Buon viaggio Perth Youth Orchestra!
The musicians were at North Inch Community Campus on Friday loading all their instruments into a truck to set off on their summer tour to Italy.
They were due to leave Perth at 7.30am today (Tuesday, July 2) and fly to Heathrow and on to Pisa.
“The RSNO have an empty van and they kindly agreed to transport all our kit,” explained PYO tour secretary, Andrew Mitchell.
“We take everything, from tubular bells right down to music stands.” Saturday, July 6 is going to be their big night when they perform in the square in the city of Florence as part of Florence Festival of Youth Orchestras.
PYO previously went to Florence for its 50th year in 2013.
And following that “most successful trip ever”, it made perfect sense to return to that Italian city again explained Andrew , who has been on eight PYO tour trips over his 27 years associated with the group .
“We play with a backdrop of Renaissance sculpture in the Loggia dei Lanzi . When we were there six years ago, 2,000 people were in the crowd .
“This time the orchestra also has a concert in Perugia, in San Lorenzo Cathedral.
“We have two contrasting settings: small groups - wind, string groups, brass, percussion ensemble, jazz - doing an informal concert and also a big formal one with everyone together.
“This is the biggest summer tour PYO has had for a while, with 80 children and 15 staff. We’ve got seven days abroad and next see Perth on July 8.
“It’s going to be great. The players are fantastic, at the top of their art and I know they’ll really enjoy this tour.”
PYO president Susannah Rae said: “I’m delighted PYO is off on its travels, our young musicians are ambassadors for Scotland, an investment in the great reputation of Perth.”
