In 1962, three German young trombonists came to Cambridge to join the Holiday Orchestra, and the Cambridge-Heidelberg Youth Orchestra was born, later joined by the Conservatoire of the French city Montpellier to make it a tri-partite international exchange for music, friendship and culture.
The unique Cambridge-Heidelberg-Montpellier Youth Orchestra meets every summer in one of the cities involved, with 25 young players from each country. They stay in local families, rehearse for 8 or 9 days, and perform a concert conducted by the three musical directors from the three cities. As well as the music-making, there are social activities that enable the musicians to spend time together and learn about the local culture and form new friendships.
There are no auditions but the standard is high - most players are at least Grade 7, and many of Diploma standard, though younger players of at least good Grade 5 are encouraged to join.
Anyone living in the Cambridge area is eligible to apply, aged from 13 to 21, but their family must be willing to welcome at least one foreign guest when it comes to Cambridge's turn to be the host city.
The orchestra is a non-profit organisation run by a parent committee, working with Cambridgeshire Music to County Council standards of safe guarding and excellence.
Interested in finding out more?
For more details please contact Cambridgeshire Music
cm@cambridgeshire.gov.uk