The Asian Youth Orchestra returns to Japan next month, for concerts on Aug. 7 and 8 in the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space (Tokyo Geijutsu Gekijo). This is the 10th year that AYO will perform in Japan. The 104 talented young men and women of the AYO represent the finest young musicians in Asia. The San Francisco Chronicle critic Octavio Roca last year observed that AYO invites comparison not only with the best youth ensembles but also "the most exciting orchestras anywhere in the world."

In addition to the Tokyo concerts, AYO will make first-ever appearances in four Asian-Pacific cities, including Sydney, where it will perform at the invitation of the Sydney Olympic Arts Festival.

This year's tour will feature Cho-Liang Lin, one of the world's foremost violin virtuosos, and the legendary Beaux Arts Trio. Each year the AYO brings together 100 young musicians from 11 countries and territories in the region.

The students first undergo a three-week rehearsal camp in Hong Kong, and then go on a three-week tour under the direction of conductor Sergiu Comissiona, whose appearances with AYO are made possible by J.P. Morgan.

The program is as follows: Aug. 7, 7 p.m. AYO under Comissiona and featuring Beaux Arts Trio. Mozart's "Marriage of Figaro" Overture; Beethoven's Triple Concerto; Brahms' Symphony No. 4.

Aug. 8, 7 p.m. AYO featuring Cho-Liang Lin as violin soloist. Mendelssohn's "Ruy Blas" Overture; Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 4, K. 218; Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique.

In celebration of its longtime association with AYO and conductor Comissiona, J.P. Morgan is offering 10 free pairs of "S" seat tickets to each concert at the Tokyo Geijutsu Gekijo near Ikebukuro Station.

To apply for tickets, send a postcard stating your name, address and the concert date to The Japan Times, Arts & Entertainment, "AYO Tickets," 4-5-4 Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0023. The deadline is Aug. 1.