County youth orchestras tour France this summer
Young musicians from Oxfordshire County Youth Orchestra and Oxfordshire Youth Wind Orchestra will travel to Europe later this month to perform at concerts throughout the Loire Valley.
The orchestras are supported and managed by Oxfordshire County Council’s music service, and this will be the first overseas tour to take place in five years. They will be performing three concerts in Vierzon, Blois and Orleans between 25 and 29 July.
The local Loire Valley Youth Orchestra will join the concert in Blois and the pupils from all groups will have the opportunity to interact and talk with other young people from the region who share their musical interests.
Councillor John Howson, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “The Oxfordshire County Youth Orchestra is one of the top youth orchestras in the country and is frequently invited to take part in national events across the country.
“It’s great news that both orchestras will have a much-deserved opportunity to perform to a French crowd in the first tour since the pandemic.
“The orchestras are a great opportunity for talented young musicians across the county to expand their skills and gain valuable experience playing together, and I wish them all the best on their tour. I am sure it will be an inspiring trip for all.”
The youth orchestra will be performing Symphony No. 1 in E minor by Sibelius and part of the wind orchestra’s programme will include Olympic Fanfare and Theme by John Williams, arranged James Curnow, in recognition of the Olympic games in Paris.
The orchestras are open to musicians of Grade 7 and above, who live, and or study in Oxfordshire, and are below the age of 18.
People can keep track of the orchestras’ progress on Oxon music’s Facebook page, and X (previously called Twitter).
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