The group of 30 musicians, all but one from the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music, will embark on performances at specialist music schools.

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Tanya Phillips has been managing the orchestra for 24 years, and instigated the touring program in 1997. Because of the Illawarra's rich migrant history, every three years she takes the orchestra to different cities abroad which have ties to the region.

"I love the enthusiasm and passion of today's teenagers, because when they are engaged and they're doing something meaningful they honestly give you everything that they have," she said. "It's a very powerful and collective experience."

Not only does the group get to be immersed in another culture, Ms Phillips said, but they get to increase their performance skills and make memories.

"We're playing A very eclectic mix of music from the baroque through to the 20th century," she said of the concert program.

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The orchestra will be practicing some of their pieces in a series of concerts with Steel City Strings, titled "A Celebration of Youth".

The combined ensemble will be at Kiama Pavilion, 2pm on Sunday March 24; Wollongong Town Hall, 7:30pm on Saturday March 30; and Chevalier Performing Arts Centre in Burradoo, 2pm on Sunday March 31.

To book tickets, visit: www.steelcitystrings.com.au