Workshop for budding musicians

Young musicians have the opportunity to join one of the leading youth orchestras in Europe - the European Union Youth Orchestra.

They will also have the opportunity to perform in Europe's major concert halls and work under the baton of Vladimir Askenazy.

The Malta Council for Culture and the Arts (MCCA) is organising a workshop to be followed by auditions for young musicians to participate with the EU's youth orchestra in the 2006/2007 season. The workshop, which will be conducted by the orchestra's head of strings, David Strange, will be held on February 17, 2006 at the Music Room, St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity, Valletta.

Prof. Strange will audition participants that perform well during the workshop. Participation in the workshop is free of charge.

"The Malta Council for Culture and the Arts believes that young Maltese musicians should audition for the 2006/2007 season with the European Union Youth Orchestra. The orchestra will give Maltese musicians the opportunity to work with some of the world's finest conductors and to take part in high quality cultural experiences," the MCCA's executive director, Paul V. Mifsud, said.

This is the third consecutive year that auditions are being held for the final selection with the EU orchestra.

Etienne Cutajar was the first Maltese French horn player to join it in 2004/2005. He succeeded not only in becoming the leader of the French horn section but was accepted again to participate in the orchestra for the 2005/2006 season.

In 2004/2005, harpist Anne Marie Camilleri Podesta` and violinist Roberta Attard were selected in the final audition and they were held on the reserve list. Ms Camilleri Podesta` remained in the reserve list for the 2005/2006 season.

Founded by an all-party vote of the European Parliament in 1976, the 140-strong orchestra is made up of dedicated young musicians from the 25 member states. It has performed in all the major European cities, concert halls and festivals. Members of the orchestra have to re-audition along with new applicants each year in order to keep their places.

Applicants must be holders of passports from one of the 25 EU member countries and must be aged between 14 and 24 as of December 31, 2005.

Applications can be obtained from the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts, 230, Republic Street, Valletta CMR 02, tel. 2124 5168, and must be submitted by hand to the council together with two written references of musical ability by not later than January 12, 2006 during office hours.

www.euyo.org.uk