Orchestre Symphonique des Etudians de Louvain La Neuve – OSEL
(Belgium, 70 musicians)
7 July – Loggia dei Lanzi, Firenze
8 July – Terme Tettuccio, Montecatini
Music program:
A. P. Borodine, Polovtsian Dance
E. Grieg, Norwegian Dance
A. Dvorak, “New world” Symphony No. 9
conductor Philippe Gérard
Fondata nel 1981, l’Orchestra Sinfonica degli Studenti di Louvain-la-Neuve (OSEL, «Orchestre Symphonique des Étudiants de Louvain-la-Neuve») riunisce circa settanta musicisti, la maggior parte dei quali è parte della comunità dell’Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain). Attualmente è la più grande orchestra amatoriale della Vallonia (Belgio) ed è diretta da Philippe Gérard. Ogni anno, l’orchestra presenta due concerti presso l’Aula Magna di Louvain-la-Neuve, con programmi ambiziosi che esplorano un ampio repertorio orchestrale. Queste esibizioni attirano un pubblico variegato con un’affluenza di circa mille posti. Non mancano le collaborazioni con solisti di fama quali, Julien Elleouet (clarinetto), Pierre Fontenelle (violoncello), Valère Burnon (pianoforte), solo per citarne alcuni. Con entusiasmo ed onore partecipano per la seconda volta al Festival delle Orchestre Giovanili.
Founded in 1981, the Louvain-la-Neuve Student Symphony Orchestra (OSEL, “Orchestre Symphonique des Étudiants de Louvain-la-Neuve”) brings together some seventy musicians, most of whom are part of the Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) community. It is currently the largest amateur orchestra in Wallonia (Belgium) and is conducted by Philippe Gérard. Each year, the orchestra presents two concerts at the Aula Magna in Louvain-la-Neuve, featuring ambitious programs that explore a wide-ranging orchestral repertoire. These performances attract a diverse audience, filling approximately one thousand seats. There is no shortage of collaborations with renowned soloists such as Julien Elleouet (clarinet), Pierre Fontenelle (cello), and Valère Burnon (piano), to name just a few. It is with enthusiasm and honor that they are participating for the second time in the Youth Orchestras Festival. In July 2026, OSEL will have the honour of participating, for the second time in its history, in the Giovanili Orchestra Festival.
Copenhagen Region Youth Symphony Orchestra – DUSIKA
(Denmark 70 musicians)
8 July – Cortile Palazzo dei Vicari, Scarperia
9 July – Loggia dei Lanzi, Firenze
10 July – Piazza Duomo, San Gimignano
12 July – Malcesine
Music program:
C. Nielsen, Preludio da Sir Oluf He Rides
C. Nielsen, Dance Of The Cocks
A. Mozart, Sinfonia concertante per violino, viola e orchestra in Mi bemolle maggiore (Allegro maestoso)
A. Dvořák, Sinfonia No. 8 in G Major, Op. 88
Allegro con brio
Adagio
Allegretto grazioso – Molto Vivace
Allegro ma non troppo
violin Sigrid Ingeborg Dinitzen-Kjærulff
viola Emilie Hjælmhof Kristensen
conductor Christian Schmiedescamp
La Copenhagen Region Youth Symphony Orchestra, DUSIKA, è stata fondata nel 1988 su iniziativa del Consiglio della contea di Copenaghen. L’orchestra conta circa 65 membri di età compresa tra i 13 e i 25 anni. L’obiettivo è offrire ai giovani musicisti della regione di Copenaghen l’opportunità di far parte di un’orchestra sinfonica con una formazione completa e professionale. I suoi membri suonano musica classica con passione e un entusiasmo, raggiungendo un elevato livello artistico. Nel corso degli anni, l’orchestra è cresciuta notevolmente e contribuisce a formare i futuri musicisti per la vita musicale danese. L’interazione sociale e il forte spirito di cameratismo sono molto apprezzati e, insieme alla musica, costituiscono le fondamenta dell’orchestra. DUSIKA tiene circa 8-10 concerti all’anno e si esibisce spesso all’estero. Il direttore musicale pone grande enfasi sui compositori danesi, cercando di condividere il patrimonio culturale della Danimarca con un pubblico il più ampio possibile. Il concerto si apre quindi con due brani di Carl Nielsen, seguiti da Mozart, eseguiti da due giovani talenti dell’orchestra, Sigrid Ingeborg Dinitzen-Kjærulff (violino) ed Emilie Hjælmhof Kristensen (viola), e dalla Sinfonia n. 8 di Dvořák. Christian Schmiedescamp dirige la DUSIKA da alcuni anni, inoltre è primo trombone presso l’Orchestra Filarmonica di Copenaghen.
The Copenhagen Region Youth Symphony Orchestra, DUSIKA, was established in 1988 on the initiative of the County council of Copenhagen. The orchestra has about 65 members in the ages 13 to 25. The aim is to give young musicians in the Region of Copenhagen an opportunity to be part of a symphonic orchestra with a thoroughly and professional instruction. Its members plays classical music with passion and contagious enthusiasm at a high artistic level. Over the years, the orchestra has grown considerably and contributes to nurturing future musicians for Danish musical life. Social interaction and strong camaraderie are highly valued and, together with the music, form the foundation of the orchestra. DUSIKA gives about 8-10 concerts every year, and frequently visits other countries. The music director places strong emphasis on Danish composers, seeking to share Denmark’s cultural heritage with as wide an audience as possible. The concert therefore opens with two pieces by Carl Nielsen, then Mozart, performed by two young talents from the orchestra, Sigrid Ingeborg Dinitzen-Kjærulff (violin) and Emilie Hjælmhof Kristensen (viola) and Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8. Christian Schmiedescamp has been conducting DUSIKA for the last years, he also is the principal trombone with the Copenhagen Philharmonic Orchestra.
Cork Youth Orchestra – CYO
(Ireland, 140 musicians)
7 July – Terme Tettuccio, Montecatini
9 July – Piazza dei Priori, Volterra
11 July – Loggia dei Lanzi, Firenze
Music program:
Arr. A.J. Potter, Finnegans Wake (Irish Traditional)
S. Davey, The Brendan Voyage, (Irish Traditional)
Arr. L. Anderson, The Irish Suite (Irish Traditional)
- The Irish Washerwoman
- The Minstrel Boy
- The Rakes of Mallow
- The Wearing of the Green
- The Last Rose of Summer
- The Girl I Left Behind Me
D.Townsend, Aisling (Irish Traditional) — Piece dedicated to PEACE
A. Márquez, Danzón No. 2
conductor Tomás McCarthy
Uilleann Pipes Naoise Marron
“AISLING” (Irish Traditional) by Declan Townsed – Piece dedicated to PEACE
Una delle molte ragioni che muovono gli artisti a creare è il desiderio di combattere la “bruttezza con la bellezza”.
Mentre ci sono dipinti, libri, poesie dedicati all’orrore che ispirano molti artisti, personalmente io preferisco creare delle composizioni che ispirino gli ascoltatori ad immaginare un mondo migliore e più pacifico.
Questo richiede una capacità di Visione futura (in gaelico “Aisling”), ed è quello che i fondatori della Cork Youth Orchestra avevano in abbondanza.
Quando mi è stato chiesto di comporre un brano per il 40esimo anniversario dell’orchestra, ho tentato di scrivere una composizione che crescesse da piccole e confuse idee musicali in qualcosa di Grande e Maestoso, che confermasse la Visione dei fondatori, proprio come l’orchestra, che, da un piccolo gruppo di ragazzi e ragazze, incerti sul loro posto nel mondo, è cresciuta nel tempo, formando gli orgogliosi, confidenti, bellissimi giovani che adesso sono.
One of the many reasons that artists are moved to create is to combat Ugliness with Beauty.
While there are wonderful paintings, books, poems etc. that inspire horror at the brutality depicted by artists, I prefer to attempt to create a world of sound that inspires listeners to imagine a better, more peaceful world.
This requires Vision (the Gaelic word “Aisling” of the title) … and this was what the founders of Cork Youth Orchestra had in spades.
When I was asked to compose music to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the orchestra, I attempted to create a work that grew from a few little confusing musical ideas into something Grand, majestic, and Worthy of the Vision of founders… just as the orchestra grew from a group of teenagers who were uncertain of their place in the world to becoming the proud, confident, beautiful young people that they now are.
La Cork Youth Orchestra nasce nel 1958, si afferma come la prima orchestra e la più numerosa d’Irlanda. La CYO è diretta da Dr Tomás McCarthy ed esegue circa 6 grandi concerti all’anno. Hanno collaborato con l’orchestra grandi solisti come Sir James Galway, la star di Broadway e del West End Musical Colm Wilkinson, Michael Ball, Killian Donnelly, Michael McCarthy, Sofia Escobar, Mike Sterling, Rebecca Storm, oltre ad una grande varietà di artisti, tra i quali Altan and Cian Ducrot. Dal 2009 ‘The Snowman’ viene presentato ogni dicembre a Cork dalla Cork Youth Orchestra.Quest’anno l’orchestra presenterà un programma di brani di autori irlandesi molto popolari, per il “The Brendan Voyage”, il solista che suonerà l’Irish Ulliann Piper è Naoise Marron. L’orchestra ha partecipato per la prima volta al Florence Youth Festival nel 2002 e questa è la sesta volta che ritornano. La CYO si è esibita a Firenze, Lucca, Arezzo, San Gimignano, Perugia, Montecatini e Volterra.
The Cork Youth Orchestra, established in 1958 is Ireland’s oldest and largest youth orchestra. CYO, under musical director and conductor Dr Tomás McCarthy, presents up to 6 major concerts a year. Previous soloists included Sir James Galway, Broadway and West End musical stars Colm Wilkinson, Michael Ball, Killian Donnelly, Michael McCarthy, Sofia Escobar, Mike Sterling, Rebecca Storm and many more. CYO have performed with an extensive and varied range of artists including Altan and Cian Ducrot. ‘The Snowman’ has been presented every December in Cork by the Cork Youth Orchestra since 2009. The Orchestra will perform a programme of some of Irelands most popular pieces at this year’s Festival. The soloist for ‘The Brendan Voyage’ will be Naoise Marron, an established Irish Uilleann Piper. CYO’s first performed at the festival in 2002 and this is their 6th time taking part. They have performed in Florence, Lucca, Arezzo, San Gimignano, Perugia and Volterra.
Zhongzheng Junior High School Wind Orchestra
(Taiwan, 53 musicians)
9 July – Terme Tettuccio, Montecatini
10 July – Loggia dei Lanzi, Firenze
11 July – Piazza dei Priori, Volterra
Music program:
T. Mashima, A Symphonic Poem “Taiwan”
H. Hirose, Journey to the West
Arr. T. Haga, Amazing Grace
D. Foster / Arr. J. G. Mortimer, The Prayer — Piece dedicated to the PEACE
Arr. M. Taruya, Highlights from “The Sound of Music”
H. Izumi / Arr. S. Miyagawa, Omens of Love
M. Amano, Retro
Arr. N. Iwai, West Side Story
Arr. M. Gouma, When the Saints Go Marching
conductor Ji-Hua Zou
La Zhongzheng Junior High School Wind Band è suddivisa in due gruppi numerosi, gli studenti dell’ottava classe costituiscono il nucleo principale dell’ensemble, insieme a quelli della settima classe, in fase di formazione. Oltre a concentrarsi sugli studi scolastici, ognuno di loro si dedica costantemente ad affinare le proprie abilità musicali. La banda ha ottenuto risultati eccezionali nel corso degli anni, ricevendo valutazioni “Superior” sia al Taipei City Student Music Competition che al National Student Music Competition ricevendo nel 2025 la distinzione “National Superior”, grazie all’impegno della scuola e del direttore Ji-Hua Zou.
The Zhongzheng Junior High School Wind Band is divided into two large groups: the 7th-grade group and the 8th-grade group. The 8th-grade students form the core of the ensemble, while the 7th-grade students are currently in training. In addition to focusing on their academic studies, all members continuously dedicate themselves to honing their musical skills.
Over the years, the band has achieved exceptional results, consistently receiving “Superior” ratings at both the Taipei City Student Music Competition and the National Student Music Competition. In 2026, the band was further honored with the prestigious “National Superior” distinction, thanks to the dedication of the school and conductor Ji-Hua Zou.
Koninklijk Harmonieorkest Vooruit Harelbeke
(Belgium, 75 musicians)
10 July – Arena don Bosco, Borgo San Lorenzo
12 July – Loggia dei Lanzi, Firenze
13 July – Terme Tettuccio, Montecatini
Music program:
J.Williams, Olympic Fanfare & theme
J.Williams, Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban
J.Williams, Star Wars Suite
J.Williams, Hymn to the falle — Piece dedicated to PEACE
J.Williams, Theme from Jaws
J.Williams, Raiders March
J.Williams, ET adventures on earth
conductor Erik Desimpelaere
La Koninklijk Harmonieorkest Vooruit Harelbeke viene fondata nei primi anni ’20, con l’obiettivo di coinvolgere e sostenere il movimento operaio locale. La banda non ha particolare rilevanza fino agli anni ’60, quando il giovane direttore Gustaaf Devolder inizia a dirigerla coinvolgendo diversi giovani musicisti dall’Harelbeke’s Musical Academy. Nei decenni, la wind orchestra cresce in maniera importante, anche grazie al maggior numero di musicisti dai conservatori che vi suonano, esegue spesso anche repertori sinfonici trascritti per banda, con un’attenzione particolare per i brani di compositori fiamminghi. Negli anni vince diversi premi tra i quali il “Concert Division” al World Music Contest di Kerkrade, nei Paesi Bassi. Ogni due anni, la banda esegue i brani dei finalisti del Concorso Internazionale di Composizione di Harelbeke, dedicato ai compositori contemporanei con brani per le orchestre di fiati. Il concorso è stato ideato da Roland Coryn ed è condotto da Erik Desimpelaere, flautista, pianista e compositore, dal 2016 direttore della Vooruit Harelbeke.
The Wind Band Vooruit was founded in the early 1920s, with as most important goal supporting the local workers’ movement. It was a regular wind band with no significant importance until a young conductor, Gustaaf Devolder, started leading the band in the early 1960s. A large group of young musicians, students of Harelbeke’s musical academy, was recruited. This gradually improved the orchestra’s musical quality and the number of members. The continuity of the band was guaranteed by the education of young musicians, not only in Harelbeke but also at the conservatories of Ghent and Brussels. The Vooruit Band won many prizes and since 2004, traditionally performs the finalists’ pieces live at the biannual International Composition Competition Harelbeke. The competition, created by Roland Coryn and led by Erik Desimpelaere, the actual Vooruit conductor, stimulates contemporary music composers in their work for wind band.
The sixties and seventies
In 1964, Vooruit participated for the first time in a provincial competition and was promoted instantly. It didn’t end there, as the orchestra reached the highest division by 1974: the superior division. Vooruit also successfully started participating in the national competition of the city of Antwerp. A next step was taken when Vooruit decidedly chose the path of popular music. The band further improved its musical quality and the number of members grew. The declining popularity of wind bands was countered in Harelbeke through “amusement concerts”, during which popular music, often from American origin, was performed in a relaxed atmosphere. This attracted around 800 people at least twice per year. However, it didn’t imply that the orchestra recklessly chose the commercial path. The band paid a lot of attention to performing the pieces in a just way, and original works were at the top of the repertoire.
The eighties
The continuity of the band was guaranteed by the education of young musicians, not only in Harelbeke but also at the conservatories of Ghent and Brussels. In 1982, the first long playing record was recorded – the first of many, of which the quality grew each time. In 1987, the fourth album was also published on compact disk. After that, eleven more albums followed, one per year. They were regularly played by the Flemish public broadcast, and even by specialised programs in other countries. The repertoire evolved from amusement music to specific works for symphonic wind band.
1985 until 2000
Vooruit’s first international break-through happened in 1985, with the band’s participation in Kerkrade’s (NL) World Music Competition, in which it won first prize in the first division with 341 out of 360 points. One year later, Gustaaf Devolder passes the baton to Geert Verschaeve, who keeps expanding the orchestra in the same style. In 1987, Vooruit participated for the first time in the “Certamen Internacional de Bandas de Musica” in Valencia, Spain. Again, the orchestra scores highest in the tournament, followed by the same result in 1988. In 1989, Vooruit participated among the world’s finest bands in the concert division, which is invitation-only. It scored third highest, with 343 out of 360 points. In 1990, Vooruit won first prize, with standing ovation and praise by the jury for its progressive performance. In the same year, two concerts were also organized in the French city of Nantes.
In 1991, Vooruit participated in the WASBE conference in Machester, with the world creation of “Due Pitture” by Flemish composer Roland Coryn. In 1994, it brough the world creation of “Eight Belgian Impressions” by laureate André Waignein at the composition competition at the “Coup de vents” festival in Le Havre, France. In 1995, the orchestra concluded an especially succesful concert trip to Austria, where a number of musical institutions invited the orchestra to perform four concerts, one of which was broadcasted on national Austrian television. July 1996 started with a concert in the beautiful Parisian park “Jardins du Luxembourg”, on invitation by the French Senate. Following that was a successful trip in Spain, with three concerts and a fourth one as “banda invitada” at the “Certamen internacional” in the Valencian arena.
In 1997, Vooruit celebrated its 75th anniversary. At a regional music festival, almost 40 orchestras perform. During the month of July, the band invites a series of internationally acknowledged bands bring a series of concerts in Harelbeke. In November, a two-day brass festival takeplace with the best brass bands of the country. In July 1997, the international status of the orchestra is confirmed at the WMC in Kerkrade (NL), with Vooruit ranking highest amongst the foreign bands. During the nineties, a new path is chosen in terms of repertoire: the pieces for wind band are joined by a number of great classical works transcribed for wind band. A few examples are Ravel’s “Boler”, Tchaikowsky’s “Capriccio Italien” and “Ouverture 1812”, Brahm’s “Festouvertüre”, …
Wind Band Vooruit pays great attention to the works by Flemish composers, whose work is performed during concerts, and radio and cd recordings. Some examples are: Dirk Brossé, Willem Kersters, Jacqueline Fonteyn, Jan Haderman, Jan Vanderroost, André Waignein, August De Boeck, Willy Soenen, Godfried and Frédéric Devreese, and of course also a number of composers who originated from Harelbeke: Peter Benoit, Jan Decadt, Roland Coryn en Elias Gistelynck. These composers never hid their enthousiasm when their works were programmed by Vooruit. These efforts were crowned by three official nominations of Vooruit as “Flanders Cultural Ambassador” in the consecutive years of 1995, 1996 and 1997, by the Flemish Government.
2000 until 2010
At the start of the new millennium, Vooruit moves forward with a younger management. In 2000, Vooruit becomes first laureate at the international competition of Strasbourg, with a score of no less than 97%. In 2001, the orchestra remains in superior division of the provincial competition, and it also becomes fifth laureate in the concert division of the WMC in Kerkrade, with a score of 93.67%.
In 2002, the orchestra tours in Switzerland, with concerts at the International Alpine Music Festival at Saas-Fee and at the Jungfrau Music Festival at Interlaken. Earlier that year, the band attracted attention at the opaning of Anno ’02, a festival organized in commemoration of the 700th anniversary of the Battle of the Golden Spurs. With the contemporary oratorio “Welp” by young composer Johan De Smet, Vooruit received a lot of positive reactions by an audience that was less familiar with wind bands.
In 2004, Vooruit again participates in the Jungfrau Music Festival at Interlaken (Switzerland), with the full “The Planets” suite by Gustav Holst. The band finishes as first laureate in the highest division, and received the Golden Diploma.
At the 15th WMC in Kerkrade, Vooruit becomes World Champion in the concert division, the highest and most demanding division. This was not an endpoint, but a motivation to further reinforce our reputation in the next projects. The band was invited for a gala concert at the WASBE conference at Killarney, Ireland, in 2007. In the same year, it’s one of the nominees for the Flemish Culture Prize.
At the WMC competition of 2009, Vooruit confirms its status as one of the best European orchestras with a second prize. In 2010, Vooruit is 3rd laureate at the “Certamen Internacional de Bandas de Musica” at Valencia, Spain.
2010 until 2020
During the summer of 2011, Vooruit for the first time leaves the European continent and brings a series of concerts on the South-Korean island of Jeju. The warm welcome and enthousiastic ausiences make the trip unforgettable for all who were there.
In 2016, flutist, pianist and composer Erik Desimpelaere takes over the role of conductor from Geert Verschaeve. One year later, the band toured in the Italian region of Tuscany and in 2019, Vooruit again wins first prize at the Certamen Internacional de Bandas de Musica in Valencia, in the first division.
Since 2004, Vooruit also traditionally performs the finalists’ pieces live at the biannual International Composition Competition Harelbeke. The competition stimulates contemporary music composers in their work for wind band. The finalists’ pieces are also recorded. The competition was created by Roland Coryn and has been led by Erik Desimpelaere since 2017.
In 2018, Vooruit also recorded a DVD. Many recordings can also be found on social media channels such as YouTube and Spotify.
2022: Vooruit celebrates its centenary
In 2022, our orchestra celebrate its 100th birthday. We celebrated it with concerts, a festival weekend, the publication of a book about our history, and the 3rd prize in the Concert Division for wind bands at the World Music Contest in Kerkrade, The Netherlands.
La Koninklijk Harmonieorkest Vooruit Harelbeke viene fondata nei primi anni ’20, con l’obiettivo di coinvolgere e sostenere il movimento operaio locale. La banda non ha particolare rilevanza fino agli anni ’60, quando il giovane direttore Gustaaf Devolder inizia a dirigerla coinvolgendo diversi giovani musicisti dall’Harelbeke’s Musical Academy. Nei decenni, la wind orchestra cresce in maniera importante, anche grazie al maggior numero di musicisti dai conservatori che vi suonano, esegue spesso anche repertori sinfonici trascritti per banda, con un’attenzione particolare per i brani di compositori fiamminghi. Negli anni vince diversi premi tra i quali il “Concert Division” al World Music Contest di Kerkrade, nei Paesi Bassi. Ogni due anni, la banda esegue i brani dei finalisti del Concorso Internazionale di Composizione di Harelbeke, dedicato ai compositori contemporanei con brani per le orchestre di fiati. Il concorso è stato ideato da Roland Coryn ed è condotto da Erik Desimpelaere, flautista, pianista e compositore, dal 2016 direttore della Vooruit Harelbeke.
Symphony orchestra and Choir from Guildford High School and Guildford Royal Grammar School
(Uk, 56 elementi)
10 July – Pieve di San Michele, Corsanico
11 July – Audtorium San Romano, Lucca
12 July – Cortile Palazzo dei Vicari, Scarperia
13 July – Loggia dei Lanzi, Firenze
Il coro e l’orchestra della Guildford High School e della Royal Grammar School di Guildford riuniscono due vivaci comunità musicali in occasione di una tournée annuale all’estero, che quest’anno porterà il gruppo in Italia. Entrambe le scuole vantano dipartimenti musicali particolarmente dinamici, dove i musicisti beneficiano di borse di studio specializzate e gli studenti sono incoraggiati ad affrontare un repertorio ambizioso, a sviluppare le proprie competenze tecniche e a provare la gioia di esibirsi insieme. Nell’ambito di un variegato programma classico, l’orchestra unirà il patrimonio musicale italiano e britannico eseguendo opere di Verdi ed Elgar. Il coro completerà il programma con opere di Byrd e Mendelssohn, e entrambi gli ensemble eseguiranno insieme la Messa dell’Incoronazione di Mozart. Queste due prestigiose scuole si trovano nella storica città fluviale di Guildford, nel Surrey, in Inghilterra.
The choir and orchestra of Guildford High School and the Royal Grammar School, Guildford, bring together two vibrant musical communities, for an annual tour overseas, this year to Italy. Both schools are home to exceptionally dynamic music departments, where musicians are supported on specialist scholarships and students are encouraged to explore ambitious repertoire, develop technical skill, and experience the joy of performing together. As part of a varied classical programme, the orchestra will combine Italian and British musical heritage performing works by Verdi and Elgar. The choir will complement with works by Byrd and Mendelssohn, with both ensembles performing Mozart Coronation Mass together. These two distinguished schools are located in the historic riverside town of Guildford, in Surrey, England.
CHOIR
A.Scarlatti, Exultate Deo
C.W. Stanford, Beati Quorum Via
J.Rheinberger, Abendlied
W.Byrd, Ave Verum Corpus
C.Wood, Hail Gladdening Light
F.Mendelssohn, Richte mich, Gott
T.L.Victoria, O Quam Gloriosum
conductor Grayson Jones
ORCHESTRA
G.Rossini— Overture to The Barbara of Seville
G.Verdi— Grand March from Aida
A.Sullivan— Overture to The Pirates of Penzance
E.Elgar— Salut d’amour
E.Elgar— Chanson de Matin and Chanson de Nuit
conductor Sam Orchard
CHOIR & ORCHESTRA
W.A.Mozart— Coronation Mass
J.Rutter— Gaelic Blessing
conductor Grayson Jones
Saffron Walden Town Band
(Uk, 64 musicians)
20 July – Arena don Bosco, Borgo San Lorenzo
21 July – Loggia dei Lanzi, Firenze
Music program:
SHOW CHOIR
Pop and show tune medleys
F. Mercury, arr. M Dixon and B May, Somebody to Love
B. Pasek & J. Paul, arr. J Paul & A Lacamore, You Will be Found (Dear Evan Hansen)
K. Anderson-Lopez & R. Lopez, Fixer Upper (Frozen)
CHAMBER CHOIR
Unaccompanied choir arrangements (secular concert pieces)
P. Stopford, Ave Verum
CV Stanford, The Bluebird
F.Ticheli, Earth Song
B. Ollen, Trilo
conductor, Sarah Clark
CONCERT BAND
B. Manilow arr. R. Saucedo, Copacabana
HL Walters, Instant Concert
E. John arr. M. Sweeney, Circle of Life
JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Jazz standards with vocalists
G. Goodwin, Get In Line
F. Perren, A. Mizell, B. Gordy and D. Richards, arr. J. Wasson, I Want You Back
R. Parissi, arr. V. Lopez, Play That Funky Music
CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
arr. J. Hoffman, Amadeus! Excerpts from Mozart Symphony No. 25
K. Badelt, arranged T. Ricketts, Pirates of the Caribbean
direttore, Elis Reed
La Saffron Walden County High School vanta un’ottima reputazione per i risultati accademici e un dipartimento artistico fiorente e variegato, in cui la musica riveste un ruolo centrale nella vita scolastica. I 64 musicisti in tournée presenteranno un programma eclettico in grado di soddisfare tutti i gusti, esibendosi in una varietà di formazioni d’insieme. Il pubblico potrà godersi i brani più apprezzati del coro da spettacolo, tratti da artisti famosi, accompagnati dalle raffinate esecuzioni del Coro da Camera di opere di Stanford e Ticheli. La Concert Band, composta da 30 elementi, intratterrà il pubblico con vivaci interpretazioni di Copacabana e Circle of Life, seguite da una selezione contrastante dell’orchestra di brani di Mozart e colonne sonore. La scuola si trova a Saffron Walden, una pittoresca cittadina nel nord-ovest dell’Essex nota per la sua architettura medievale, i negozi indipendenti e la vivace scena culturale.
Saffron Walden County High School has a strong reputation for academic achievement and a thriving, diverse arts department, with music playing a central role in school life. The 64 musicians on tour will present an eclectic programme to suit all tastes, performing in a variety of ensemble combinations. Audiences can look forward to show‑choir crowd‑pleasers drawn from well‑known artists, complemented by the Chamber Choir’s refined performances of works by Stanford and Ticheli. The 30‑strong Concert Band will entertain with upbeat renditions of Copacabana and Circle of Life, followed by the orchestra’s contrasting selection of Mozart and music from film. The school is located in Saffron Walden, a picturesque market town in north‑west Essex known for its medieval architecture, independent shops and lively cultural scene.
Sonora Junior Sax
(Italia, 65 musicians)
22 July – Terme Tettuccio, Montecatini
23 July – Loggia dei Lanzi, Firenze
Music program:
D. Luciano, Per Te
M.White, D. Foster, A. Willis, In the Stone
E. Kálmán, Grafin Mariza
A. Marquez, Danzon n2
P. Hanseroth, The Story
J. Barnes, Symphonic Overture
M. Vanni, Gotan Tango
J. Miles, Music
M. Vanni, Mounsier Dali
G. Miller, Glen Miller in Concerto
Coldplay, Coldplay in Symphony
Arr. D. Luciano, Sonora Italia
L. Pusceddu, Napoli ieri ed oggi
sax Marco Vanni
conductor Domenico Luciano
La Sonora Junior Sax è formata da ragazzi dai 9 ai 23 anni, studenti ed ex studenti delle scuole medie ad indirizzo musicale, licei musicale e conservatori statali. I docenti e il Direttore Domenico Luciano, guidano la formazione di questi musicisti, a titolo gratuito.
La particolarità e l’unicità di questa band di soli sassofoni li porta a riscuotere un notevole successo di critica e pubblico tra i diversi palcoscenici di Musikwerein di Vienna, l’Auditorium Parco della Musica Roma, e tanti altri in Italia. Partecipano anche al Giffoni Film Festival incidendo due CD.
L’obiettivo della SJS, è quello di attrarre i giovani verso il mondo della musica, aiutandoli nel periodo formativo a sviluppare autostima, sana competizione e rispetto dell’altro.
Nuovi prestigiosi progetti li attendono, tra cui partecipare per la seconda volta alla XV edizione del concorso mondiale Summa cum Laude e un nuovo CD con l’etichetta discografica Stradivarius di Milano.
The Sonora Junior Sax is composed of young people aged 9 to 23, who are current and former students of middle schools with a music program, music high schools, and state conservatories.The teachers and Director Domenico Luciano guide the development of these musicians on a volunteer basis.
The special and unique nature of this all-saxophone band has earned them significant critical and public acclaim on various stages, including the Musikverein in Vienna, the Auditorium Parco della Musica in Rome, and many others across Italy. They have also participated in the Giffoni Film Festival and recorded two CDs.
The goal of the SJS is to attract young people to the world of music, helping them during their formative years to develop self-esteem, healthy competition, and respect for others.
New prestigious projects await them, including participating for the second time in the 15th edition of the Summa cum Laude international competition and a new CD with the Stradivarius record label in Milan.
ASIA YOUTH STRING ORCHESTRA, in collaboration with Hong Kong String Orchestra
(Hong Kong, 35 musicians)
24 July – Chiesa di San Filippo Neri
La Asia Youth String Orchestra è stata fondata dall’acclamato violinista Jue Yao, SBS, BBS; JP, e si è formata dalle precedenti Hong Kong Children’s Chamber Orchestra e Hong Kong Youth Orchestra. Ufficialmente rinominata nel 2020, l’orchestra si dedica ad un insegnamento musicale olistico contemporaneamente a un rigoroso training per ottenere un risultato di eccellenza. Sotto la direzione del Maestro Yao, l’ensemble studia in masterclass, workshops, scambi internazionali, concerti, crescendo sia dal lato artistico che da quello tecnico. Negli anni, l’orchestra ha prodotto molti giovani talenti. La AYSO ha rappresentato Hong Kong in diversi teatri internazionali come la Sydney Opera House International Children’s Culture and Art Festival (2005) e il Prague Music Festival (2007, 2013, 2016).
Asia Youth String Orchestra was founded by acclaimed violinist Professor Jue Yao, SBS, BBS, JP., evolving from its predecessors, the Hong Kong Children’s Chamber Orchestra and the Hong Kong Youth Orchestra. Officially rebranded in 2020, the orchestra is dedicated to a holistic musical education, blending rigorous training with performance excellence. Under Professor Yao’s leadership, the ensemble offers a diverse curriculum, including masterclasses, workshops, international exchanges, and concert experiences, fostering both artistic and technical growth. Over the years, the orchestra has cultivated outstanding young musicians, many of whom have gone on to study at world-renowned music conservatories. The orchestra has also represented Hong Kong at esteemed events such as the Sydney Opera House International Children’s Culture and Art Festival (2005) and the Prague Music Festival (2007, 2013, 2016).
Music program:
G. Rossini Sonata 2 in A major
A. Vivaldi Double Violin concerto
Yasushi Akutagawa Triptyque
S. Prokofiev Sonata for two Violins in C major.
A.Vivaldi Four seasons Violin Concerto – Summer
direttore artistico Jue Yao
direttore Samuel Au
Joven Orquesta Filarmónica “Campos Andaluces”
(Spain,75 musicians)
30 July – Terme Tettuccio, Montecatini
31 July – Arena Don Bosco, Borgo San Lorenzo
1 August – Piazza dei Priori, Volterra
2 August – Loggia dei Lanzi, Firenze
Music program:
W. A. Mozart, The Magic Flute, Overture 🇦🇹
P. Mascagni, Cavalleria Rusticana, Intermezzo 🇮🇹 — Piece dedicated to PEACE
F. David, Trombone Concertino 🇩🇪 ( soloist Guillermo Gómez )
C. Saint-Saëns, Samson and Delilah’s Bacchanalian Dance 🇫🇷
G. Á. Beigbeder, Campos Andaluces 🇪🇸
V. Kalinnikov, Tsar Boris, Overture 🇷🇺
B. H. Crusell, Clarinet Concerto 🇸🇪 (soloist Héctor Usero)
J. Sibelius, Finland 🇫🇮
A. Márquez, Danzón No. 2 🇻🇪
conductor Pedro Gálvez
trumpet Guillermo Gómez
clarinet Héctor Usero
La Joven Orquesta Filarmónica Campos Andaluces (JOFCA), è un’orchestra giovanile fondata nel 2019 a Jerez de la Frontera, in Spagna, dal direttore d’orchestra e compositore Pedro Gálvez. Riunendo giovani musicisti provenienti da tutta l’Andalusia, la JOFCA promuove l’eccellenza artistica e il ricco patrimonio musicale della regione attraverso un repertorio variegato che spazia dalle opere sinfoniche classiche alla musica spagnola, andalusa, sacra, da film e ispirata al flamenco.
Nonostante la sua recente creazione, l’orchestra ha rapidamente acquisito una visibilità internazionale, con apparizioni al Festival Eurochestries in Francia nel 2022 e al World Orchestra Festival di Vienna nel 2024 e nel 2025. Attraverso le sue esibizioni europee e l’impegno a mettere in mostra il talento andaluso, la JOFCA rappresenta l’energia, la passione e il futuro di una nuova generazione di musicisti spagnoli.
The Joven Orquesta Filarmónica Campos Andaluces (JOFCA) is a youth orchestra founded in 2019 in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, by conductor and composer Pedro Gálvez. Bringing together young musicians from across Andalusia, JOFCA promotes artistic excellence and the region’s rich musical heritage through a varied repertoire ranging from classical symphonic works to Spanish, Andalusian, sacred, film and flamenco-inspired music. Despite its recent creation, the orchestra has quickly developed an international profile, with appearances at the Festival Eurochestries in France in 2022 and the World Orchestra Festival in Vienna in 2024 and 2025. Through its European performances and commitment to showcasing Andalusian talent, JOFCA represents the energy, passion and future of a new generation of Spanish musicians.
Macao Youth Symphony Orchestra
(Macao, 65 musicians)
3 August – Teatro Francesco Stabile, Potenza
4 August – Piazza Michele Paternò, Castelmezzano
6 August – Piazza San Donato, Civita di Bagno Regio
7 August – Chiesa di San Salvatore, Bolsena
8 August – Chiesa di San Domenico, Cortona
9 August – Loggia dei Lanzi, Firenze
10 August – Tenuta il Borro, Terranuova Bracciolini
D. Lam, GUIA The Light House of Macau
D. Cimarosa, Il Matrimonio Segreto
F. Mendelssohn, Violin Concerto in E minor, Op.64 (soloist Paloma So)
F. Mendelssohn, The Hebrides Fingal’s Cave Overture, Op.26
F. Mendelssohn, Symphony No. 4 in A major, Op. 90, Italian
conductor Lorenzo Iosco
violinist Paloma So
L’Orchestra Sinfonica Giovanile di Macao, Cina, fondata nel 1997, è da sempre l’orchestra di punta della regione. La MYSO ha collaborato con decine di direttori, solisti e ensemble di fama mondiale provenienti da ogni parte del mondo. Dal 2007, l’orchestra ha effettuato tournée all’estero in Europa, Stati Uniti, Asia, Australia e Cina continentale, oltre ad aver contribuito con più di 1000 esibizioni per importanti eventi annuali in città. Ha partecipato ad alcuni dei principali festival come: The Young Europe Classic alla Konzerthaus di Berlino, Musica Riva del Garda e Festival Orchestre Giovanili in Italia, Les Flaneries Musicales de Reims in Francia, Festival Internacional de Música de Marvão in Portogallo, Varna Summer International Music Festival in Bulgaria e Festival al Musikverein di Vienna e al Mozarteum di Salisburgo in Austria. L’orchestra ha l’onore di collaborare con la Bundesjugendorchester Germany, la Filarmonica di Praga, l’Orchestra Sinfonica Nazionale del Portogallo, la Filarmonica Reale Fiamminga, ecc. Nel 2010, la MYSO è stata insignita dell’Ordine al Merito della Cultura dal Governo di Macao per il suo eccezionale contributo allo sviluppo culturale locale.
The Macao Youth Symphony Orchestra, China, found in 1997, has been a flagship orchestra in the region. The orchestra on the stage, with players coming from local schools, tells the story of Macao to the world. The MYSO has collaborated with dozens of world-renowned conductors, soloists and ensembles from across the globe. Since 2007, the orchestra has carried out overseas exchange tours, performing in over 30 cities across Europe, United Sates, Asia Australia and mainland China, as well as contributed more than 1000 performances with a series of major annual events in town. The orchestra participated in some of the major festivals as: The Young Europe Classic in Konzerthaus Berlin, Musica Riva del Garda, and Festival Orchestre Giovanili in Italy, Les Flaneries Musicales de Reims in France, Festival Internacional de Música de Marvão in Portugal, Varna Summer International Music Festival in Bulgaria, and Festival in Vienna Musikverein and Salzburg Mozarteum in Austria. The orchestra has the honor to cooperate with Bundesjugendorchester Germany, Prague Philharmonic, National Symphony Orchestra of Portugal, The Flemish Royal Philharmonic, etc. In 2010, MYSO was honored with the Order of Merit in Culture by the Macao Government for her outstanding contributions to local cultural development.
Jugendsinfonieorchester der Musikschule Bochum
(Germany, 70 musicians)
26 August – Loggia dei Lanzi, Firenze
27 August – Terme Tettuccio, Montecatini Terme
29 August – h 11.00
Degnona di Chies d’Alpago
29 August – h 21.00
Chiesa di S. Maria Ausiliatrice, Galta di Vigonovo
Music Program:
G. Donizetti, Ouverture to ‘Don Pasquale’
Y. Gamzou, Fantasy on ‘La Traviata’ for flute and orchestra (soloist Nicholas Brockschmidt)
F. Liszt, ‘Les Preludes’ Symphonic poem for orchestra
P. Tschaikowsky, ‘Swan Lake’ Suite op. 20a
conductor Norbert Koop
flute Nicholas Brockschmidt
La Bochum Music School Symphony Orchestra è stata fondata nel 1974 dal direttore Guido van den Bosch, che l’ha guidata per 25 anni. Da allora, Norbert Koop dirige l’orchestra, composta da musicisti di età compresa tra i 13 e i 30 anni, con cui prepara due o tre programmi concertistici all’anno. Oltre ai regolari concerti sinfonici a Bochum, l’orchestra ha partecipato a numerosi eventi negli ultimi vent’anni. In questo modo, l’orchestra si è affermata in molte sedi a Bochum, così come a Colonia, Tirana, Linz, Murcia e Firenze. Accanto al repertorio classico, l’orchestra esegue anche musica contemporanea, musical, opere e colonne sonore.
Mantenere i contatti con altre orchestre è sempre stato importante per i musicisti. Tra i momenti salienti vi è stata la partecipazione all’“European Youth Music Festival” a Linz e in Emilia Romagna. L’orchestra ha già completato tre tournée di grande successo in Toscana. Nel 2024 l’orchestra ha celebrato il suo 50° anniversario con un grande concerto celebrativo.L’orchestra ha vinto per cinque volte consecutive il primo premio al Concorso Orchestrale dello Stato della Renania Settentrionale-Vestfalia, qualificandosi ogni volta per il Concorso Orchestrale Tedesco. Nel 2025, l’orchestra si è classificata al quarto posto nel concorso.
The Bochum Music School Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1974 by the conductor Guido van den Bosch, who led it for 25 years- Since then, Norbert Koop has been conducting the orchestra, which comprises musicians aged between 13 and 30, and works with them on two to three concert programmes each year. In addition to its regular symphony concerts in Bochum, the orchestra has taken part in numerous events over the last twenty years. In doing so, the orchestra has made its mark in many venues across Bochum, as well as in Cologne, Tirana, Linz, Murcia and Florence. Alongside the classical repertoire, the orchestra also performs contemporary music, musicals, operas and film scores.
Maintaining contact with other orchestras has always been important to the musicians. Highlights included participation in the ‘European Youth Music Festival’ in Linz and in Emilia Romagna. The orchestra has already completed three highly successful concert tours to Tuscany. In 2024, the orchestra celebrated its 50th anniversary with a grand anniversary concert. The orchestra won first prize at the North Rhine-Westphalia State Orchestra Competition five times in a row, qualifying each time for the German Orchestra Competition. In 2025, the orchestra came fourth in the competition.
Full Program
Principal festival’s venues:
La Loggia (Firenze) , Chiesa di San Filippo Neri ( Firenze), Terme Tettuccio (Montecatini), Piazza dei Priori (Volterra), Cortile Palazzo dei Vicari (Scarperia), Piazza Duomo (San Gimignano), Borgo San Lorenzo (Firenze), Auditorium San Romano (Lucca), Chiesa di Pieve San Michele (Corsanico), Chiesa di S. Salvatore (Bolsena), Piazza S.Donato (Civita di Bagno a Regio), Chiesa di S. Maria Ausiliatrice (Galta di Vigonovo), Degnona di Chies d’Alpago (Chies d’Alpago).
CONCERTS in FLORENCE
7 luglio 21:00
Loggia dei Lanzi, Piazza Signoria
Orchestre Symphonique des étudiants de Louvain
9 luglio 21:00
Loggia dei Lanzi, Piazza Signoria
Danish Youth Symphony Orchestra, DUSIKA
10 luglio 21:00
Loggia dei Lanzi, Piazza Signoria
Zhongzheng Junior High School Wind Orchestra
11 luglio 21:00
Loggia dei Lanzi, Piazza Signoria
Cork Youth Orchestra
12 luglio 21:00
Loggia dei Lanzi, Piazza Signoria
Koninklijk Harmonieorkest Vooruit Harelbeke
13 luglio 18:30
Loggia dei Lanzi, Piazza Signoria
Symphony orchestra and Choir from Guildford High School and Guildford Royal Grammar School
21 luglio 21:00
Loggia dei Lanzi, Piazza Signoria
Saffron Walden Town Band
23 luglio 21:00
Loggia dei Lanzi, Piazza Signoria
Sonora Jounior Sax
24 luglio 21:00
Chiesa di San Filippo Neri,
Asia Youth String Orchestra, in collaboration with Hong Kong String Orchestra
2 agosto 21:00
Piazza Signoria
Joven Orquesta Filarmónica “Campos Andaluces”
9 agosto 21:00
Loggia dei Lanzi, Piazza Signoria
Macao Youth Orchestra
26 agosto 21:00
Loggia dei Lanzi, Piazza Signoria
Jugendsinfonieorchester der Musikschule Bochum
CONCERTS in MONTECATINI TERME (PT)
CONCERTS in VOLTERRA (PI)
CONCERTS in LUCCA
CONCERTS in SCARPERIA (FI)
CONCERTS in BORGO SAN LORENZO (FI)
CONCERTS in SAN GIMIGNANO (SI)
CONCERTS in CORTONA (AR)
CONCERTS in TERRANUOVA BRACCIOLINI (AR)
CONCERTS in CORSANICO (LU)
CONCERTS in BOLSENA (VT)
CONCERTS in CIVITA di BAGNO REGIO (VT)
CONCERTS in POTENZA
CONCERTS in MALCESINE (VR)
CONCERTS in CASTELMEZZANO (PZ)
CONCERTS in CHIES d’ALPAGO (BL)
GALTA di VIGONOVO (VE)
Festival Partnerships
- Cremona Summer Festival – Cremona
- Orchestra Summer Festival – Scarperia e Vicchio
- Festival Corsanico 2026 – Rassegna Internazionale di Musica Classica – Corsanico
- MusicaRiva Festival – Riva del Garda
- Associazione Musica&Cultura – Veneto
Institutional Sponsors
Media Sponsors
