Hampshire’s youth music ensembles are back in rehearsal after a busy programme of tours both home and abroad this summer.
Councillor Roz Chadd, Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Education and Skills, said: “Throughout most of the year, these dedicated young musicians devote so much of their free time to practising and entertaining thousands of people at events throughout Hampshire, so it is particularly heartening to see them spreading their wings and experiencing a taste of the life of a touring musician.
“Representing Hampshire and our wonderful Music Service abroad has clearly been both educational and enjoyable, and an ideal opportunity to form close bonds as an ensemble.”
The self-funded summer tours took Hampshire County Youth Band (HCYB) to the south of France, the Gosport and Fareham Youth Orchestra (GFYO) to Italy, the Basingstoke Area Youth Orchestra (BAYO) to Germany and the Hamble Area Youth Band (HAYB) toured Cornwall.
Alex Provost, a trumpet and tuba player with both GFYO and HCYB, took part in two of the tours, starting in France. He said: “We played six concerts to packed audiences, including a joint concert with the Dutch String Orchestra. The band also travelled to picturesque Mediterranean towns such as Nîmes, Arles and Avignon for cultural experiences and visits to landmarks such as the Pope’s Palace and the Pont Du Gard, as well as a Mediterranean boat tour. The 40 degree weather also ensured plenty of ice cream and crepes were consumed!”
The BAYO tour to Germany included concerts at a range of spectacular venues such as the Bad Kreuznach Spa Hall. Ensemble members were able to relax, see the sights of Luxembourg City on a day trip and explored the Siegfried Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum.
Northern Italy with the Gosport and Fareham Orchestra took in Venice and Verona, as well as concerts by Lake Garda and the mansion of Villa Ducale.
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