The Bay Youth Orchestra represented the State of Virginia on June 27th, 2009 in Vienna’s Konzerthaus in the Celebrate Haydn Orchestra Festival. This was Vienna’s official orchestra event commemorating the 200th Anniversary of Haydn’s Passing. Here is what Artistic Director Helen Martell said about the orchestra’s experience:
We had a wonderful tour to Austria. Our tour manager was excellent. She met us with smiles and good humor all the time. She dealt with two trips to the hospital with care and willingness to help. She offered great options for enhancing our tour (going to opera performances, riding the Underground, taking side trips to Stille-Nacht chapel and into the city of Munich) All the students and the adults on the trip respected her and appreciated her guidance during the tour. Corinna was amazing. Health problems were dealt with quickly and with great care. I could not have asked for more. The recital in the Haydnsaal was a very nice opportunity. The hall itself was amazing − beautiful and wonderful acoustics. Great for the small ensembles that we had. The rehearsal and workshop with Professor Dallinger at the Karlskirche was enlightening for establishing a light and typical classical orchestra sound. He was very energetic and worked well with the kids. I wish there was more time! The performance in the Konzerthaus as part of the Celebrate Haydn Orchestra Festival was amazing!!! The students and parents couldn’t keep their eyes off of the loveliness of the hall. The sound was amazing. I could tell that the majority of the students played beyond their level in homage to the history of the hall. It was very nice to have an enthusiastic audience to perform for. The staff at Music Celebrations were wonderful to work with throughout the planning process and I will gladly serve as a reference.
Helen Martell, Artistic Director Bay Youth Orchestras of Virginia Norfolk, Virginia