Tuning up for European tour

3:16pm Tuesday 26th August 2008

YOUNG musicians are tuning up for their second European tour following a successful visit 18 month ago.

Congleton Youth Orchestra will be visiting the Black Forest region of Germany in April 2009.

Orchestra trustee Douglas Parker has been over to Germany to see the hotel accommodation and planned concert venues.

He was particularly delighted with one of the venues, the home of the Baden-Baden Philharmonic Orchestra.

The concert hall has a full-tiered stage for the musicians and seating for up to 1,000.

During their stay in Germany the orchestra will be performing three concerts.

The orchestra is looking to put on a joint concert with Westmorland Youth Orchestra, which has just celebrated its 60th anniversary.

They, like Congleton, are one of the few totally independent youth orchestras left in the country.

The Congleton orchestra would travel to Cumbria to play with the Westmorland musicians at their concert venue in Kendal.

It is hoped the concert will take place just before the Congleton musicians leave for Germany.

Congleton Youth Orchestra celebrates its 15th anniversary in November 2009, and anyone joining will have the chance to travel to Germany, providing they can play at the required standard.

String players would be particularly welcome.

Musical director Eddie Garrard and recruitment officer Diane Walton will be working with primary schools in a bid to attrtact children to join the orchestra, including those with no musical experience.

Application forms to join can be obtained by ringing orchestra secretary Helen Chappel on 01260-278843.

For more information on the orchestra visit www.congleton-youth-orchestra.org.uk.