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The Viotta Youth Orchestras Association consists
of 3 orchestras of which the Viotta Youth Orchestra is the
largest. It is a full symphony orchestra, staffed with 75
young yet advanced musicians ageing between 14 and 21 (average
age 16) and is known to rank among the very best youth orchestras
in the Netherlands. By means of annual auditions potential
members are being selected to join the orchestra. Because
of its reputation, it should not come as a surprise that the
Viotta Youth Orchestra attracts young musicians from all over
the province.
It is the aim and ambition of Viotta to optimally develop
the musical talents of its members, who are being challenged
regularly to demonstrate their musical competencies in order
to monitor their progression through the ranks.
The repertoire of the orchestra covers amongst others the
romantic classic masterpieces and more modern compositions.
The orchestras’ level has progressed very well in recent
years. It performed major works of Stravinsky (Firebird),
Mahler, Bruckner, Rachmaninov and Sjostakowitch with great
success.
During several European tours the orchestra could be admired
in major concert halls, amongst which Smetana Hall in Prague,
The Royal Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Palau de la Musica in
Valencia and concert halls in Florence, Vienna and Aberdeen.
On its 2003 European tour the Viotta Youth Orchestra performed
Mahler’s’ 4th Symphony in Vienna, which was broadcasted
live by the Austrian ORF. The orchestra can also be seen on
Dutch television, most recently in the youth programme “Klokhuis”
that portrayed the role of “the conductor”
In cooperation with the Princess Christina Concours, Viotta
provides the opportunity to promising young participants of
this musical contest to perform as a soloist together with
the orchestra.
Every second year the Viotta Youth Orchestra goes on a European
tour. On a more regular basis it delivers concerts throughout
the province of Zuid Holland. Moreover every once in a while
an instructive excursion is being organized to rehearsal sessions
of professional musical companies, e.g. The Dutch Opera, The
Residentie Orchestra and the Dutch Philharmonic Orchestra.
Annually Viotta organizes a rehearsal weekend in a youth
hostel, whereas for social bonding the members of the orchestra
have the possibility to enjoy a collective meal each month.
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