2003 was an extremely difficult year for the Asian Youth Orchestra.

With highly successful auditions complete and results announced, and with plans set for the orchestra's Rehearsal Camp in Hong Kong and concerts in Hong Kong, Japan and Europe, the uncertainty of the SARS epidemic, then spreading throughout the region and beyond, left the Executive Committee with no choice but to cancel the season.

Coming as it did at the end of the 7th month of the orchestra's fiscal year and just ahead of the time when most sponsorship fees are received; the cancellation had a devastating affect on the orchestra's finances. The impact was compounded by the fact that there would be no income from concert performance or ticket sales.

The creation each year of an orchestra that brings together musicians from 12 countries is a fragile endeavor complicated by the challenges of funding in uncertain economic environments. Listening to comments from the musicians selected for the 2003 season, their parents and our sponsors, there is no doubt that the decision to cancel the season was correct and supported by all.

As one might imagine, the cancellation of the season was extremely disappointing to those who had been selected to play in the orchestra. To deal with this issue in the most positive way, for all those invited for the 2003 season were given the opportunity to participate in AYO 2004.