PROGRAMMES
ASEAN Varsity Orchestra (AVO)
About AVO
What happens when musicians from different universities, cultures and musical backgrounds come together as one orchestra?
The ASEAN Varsity Orchestra (AVO) brings this vision to life, uniting university students and faculty from across ASEAN. A special thematic group under the ASEAN University Network (AUN), AVO is a first-of-its-kind regional inter-university orchestral programme.
From 9 to 16 May 2027, the inaugural AVO programme will take place at the National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore’s flagship global university. As a gateway for regional exchange, Singapore offers a unique setting for diverse cultures, perspectives and talent from across Southeast Asia to come together—with NUS providing a platform to deepen these connections through a shared commitment to shaping the future.
Led by the NUS Office of Student Affairs – Centre for the Arts (OSA-CFA), AVO draws on the musical expertise and resources of NUS’s Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music (YST) to provide a rich environment for artistic exchange and collaborative learning. The orchestra will be conducted by YST and OSA Vice Dean, Associate Professor Chan Tze Law. Through an immersive week-long programme of orchestral rehearsals, coaching, performance and cross-cultural engagement, culminating in a concert showcase on 15 May 2027, AVO aims to build a regional network that extends beyond the stage, creating pathways for sustained artistic collaboration, interdisciplinary learning and future partnerships among universities across ASEAN.
The AVO Experience
9–16 May 2027
National University of Singapore
More than an orchestral programme, AVO brings together students and faculty from universities across ASEAN in Singapore for a shared experience of artistic development, cross-cultural learning and regional exchange.
*AVO programme is indicative and subject to confirmation.
^Concert line-up subject to artistic confirmation. Soloists to be announced.
Participating in AVO
We invite ASEAN University Network (AUN) member universities to nominate a group of student musicians and one faculty member to participate in its inaugural programme.
We welcome nominations of both music majors and students from other academic disciplines who demonstrate advanced musical proficiency. Selected students will join musicians from NUS to form the AVO, while nominated faculty members are encouraged to contribute their artistic expertise through coaching, knowledge sharing and collaboration with fellow educators from across the region.
Interested students and faculty members should approach their respective universities for information on nomination and participation.
Support arrangements may be available to facilitate participation in AVO, including campus accommodation at subsidised rates. Further information will be shared with participating universities.
To submit your nominations or enquire about participation and support arrangements, contact alison@nus.edu.sg