The Malta Council for Culture and the Arts funds local participation within the prestigious European Union Youth Orchestra. Applications for 2010/2011 may be downloaded from www.maltaculture.com or obtained from the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts, 230, Republic Street, Valletta during office hours or by email from [email protected].

Applicants must be EU citizens, aged between 14 and 24 inclusive on 31 December, be of at least Grade 8 in their chosen orchestral instrument, have orchestral playing experience at local and/or national level, and have to compete every year for a place in the orchestra. All application forms duly signed by the applicants together with two written references of musical ability must be submitted by hand to the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts. For more information one can contact Martin Gauci on 2123 2515; email [email protected] or browse the website www.euyo.org.uk/index.htm. The closing date for submissions is Tuesday 1 December. Auditions will take place on 17 and 18 December.

The aim of the European Union Youth Orchestra (EUYO) is to unite Europe’s most talented young musicians under internationally renowned conductors, in an ensemble that transcends cultural, social, economic, religious and political boundaries - all in the common pursuit of musical excellence. “I absolutely love working with this orchestra – they are young and vibrant and enthusiastic, but at the same time entirely professional,” commented Vladimir Ashkenazy, music director of the EUYO.

Last year’s auditions of nine Maltese participants resulted in one acceptance, one summer school scholarship, one reserve and three “to be encouraged” results. These are very positive results and Jean Noël Attard, who was chosen from the audition last year, now forms part of the EUYO and joined the EUYO summer concert performance.