EU youth orchestra auditions

Ten young musicians have had their final auditions for selection into the European Union Youth Orchestra.

The auditions were held yesterday in the Music Room at St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity, in Valletta.

The European Union Youth Orchestra (EUYO) was established 25 years ago in Great Britain in order to assemble the European Union's most talented young musicians and auditions are held on an annual basis. This year the auditions are taking place in the 15 EU member states as well as the 10 acceding countries. More than 1,000 auditions take place every year.

A total of 29 Maltese musicians aged between 14 - 24 applied to take part in the preliminary auditions which took place in November. The selection board then chose 10 performers to take part in the final auditions, which are being held under EUYO audition panel member David Strange.

The final decision on the selection of Maltese performers - if any are found up to standard - will be taken by the EUYO audition panel.

The chosen candidates will be given the opportunity to work with the 140-strong EUYO orchestra on its 2004/5 tour, which will include performances in different parts of Europe including Northern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic States.

Other candidates can be selected to join the reserve orchestra.