The World Federation of Amateur Orchestras has roots dated back to 1991. The purpose of the federation was to promote and increase youth orchestra activities worldwide through information exchange and the establishment of exchange programs. The purpose remains the same today and WFAO is a central piece in the work towards orchestral activity in all the worlds corners.
The first era
March 1991 – Establishment of the World Youth Orchestra Conference in Tokyo with participation of representatives from 9 countries.
March 1992 – Second General Conference of the WYOC in Nagoya with participation from 15 countries.
The conference with its linked exchanges was repeated every year until 1996.
August 1996 – International Festival of Amateur Orchestras in Tokyo with participation from 17 countries.
The second era
August 1998 – After a preparatory meeting in 1997 in Hamamatsu, the official foundation of the adult and youth World Federation of Amateur Orchestras (WFAO) took place in Kanazawa (Japan).
Several festivals and meetings took place in the years following 1998.
May 2009 – Mr. Richard Chester from Scotland was elected chairperson at a meeting in Antwerp (Belgium).
The third era (present)
September 2011 – Mr. David Ramael from the United States of America was elected new chairperson at the General Assembly in Glasgow (UK).
A new constitution was accepted and WFAO continues as a non-profit organization under Swiss law.
September 2016 – Mr. Alex van Beveren from Belgium succeeded as new chairperson at the General Assembly which took place at Voksenåsen (Norway).
March 2019 – Mr. Carl Ninian Wika from Norway is the new chairperson, elected at the General Assembly in Singapore.
November 2023 – Mr. Helge Lorenz was elected as new chairperson. The General Assembly was held in Istanbul (Türkiye), one year delayed due to the COVID 19-pandemic.
WFAO 