The European Union Youth Orchestra began 50 years ago as a gleam in the eye of South African Lionel Bryer and his American wife, Joy. Their persuasive personalities convinced people in high places to make opportunities for talented young musicians from various cultures to perform together. From nine European countries, the membership has expanded to pre-professionals from 27 nations. This week, they perform at the Kennedy Center with Pinchas Zukerman, a heady experience for youngsters hailing from cities, villages and the countryside of the continent.
After her husband’s death, Mrs. Bryer poured herself into the project, visiting with government representatives, raising funds so that no young musician would be turned away. She cemented their future by waiting for hours to meet Claudio Abbado and convincing him to undertake the responsibility of becoming their music director. Despite the initial odds, today she gives countless youngsters opportunities to launch important careers.
“Annual auditions are held in each of the countries for ages 14-24,” she said. “Each candidate is asked to play a prepared piece of their own choosing and an orchestral extract. The talent of European youths is so great that choosing those to fill the 130 places is extremely difficult. However, those placed in reserve have a good opportunity to perform during the year. Neither Maestro Abbado nor his successors, Bernard Haitink and Vladimir Ashkenazy, have taken a penny.” This is all about young people and helping them become part of our world’s cultural future.
| Onstage |
| WPAS presents the European Union Youth Orchestra |
| Where: Kennedy Center Concert Hall, 2700 F St. NW |
| When: 4 p.m. Sunday |
| Info: 202-785-9727; wpas.org |
When she is not accompanying the EUYO on tour, Mrs. Bryer is raising money and urging corporations to contribute services. She is especially grateful to the four airlines — Delta, KLM, Air France and Alitalia — who provide free seats and cargo space for the students and their instruments.
Their travels have taken them throughout Europe, South America and to China’s Expo. As an American, she was determined that they come here to play with three virtuosos and experience life in this country by attending a baseball game, eating hot dogs and meeting American youngsters.
“I am mother to 6,000 young people who already have achieved great dreams. To European Union members, this is all about jobs, jobs, jobs for the best in their field. Simon Rattle has six of mine in the Berlin Philharmonic. It doesn’t matter where I travel, at least one of my family comes up to me. On a recent trip to India and Bangladesh, I was recognized by students who had played in Salzburg.” Laughing, she added, “We’re not a dating agency, but many of our musicians have met and married. We look for their grandchildren to join EUYO in the future.”
