European Union Youth Orchestra

PROGRAMME

The European Union Youth Orchestra (EUYO) brings together Europe’s future leaders in classical music – the finest players from all 28 EU Member States. Their youthful energy combined with the rigour and discipline of more experienced players never fails to ignite and inspire audiences, the world over. The EUYO presents a rare opportunity to witness a truly united Europe, an orchestra that transcends cultural, social, economic, religious and political boundaries. This year’s summer tour is led by the sought-after Chinese conductor Xian Zhang, and the programme focuses entirely on Russia: the ponderous Hamlet Overture and the playful, virtuosic Rococo Variations for Cello and Orchestra are the EUYO’s way of commemorating the 175th birthday of the Russian composer Piotr Tchaikovsky this spring. The central work after the interval is the grandiose Symphony No. 5 by Dmitri Shostakovich of 1937, reflecting the composer’s great ambiguity in its stark contrasts between darkness, forcefulness and verve.

The EUYO is supported by the 28 Member States of the European Union.