Brighton Youth Orchestra

Brighton Youth Orchestra

Introduction

Brighton Youth Orchestra is known as 'the flagship youth orchestra' for the City of Brighton and Hove. It is often referred to as BYO The orchestra performs major symphonic works. Some pieces played by them are premiers such as the Sir John Tavener's 'Extasis'. The age of the performers in the orchestra ranges from about 16 up to around 18 years old. It is part of a group of three orchestras with the Brighton Youth Orchestra being the most advanced orchestra in both ability and age. The other two orchestras are called the Brighton and Hove Youth Philharmonia - BHYP and the Brighton and Hove Junior Youth Orchestra - BHJYO with BHJYO for primary school to secondary school age and BHYP for secondary school age.

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Who They Have Performed With

BYO takes part in exciting collaborations with choirs, dance groups, drama groups and even graffiti artists. In recent years they have performed with Micola Benedetti, Evelyn Glennie, John Tomlinson, Richard Durrant and Joanna McGregor.

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Venue

BYO practices weekly at the University of Brighton on Friday nights from 6pm-9pm. The orchestra plays at various venues across the country but mostly in the South of England in the Brighton area. Each year the orchestra goes on a tour to somewhere, usual in Europe. The latest tour being to Italy in 2008. However, other tour destinations include places as far away as Hong Kong and also Berlin.

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Conductor and Tutor

The conductor of the orchestra is Andy Sherwood. There are also various tutors who help out on a weekly basis and on the Chrismas Course that takes place each december. These tutors are Adam Bushell, Jenny Caws, Sarah Leeves and Rob Lewis

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[http://www.bhmpa.org.uk/music_and_performing_arts_centres/orchestras_and_city_ensembles/The Brighton and Hove Music and Performing Arts Website]