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European Union Youth Orchestra to leave the UK

By | Published on Thursday 12 October 2017

European Union Youth Orchestra

The European Union Youth Orchestra has announced that it is to leave the UK and set up new headquarters in Italy. The reason, unsurprisingly, is Brexit.

Founded in London in 1976, the highly regarded musical institution invites the best young classical performers from across the European Union to join its ranks. Over 3000 musicians have since received tuition, financial support and the opportunity to perform around the world via the orchestra. And many have gone on to successful careers in music.

After 40 years, the orchestra has announced that it will move to a new home in Italy next year, after accepting an offer from the Italian Minister Of Culture, Dario Franceschini. Italian broadcaster RAI-Radiotelevisione Italiana will also become the orchestra’s first official broadcast partner.

In a statement, EUYO chief exec Marshall Marcus said: “Today we are announcing the future of the EUYO. Following more than 40 years in London, the new arrangements signal a bold, imaginative and sustainable future for the EUYO, at the same time developing the vision and work of the EUYO’s President and Co-founder, Joy Bryer. Our thanks go to everyone who has made this possible, and in particular Dario Franceschini”.

Speaking more candidly to The Guardian, Marcus added: “It makes absolutely no sense for the [orchestra’s] office not to be in the EU. You can’t ask for EU funding and then not be in the EU. [The UK’s EU referendum result] was quite clear: The heart of your operation cannot stay in London”.

The organisation also plans to launch a new office in Brussels next year, at the invitation of the Brussels Philharmonic, to assist with the launch of the new Youth Orchestra Of The Flemish Community.



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