Young Maltese to be auditioned for European Youth Orchestra

Renowned cultural ambassador Joy Bryer was in Malta last week to discuss the recruitment of local musicians for the European Youth Orchestra (EUYO). The orchestra, made up of talented young musicians from EU countries, is the brainchild of Mrs Bryer and her husband Lionel.

Music is a cultural vehicle with the unique capacity and potential to unite people from different walks of life and who share different ideals. An orchestra is a marriage between talent, dedication and people who have the common aim of making great music. The EUYO goes one step further.

The EUYO is a melting pot of cultures - it aims to create and demonstrate co-operation and unity between Europe's talented young musicians. They work together under internationally renowned professors and conductors and provide music of the highest standard for the benefit of European citizens and beyond. In this respect, the EUYO is an example of the European ideal - a united community of nations working together for peace and harmony.

The orchestra has attracted world-famous conductors, including Daniel Barenboim, Leonard Bernstein, Carlo Maria Giulini, Herbert von Karajan, Zubin Mehta, Vladimir Ashkenazy and many more. The EUYO has performed in the major cities and venues, and attracted audiences from all walks of life - from dignitaries to the general public.

Now Maltese musicians too can form part of this prestigious orchestra. In the space of a few days, Mrs Bryer, EUYO's secretary general and co-founder, has discussed various important issues relating to the EUYO and also visited various cultural locations. She was taken up by Valletta and found it unexpectedly beautiful. She described the Manoel Theatre as a jewel and the space outside Mdina's cathedral as a venue ideal for a concert.

Mrs Bryer is currently visiting EU accession countries to discuss prospective EUYO members. The orchestra currently has about 140 players. In Malta, she has met Foreign Minister Joe Borg, Youth and Culture Minister Jesmond Mugliett, National Orchestra director Michael Laus, Manoel Theatre artistic director Tony Cassar Darien and renowned musician and composer Professor Charles Camilleri.

She has also been in touch with the University of Malta's Music department, Dr Simon Mercieca from the University's Mediterranean Institute and the Johann Strauss School of Music.

In talks with Ministers Borg and Mugliett, she discussed the setting up of preliminary auditions. Mrs Bryer would like to publicly urge all young musicians to try for auditions, whether they have formal grade qualifications or not. The EUYO believes that the competition should be open to all.

Requirements include talent, commitment, dedication, and a desire to be not just a great musician, but also to learn about different cultures and share experiences. Mrs Bryer said that the EUYO is an opportunity for countries to work together "to make the greatest music. It is not just the music, but also the building together of young Europeans of the future."

In Malta, official announcements for auditions, which will most likely take place in October, will be made shortly in the media. Then, a local jury will suggest final candidates after a series of auditions. Then, EUYO's head of strings and professor of cello David Strange and EUYO's director of studies Lutz Köhler will assess the finalists and choose the successful candidates. Most likely, the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts will be the organising body for these.

The chosen musicians will be given the unique opportunity to form part of this prestigious orchestra. Musicians will be able to enjoy this experience free of charge - all they will need is some spending money. This year's spring programme saw the EUYO travel to Bruges, Brussels, Zurich, Budapest, Warsaw, St Petersburg and Prague. A different programme was performed in each country, under the baton of Vladimir Ashkenazy.

The rehearsal and tour periods take place during school and college holidays in summer, and where possible, at Easter and/or Christmas. Those who would like to participate again in the following year will have to re-audition. Apart from orchestra rehearsals with conductors and soloists, musicians also work in sections with specialist instrumental tutors. Moreover, members of the EUYO often go on to form part of the world's major orchestras.

The EUYO's patrons are European Commission president Romano Prodi and the prime ministers of each member country. The orchestra's president is European Parliament president Pat Cox. As from next May, Malta's President and Prime Minister will also form part of this circle of patrons. The Ministers of Culture and Foreign affairs will join the honorary committee.

Speaking about the EUYO, which is celebrating its Silver Jubilee this year, Mrs Bryer said, "I am the 'mother' of over 2,000 musicians. I have 'children' and 'grandchildren' from this orchestra - the largest European young family." She firmly believes that the EU offers marvellous opportunities for young people, and with the upcoming enlargement, young people can benefit from "the strength of 25."

Mrs Bryer said, "I passionately believe that the future of Europe belongs to its young people. You can touch, feel and hear this orchestra. Many people see Brussels as a bureaucracy, but this project shows that Europe has a hear." More importantly, it shows that Europe cannot survive just as an economic group. The orchestra works towards forming an enlightened Europe, a Europe with a heart and soul.

Mrs Bryer concluded by saying "we would hope that within the next two or three years the orchestra will be able to come to Malta to give a gala performance, sooner rather than later!" For more information on the EUYO, interested persons can log on to the official Website: www.euyo.org.uk.