The International Youth and Music Festival, Vienna Austria

The Charlottesville High School Orchestra has been invited to play at the International Youth and Music Festival in Vienna during the summer of 1998. This is among the highest honors any youth or school orchestra in the world can earn. It signifies that this group of Charlottesville students has attained a degree of musicianship equal to that of many professional orchestras.

Over the last 25 years the festival has welcomed over 62,000 young musicians from 45 countries, representing every continent. Each band, choir, or orchestra is invited by special invitation only, based upon their reputation for excellence. It has become one of the most prestigious of all youth music festivals, receiving worldwide acclaim. As Dr. Michael Haupl, Lord Mayor of Vienna, says: "It is my belief that joint concertizing of young people of so many nationalities has a world unifying effect, and often turns the meeting of young musicians into true friendship."

On tour in Germany and Austria, the CHS Orchestra will give a series of performances on a variety of stages--from concert halls and churches to the village of Krabcice in the Czech Republic. The highlight will be a recital in Vienna in front of some of the most exacting judges in Europe for the chance to participate in the festival's closing concert.

This invitation is an exceptional opportunity for the Charlottesville High School Orchestra, and it is a great honor. Accepting the invitation will have long-lasting consequences, both for these students and for those who come after them. Imagine what a thrill it will be for these young musicians to perform in the cities where Mozart, Schubert, and Beethoven once lived and created their masterpieces.

Even more important, this concert tour will serve as an inspiration for Charlottesville children long after this generation of young musicians has graduated.

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