Czech Republic Tour 2024

During 1 - 7 August 2024 Gloucestershire Youth Orchestra (GYO), Gloucestershire Youth Wind Orchestra (GYWO), Gloucestershire Youth String Orchestra (GYSO) and Gloucestershire Youth Jazz Orchestra (GYJO) embarked on a journey to Plzen and Prague. Performances were given at Kladruby Monastery, Church of Virgin Mary Assumption Plasy Monastery and Plzen Grand Synagogue.

Millicent GYO/GYSO on orchestral opportunities:

Rehearsing in extra depth for the tour allowed us to develop our dynamics to work together even more beautifully than usual. The tour let us get to know people we don’t normally talk to, so when we came together in the concerts, it felt like we all performed as one. I was amazed how professional we looked, and it felt so special to share this heightened orchestra experience with all my friends, old and new.

Martha GYO/GYSO/GYWO on venues:

The venues we played in were amazing! The architecture was so beautiful (especially the decorative ceilings) and the acoustics really helped the music to blossom. Solos were especially incredible as the music resonated throughout the building! There were large audiences every night who really loved the music and the setting.

Kitty GYO/GYWO on repertoire:

The repertoire across all youth groups varied from classical to jazz and more modern pieces. We also had the chance to play a Czech piece called Vltava which was a nice contrast with Heart of the 5 Valleys reflecting the countryside of Gloucestershire. Lois got the opportunity to conduct one of the pieces in GYWO called Buglers Holiday, whilst Kitty and Leona got the chance to play a duet called Hungarian Fantasy in the first concert. In the second concert Isaac led the solo within Vivaldi's Four Seasons. Furthermore Matt played a solo on his Cello on the last concert in the Synagogue which had incredible acoustics. Overall there was a contrasting repertoire from all groups, showcasing different abilities and pieces which came together to create a diverse celebration for the audience.

Lois GYO/GYWO on day trips:

We had an amazing time on our day trips. We were allowed to explore the areas in small groups, and given the freedom to source our own meals and manage our own time. On our first day, we went into the city of Plzeň, where our hotel was based. We went out for lunch at a lovely restaurant, and admired some old luxury cars at an outdoor car exhibition, which was located right next to the grand gothic cathedral that stands in the main square of the city. 

On our second day, we travelled to the spa town of Karlovy Vary: a beautiful riverside spa district nestled in the surrounding hills. It is home to buildings where famous movies such as James Bond was filmed, and it was wonderful to walk along the river which ran through the city and observe the intricate architecture. Here, we had lunch at a riverside restaurant, and the food was so good that all of the wasps near us wanted some! 

On Day 3, we went to Prague, which was amazing. We watched the famous clock chime the hour, and took selfies next to the Dvorak statue. We caught a tram to the Prague Castle and marvelled at the architecture and detail that made up the castle and the grounds. We popped into the gift shop and then caught a tram back into the city to search far and wide for food, which was surprisingly difficult considering it was a major tourist hotspot! All in all, it was a great day trip and the views from the castle were stunning.

Leona GYO/GYWO on the social side:

The tour was a great place to meet new people and form new friendships. Phil wrote a quiz for the way there and the whole of the wind bus got involved which was great fun and there was another one on the way back! In the evenings after the concerts we were allowed to stay up and socialise and at dinner we all chatted. The food was great and the beer was really cheap as well! It was such a lovely atmosphere to meet and talk to new people and I think everyone came back having formed new friendships!