Palestine Youth Orchestra (PYO) makes its first trip to the UK this summer, following on from a successful tour across Europe in 2015. Its performances bring a message of inspiration, humanity and peace.
The group comprises 85 musicians aged 14-26 from all over Palestine and the wider global Palestine population. Palestinian vocalist, flute player, and composer Nai Barghouti will tour with the group, with students from leading British conservatoires also taking part.
After rehearsing together at Royal Conservatoire of Scotland between 18 July and 24 July the musicians head on a six-date tour that takes in some of the UK’s best classical music venues: Perth Concert Hall ( 25 July), Royal Concert Hall Glasgow (26 July), Leeds Town Hall (27 July), Birmingham Town Hall (29 July), St David’s Hall Cardiff (30 July), and Royal Festival Hall London (1 August).
‘The excellent support of the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music [who founded the group in 2004], without which none of the orchestral projects would be possible, combined with the generous input of guest tutors and staff, creates a wonderful atmosphere that enables the young musicians to perform with a special passion and commitment,’ said conductor Sian Edwards, who leads the orchestra on this trip.
PYO’s goal is to bring together young Palestinian musicians from around the world, giving them an opportunity to play together they would otherwise not have. The group’s repertoire on the tour includes Beethoven’s Leonore Overture No 3, UK composer Graham Fitkin’s Metal, Arab songs by Fayrouz and Om Kolthoum, and Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition.
