“My highlights are all related to the music being made with travelers who have only known each other for a few weeks. It is complete magic to see the relationships form – personally and musically – and then to perform such fun music for appreciative audiences. When I’m out trying to sell the idea of TYO, now TYOC, to prospective travelers, I tell them that their life will forever change – so, I guess my highlights are seeing those transformations.
The workshop with Natalia Luis Bassa, in the Recital Hall of the Royal College of Music, was outstanding! She had a wonderful way to teach – to get their attention and bring the level up. She worked on three pieces – one choir, one orchestra, and one combined. We would like to have had more time but at least left wanting more. They gave the TYOC group tea and cookies! Our concert in the Landmark Arts Centre in London was not well attended, due to torrential rain (!), but those who there were very appreciative of our performance. Once we settled in, the group sounded good and we had fun. Acoustics were very live (and forgiving!).
Texas Youth Orchestra & Choir Performing at the Landmark Arts Centre in London
The Concert at the All Saints Oystermouth Summer Festival – This concert was lovely – the church ladies had a spread of tea and crumpets served on lovely china with flowers on the table. The audience was very appreciative. This is the concert that got a review in the Swansea newspaper. The man who wrote it also sent me a hard copy with a sweet note.
The Concert in St. Giles Cathedral was our favorite and best attended concert! Even though we only performed for 45 minutes, this concert was really special. The cathedral was spectacularly beautiful, the TYOC group was honored to get to perform there. We had a large audience – mostly tourists who happened into the church and stayed. The acoustics were good – it was a fantastic experience.
St. Andrew’s Cathedral is beautiful. The group managed to sound good and have fun. Since this was our last concert, we were in packing mode so many of our musicians donated their music stands – much to the delight of the pastor. When we needed cardboard, he dove into the church recycling and found us what we needed. He even went home to get us some bubble wrap. Such nice people!!!
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=videoseries?list=PL643075707FCDDDE3&hl=en_US]
Texas Youth Orchestra & Choir YouTube Playlist
A+ for [Tour Manager] Andreas Brecht, for he ensured that our TYOC trip was a success. Andreas did his job but also went way beyond the call of duty to make sure that we did not have a hitch in the trip- and were well taken care of. The jokes and teasing on the bus were an added bonus that I didn’t expect, but were very much appreciated. He’s really funny! The traffic in London was totally out of anyone’s control (and made us late a lot!) but aside from that, everything went really smoothly. We appreciated his advance legwork to anticipate what was coming – for concerts, lunches and sight-seeing. On two occasions, he ordered us gourmet sandwiches so we would we have more time to sight see. I enjoyed the lessons and music on the bus- it added a lot! And to make it more educational, he showed movies about the royals- and took the time to find “Monty Python!” It is obvious that Andreas enjoys what he does – and is very competent! Every one of our guides was excellent – they were informative, clever and fun to listen to. Much of our London experience was from within the bus, through raindrops, waiting in traffic (both of which were out of anyone’s control). Still, we got to see incredible sights and have great experiences. I’m glad we added the London Eye and the musicals. Once we got out of London, the weather improved. All in all, the guides were outstanding!
Honestly, my favorite part of the trip was the 12 days of giggling on the bus. I’m not sure I’ve ever laughed that much. If there had been glitches in travel or performance venues, there would not be much laughter on the bus. Andreas’ comment after our first concert was – paraphrased: “The joy on the bus comes across on the stage through the music.” Everyone (adults and students) I’ve talked to said the trip was just right – that they (after two weeks of being home) don’t want to wake up from the TYOC dream trip! ;). They really liked the balance between big cities and small town visits – and all were glad that we did London first. You have a fantastic team at MCI – that is why we have come back to do three tours! All our correspondence and communication has been professional, friendly and competent. I have enjoyed getting to know all of your staff and know why you are successful – because everyone does their job and then some.”
Deborah Perkins, Co-Music Director
Texas Youth Orchestra & Choir