European Union Youth Orchestra facts for kids
Quick facts for kids European Union Youth Orchestra |
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| Youth orchestra | |
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| Founded | 1976 |
| Location | Grafenegg, Austria |
| Principal conductor | Iván Fischer |
The European Union Youth Orchestra (EUYO) is a special orchestra for young musicians. Its members come from the 27 countries of the European Union. Since it started in 1976, the EUYO has helped many young European musicians. It connects music schools with the world of professional music. Many people think EUYO is one of the best youth orchestras. It plays at very high standards. The orchestra performs at major European music events. These include the Proms and the Salzburg Festival.
The EUYO is part of the European Federation of National Youth Orchestras. It also gets support from the Creative Europe programme.
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What the Orchestra Does
The EUYO is open to all young people from EU countries. You can audition if you are between 16 and 26 years old. Each year, about 2,000 to 3,000 young musicians try out. From these, around 120 members and 120 reserve players are chosen.
Most members stay with the orchestra for 2 to 3 years. It's a great start for a music career. Over 90% of former EUYO members become professional musicians.
The orchestra holds special training periods called "residencies" every year. These happen in spring and summer. After each residency, the orchestra goes on a tour. The spring training starts with 2 to 3 weeks in Ferrara, Italy. Summer training happens in Grafenegg and Bolzano. These summer sessions begin with a 3-week rehearsal period.
How the Orchestra Started
The EUYO was founded in 1976 by Joy and Lionel Bryer. It was first called the European Community Youth Orchestra (ECYO). This happened after the European Parliament agreed to the idea. Claudio Abbado was the orchestra's first main conductor.
In 1994, the orchestra changed its name. It became the European Union Youth Orchestra (EUYO). This change happened after the Maastricht Treaty created the European Union. By 2013, the orchestra had played concerts in every country of the European Union.
In 2014, EUYO started a project called Towards 2020. This project aimed to change classical music in Europe. It trained young musicians to connect with audiences in new ways.
Almost Closing Down
On May 12, 2016, the EUYO announced bad news. It said it might have to stop playing in September 2016. This was because it was running out of money from the European Union. But many people across Europe showed their support. Campaigns and public events called "flash mobs" took place. Many famous conductors and artists spoke up for the orchestra.
On May 31, 2016, good news arrived. The Council of Ministers and European Commission announced a plan. Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker had asked for help. He wanted to find money for the EUYO. On June 1, 2016, Juncker said the EU would help fund the orchestra again.
Moving After Brexit
In October 2017, the orchestra announced another big change. It planned to move its main office from London to Italy. This move was because of Brexit. Brexit meant the United Kingdom left the European Union. After December 31, 2020, young musicians from the UK could no longer apply to join.
In 2018, the EUYO moved to Ferrara, Italy. The orchestra's main office was then in the Teatro Comunale Claudio Abbado. This is a famous opera house in the city center.
Moving to Austria
On December 5, 2022, the orchestra announced another move. It would move its main office to Grafenegg and Vienna, Austria. This move happened at the start of 2023.
Important People
Since the orchestra began, five main conductors have led it:
- Claudio Abbado (1976–1994)
- Bernard Haitink (1994–2000)
- Vladimir Ashkenazy (2000–2015)
- Vasily Petrenko (2015–2024)
- Iván Fischer (2024–present)
Other conductors, like James Judd, have also helped the orchestra.
Many famous guest conductors have worked with EUYO. These include Daniel Barenboim, Leonard Bernstein, and Herbert von Karajan.
Many amazing solo musicians have also performed with the EUYO. Some famous pianists include Martha Argerich and Evgeny Kissin. Well-known violinists like Itzhak Perlman and Anne-Sophie Mutter have played with them. Famous singers such as Plácido Domingo and Jessye Norman have also performed.
See also
In Spanish: Joven Orquesta de la Unión Europea para niños
- European Union Baroque Orchestra
- European Union Chamber Orchestra
- List of youth orchestras
