European Union Youth Orchestra open to young Maltese musicians

Young Maltese musicians will, for the first time after Malta joins the EU in May next year, be able to audition to join the European Union Youth Orchestra for 2004/2005, Youth and the Arts Minister Jesmond Mugliett told a news conference.

Prof. Charles Camilleri was proposed by the EUYO to head a selection board that would be entrusted with the assessment of candidates.

Preliminary auditions will be held during the fourth week of November. Re-auditions will take place under an EUYO panel early in 2004.

Mr Mugliett said those chosen will have the opportunity to join the 140-strong EUYO orchestra on its 2004/5 tour, which will include performances in different parts of Europe, including Northern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic States.

Applicants must be aged between 14 and 24 and have at least Grade 8 standard in their chosen orchestral instrument.

Application forms together with written references of musical ability must be submitted by hand at the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts, 230, Republic Street, Valletta by November 10. Application forms may be obtained from the same address.

The European Union Youth Orchestra was established 25 years ago in the UK in order to assemble the EU's most talented young musicians, and auditions are held on an annual basis.