by Monash University Performing Arts Centres, highlighting its commitment to local music. These performances come to life in free public concerts at the Clayton campus, which attract large and diverse audiences and create inspiring opportunities for MAO musicians to share their artistry.
In 2026, the Monash Academy Orchestra will present three performances, each offering a rich and engaging program of orchestral music, featuring acclaimed guest artists and conductors.
Your Performances 2026
Rachael Beesley Conducts
Thursday 19 March 2026, 1:00pm
Rachael Beesley conductor
Mozart Symphony No.35 ‘Haffner’
Beethoven Symphony No.2
Featuring selected members of the Monash Academy Orchestra in a special chamber performance.
Auditions 2026
Auditions for the 2026 season have now closed, however, some vacancies may exist depending on the instrument. Please contact mpac.programming@monash.edu for further information.
Excerpts 2026
- Flute
- Piccolo
- Oboe
- Cor-anglais
- Clarinet
- Eb Clarinet
- Bass Clarinet
- Bassoon
- Contrabassoon
- French Horn
- Trumpet
- Tenor Trombone
- Bass Trombone
- Tuba
- Percussion and Timpani
- Harp
- Concertmaster
- Violin
- Viola
- Cello
- Double Bass
FAQs
Do I have to be a music student to audition for MAO?
No, any student from any faculty can audition for a position in the orchestra.
I was a member of MAO last year. Do I need to re-audition?
At the start of each year, all positions in the orchestra are declared vacant. Members must re-audition for a position every year.
Do I need an accompanist?
Only those students invited to audition for the concertmaster position need an accompanist.
Will auditions take place in person?
No, auditions will be conducted via ‘blind’ video recordings. Audition recording tips can be found on the Phone Filming Techniques document.
I am unable to submit a recorded audition by the due date. Am I still able to audition?
It may be possible to organise a late audition, depending on your instrument. Please contact the orchestra administrator for further details.
When do rehearsals take place?
Rehearsals are project-based and commence 2-3 weeks before a concert. Rehearsals are held in the evenings and on weekends (to avoid clashes with scheduled classes). This simulates the orchestral rehearsal process in the industry and produces the best performance outcome for all involved.
Where do rehearsals take place?
Full orchestral rehearsals usually take place in the Robert Blackwood Hall on the Clayton campus. Various rooms in the Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music and Performance and The Ian Potter Centre for Performing Arts are used for tutorials and sectionals.