The EUYO returned to live concerts with a tour to Austria, Germany and Italy. Six symphonic concerts and one late night informal event formed the core of the Summer Tour 2021 public performances. Featuring EUYO Chief Conductor Vasily Petrenko, conductor Pablo Heras-Casado, soloists Alban Gerhardt and Jess Gillam, 17 international tutors, cellist Maya Fridman, mental coach in residence Dinka Migić-Vlatković, and debates as part of the EU’s Conference on the Future of Europe.
GRAFENEGG SUMMER CONCERT
7 August | 20.00 | Wolkenturm Grafenegg, Austria
Pablo Heras-Casado Conductor
Alban Gerhardt Cello
Programme
Edward Elgar Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in E minor, Op. 85
Johannes Brahms Symphony No. 3 in F major, Op. 90
LATE NIGHT SESSION
Informal music and conversation with EUYO musicians and guests following the Wolkenturm concert
Programme
Paul Dukas La Péri: Fanfare
Philip Glass Xingu River (arr. Third Coast Percussion)
David Skidmore Donner
Raymond Premru Five Movements from Divertimento: I. Of Knights & Castles, V. Blues March
Tylman Susato Susato Suite, Six Dances from ‘The Danserye’ (arr. J. Iveson)
Chris Hazell Three Brass Cats
Claude Debussy Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune (arr. F. Klinger)
Johann Strauss II Vergnügungszug (arr. L. Waltersdorfer)
Johann Strauss II Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka (arr. L. Waltersdorfer)
Duke Ellington & Juan Tizol Caravan (arr. R. Bissill)
BOLZANO FESTIVAL BOZEN CONCERT
9 AUGUST | 20.30 | Teatro Comunale/Stadttheater Bozen, Italy
Pablo Heras-Casado Conductor
Alban Gerhardt Cello
Programme
Edward Elgar Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in E minor, Op. 85
Johannes Brahms Symphony No. 3 in F major, Op. 90
BOLZANO FESTIVAL BOZEN CONCERT
17 AUGUST | 20.30 | Teatro Comunale/Stadttheater Bozen, Italy
Vasily Petrenko Conductor
Ricardo Pires Saxophone
Programme
Carl Maria von Weber Der Freischütz: Overture
Michael Nyman Where the Bee Dances for Soprano Saxophone and Chamber Orchestra
Jean Sibelius Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 43
GRAFENEGG FESTIVAL CONCERT
19 AUGUST | 19.30 | Wolkenturm Grafenegg, Austria
Vasily Petrenko Conductor
Jess Gillam Saxophone
Programme
Carl Maria von Weber Der Freischütz: Overture
Alexander Glazunov Concerto for Alto Saxophone and String Orchestra in E-flat major, Op. 109
Jean Sibelius Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 43
TWO ELBPHILHARMONIE SUMMER CONCERTS
21 AUGUST | 18.00 & 21.00 | Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, Germany
Vasily Petrenko Conductor
Jess Gillam Saxophone
Programme
Carl Maria von Weber Der Freischütz: Overture
Michael Nyman Where the Bee Dances for Soprano Saxophone and Chamber Orchestra
Jean Sibelius Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 43
TWO ORCHESTRAS, ONE VISION
In normal years, the EUYO gathers at least 120 players for its concerts, but due to rules on social distancing in 2021, a number of venues are allowing no more than around 70 musicians on stage. The EUYO has therefore decided exceptionally to tour two separate EUYO Orchestras of approximately 70 players, both orchestras meeting together to begin the summer work with a digital preparation week in July.
The first group, named Orchestra Claudio after EUYO Founding Music Director Claudio Abbado, worked with conductor Pablo Heras-Casado and cellist Alban Gerhardt. As Orchestra Claudio finished, the second, Orchestra Joy, named in honour of EUYO Founding President Joy Bryer, was conducted by EUYO Chief Conductor Vasily Petrenko with saxophonist soloist Jess Gillam.
TRAINING RESIDENCIES
An online preparation week followed by physical residencies in Grafenegg and Bolzano gave the two groups the opportunity to work with EUYO Rehearsal Director Peter Stark and 17 expert international instrumental tutors. At Campus Grafenegg, Music Labs that foster an innovative immersive form of work saw the renowned cellist Maya Fridman lead EUYO musicians into the fascinating world of improvisation, helping them to develop their own musical language and artistic vision. The EUYO’s first ever mental health coach in residence, Dinka Migić-Vlatković, helped the musicians with mental preparation, alleviating stress and stage fright. The mental health of young musicians is rightfully gaining increased attention, and as part of the EUYO’s new sustainability programme, players are encouraged to articulate and focus on this area of their work.
The Orchestra also began a new long term project with Grafenegg, working with the Lower Austrian Music Schools to encourage music making for young people, and finally, in both Grafenegg and Bolzano, EUYO musicians took part in preparatory talks for the Conference on the Future of Europe, an initiative from the European Commission and the European Parliament to encourage citizens to take the lead in debates exploring what kind of Europe we all want to live in, and to further the ability of all of us in society to build solutions together.
PHOTOGRAPHER IN RESIDENCE
For the first time, a photography student from the University of Applied Arts in Vienna, Michael Giefing, joined the EUYO musicians on Summer Tour. He got to deep dive into the world of an orchestra, learn about its ways and take up an insider's perspective to document this unique experience. A selection of his work can be viewed here.