In 1996 Nigel Edwards became conductor of the BlueScope Steel Youth Orchestra and in 2002 his work was recognised by The Orchestras of Australia Network with an award for fostering excellence, innovation and creativity in a regional area.

The award winning BlueScope Youth Orchestra (BSYO) is based at the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music.

It was formed in 1986 as an innovative joint venture between the Conservatorium and local steel company, BlueScope, to establish a regional youth orchestra.

For the past 30 years the BSYO has provided training, development and performance opportunities for the school age population of the region.

The BSYO undertakes annual tours to provide Orchestra members with a broad range of performance opportunities.

Tours have encompassed five different states of Australia, and one territory, as well as international tours to New Zealand, Yogyakarta Indonesia, Spain, France, Germany and Italy.

This year the Orchestra is undertaking its fifth European Tour to celebrate the Orchestra's 30th Anniversary, visiting Hungary, Slovenia, Austria, and Italy.

The BlueScope Youth Orchestra is an integral part of their community. They regularly perform at community events such as Seniors Week, Youth Week, festivals such as Viva La Gong and the Illawarra Folk Festival, and do concerts to raise money for charity.

The Orchestra regularly performs for other regional musical societies, and performs for visiting national and international dignitaries and has hosted international Youth Orchestras including the Danish NationalYouth Orchestra, the New York Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, the Cincinnati Strings, and the Colorado Youth Symphony.

The orchestra will be presenting a delightful programme. As usual Music Shoalhaven will provide afternoon Tea. Tickets can be bought at the door. Adults are $35, concession is $25 and children are free.

The event will be held at the Nowra School of Arts at 2pm.

For more information people can contact Ona Boyd-Frazier 02 44232802.