Samuel Garcίa
2016 Recipient of the Aleksandar Pavlović Award
“To be awarded with this special prize is a tremendously generous financial boost and an extraordinary opportunity that gives me the possibility to repair my instrument as well as the chance to do auditions abroad.
EUYO is one of the most important things in my life, and it will be for ever. Not only for the music of such a high level that we are able to perform but also because of the people and all the experiences that I have been lucky enough to enjoy. Every time I go on tour I feel so lucky because I feel that I am living a truly special experience that not many people have been lucky enough to enjoy.
In these years in EUYO I made such wonderful friends, I had the opportunity to work with many incredible conductors and teachers that I never thought I would be able to work with. I have learned English and also been exposed to many other cultures, different from my own.
EUYO is an incredible stepping stone for young musicians. I feel very lucky to be part of it and to improve myself, not just as a musician but also as a person.
I would like to thank Mr. Pavlović this award and also the tutors, staff and all my co-players in the orchestra who make every single day a unique experience; full of energy, friendship and music.”
Nikolai Petersen
2016 Co-Recipient of the Lionel Bryer Memorial Fund Award
“I joined the EUYO in 2014 and since then this orchestra has changed my life - musically and personally. It has given me discipline, unique friendships all over Europe, and shown me how music is a wonderful world we all share, no matter where we come from. Some of the best concerts that I have been part of have been with the EUYO. I especially remember one concert in the Royal Albert Hall in 2014 at the Proms, where we played Shostakovich’s 4th symphony in front of several thousands people. At the end of the concert, the audiences standing right behind the conductor burst into tears. That moment and feeling, which I shared with hundred of my friends on stage, I will never forget.
To be co-recipient of the Lionel Bryer Memorial Fund Award is a great honor and I’m truly thankful. My time with the EUYO is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life. It’s my goal to try and bring the same energy and spirit of playing music into the future things I do. I’ll use the money to cover travel costs towards auditions and masterclasses and to restore a 100 year old snare drum!”
Herlinde Verjans
2016 Co-Recipient of the Lionel Bryer Memorial Fund Award
“Over the years I learned a lot in this orchestra. Not only did I learn to make new friends from around the continent, the EUYO enabled me experience the love of music like never before. The level of playing is high, the players, conductors and staff members are in many ways inspiring, the venues are amazing, the journeys we make are full of surprises. I can honestly say that I experienced my most beautiful, mind-blowing and heart-warming performances on stage with the EUYO, because the energy of all these young people together is something incredible and something I can’t express in words. The things EUYO taught me will help me in the professional world, on and off stage.
I want to thank Mrs Bryer from the bottom of my heart for awarding me with the Lionel Bryer Memorial Fund Award 2016; I feel so honoured and grateful. Thank you again for giving me and so many other young people the chance to be part of this extraordinary youth orchestra and for giving us so many opportunities, it is truly amazing!”
Timo Tromp
2016 Co-Recipient of the Ian Stoutzker Award
“When I was fifteen years old, I saw the EUYO perform for the first time in the Amsterdam Concertgebouw. Completely blown away by their sense of unity, extremely high level of music making, passion and energy, I knew I would do anything to be part of this orchestra.
In the last three years I have had the pleasure and honour of performing with the EUYO and to be part of the family; all 28 countries in Europe combined in one fantastic orchestra. I have learned so much by making music with the top young musicians in Europe, working with some of the best soloists and conductors and by performing in the most famous and outstanding venues. I have also have to thank the wonderful tutors for their excellent tuition and guidance at the MusicLabs on tour. It’s so important to understand that no matter where you’re from, whoever you are, music unites! I have also met some of my very best friends on tour and been part of the most beautiful and memorable concerts – all through the EUYO.
This award will allow a complete overhaul of my instruments, which is very welcomed. I will also use it to continue my studies at the Hochschule fur Musik in Hannover. I cannot thank EUYO enough for giving me this award!”
Emily Davis
2016 Co-Recipient of the Ian Stoutzker Award
“I want to express my utmost gratitude and joy at being given the "Chairman Award". It was an unexpected and joyful surprise and I felt so moved by the gesture. Leading the EUYO this past summer has been an experience I can't very well sum up in the right words - in terms of the job description, it was easy to do with such an energetic and honest group of people alongside me. Musically and spiritually however, I have learnt so much about chamber music within orchestral playing, and how to find the best in the people around me and how to best show my translation of the conductor's baton. Learning from Maestro Haitink is also something I will remember for the rest of my days - I find it hard to believe the experiences we had with him.
The award money has come at an important time for me, as I'm trying to make payments on my new "Simon" school bow, and this will provide a huge financial relief for me. I love the bow and it has helped me to develop, so it is a real pleasure to be able to put the money towards that. I thank you most deeply for this!
The EUYO is for me, one of the strongest and most characterful orchestras in existence. Along with everything is stands for, every member is there wearing their hearts on their sleeves - and this cannot be replicated elsewhere. I'm so glad to have had the years with the orchestra that I have, and many thanks for your continuing support.”