You are very welcome to the website of the Intercontinental Youth Symphony Orchestra and Chorus (IYSOC). This is a new and exciting development within the realm of international classical music as it brings together gifted musicians and singers from all around the globe, in pursuit of performance excellence, under the guidance of internationally respected tutors, and direction of world class conductors.
The guiding ethos of the orchestra and chorus is 'celebrating diversity' not only in the fabric of the orchestra and chorus with so many different cultures and nationalities being represented, but also in the repertoire that it wishes to develop. This is one of the reasons why we warmly welcome instrumentalists who are proficient in playing less conventional instruments.
The orchestra has three working periods: the Summer School and Tour held in July and August each year, the New Year concert with the chorus held in January, and the shorter Spring Tour with the chorus, which for 2011 will be held at Easter (Western) in April. For its inaugural year, members of the orchestra are obliged to attend both the Summer School and the Tour in July and August respectively. In subsequent years, orchestra members will be obliged to attend the Summer School and perform in at least one of the performance periods; summer tour, New Year concert, or spring tour, but of course members are welcome to participate in all three.
The orchestra's inaugural tour takes place in August 2010 and is extensive with performances in 12 European countries. It is also musically demanding with Borodin's Symphony No. 2, Glazunov´s Symphony No. 9, Tchaikovsky´s 1812 Overture, and Sibelius' Violin Concerto in D all being played in each venue. The chorus will not take part in this tour but will be part of the New Year Concert in 2011 as well as the Spring Tour 2011. The 2011 New Year concert will be held in Lisbon, Portugal, and the 2011 Spring Tour will be to the Middle East. (The summer tour 2010 map is available on the 'download' page).
Instrumentalists interested in auditioning for the orchestra should be a minimum of 'Grade 8 with distinction' standard (Grade 6 for harp). Applications for auditions open on Wednesday 10th June 2009. Auditions will take place in more than 80 countries on Saturday 17th October 2009. Musicians interested in joining this dynamic new orchestra should read the complete 'auditions 2009' page to be certain they understand all of the requirements. The application process and Conditions of Membership are also available to download on the 'download' page. Prospective chorus members may apply from 1st August 2009. Musicians wishing to apply will find the online form on the 'apply' page on the sidebar menu.
General enquiries are welcome to info@iysoc.org but for other specific email contacts please see the 'contact us' page.
Please note that an IYSOC notice suitable for school or university notice boards is available for download on the 'download' page.
If you would like to be included on our mailing list please send you name, country of residence, and email address to subscribe@iysoc.org or use the form on the 'mailing list' page near the end of the sidevar menu. To remove your name from the mailing list please email unsubscribe@iysoc.org
Founding Patrons
The workings of the Intercontinental Youth Symphony Orchestra and Chorus (IYSOC) would be impossible were it not for the kind support of its patrons. This coming inaugural season 2010/11 is unique in the life of the orchestra and chorus as patrons will be styled "Founding Patrons" and will be forever named as such on this website and in all concert programmes, even if they choose not to remain a patron in future years. Founding patrons are quite literally the founders of the orchestra and chorus, and consequently they represent a most honoured position within the fabric of the orchestra and chorus.
Patrons may if they wish, choose to nominate another person, such as a son, daughter, or grandchild for example, or a group of people, such as an entire family, to be named as a Founding Patron. They may also, if it is their express wish, remain anonymous, but in this situation the IYSOC would at the very least like to acknowledge the country from which the donation was made.
Founding Patrons will receive a limited edition CD and DVD of the orchestra's inaugural tour in 2010. In every concert programme they will also be permanently featured on the Founding Patrons page as well as being featured on this website. Founding Patrons also receive significant discounts on concert tickets and invitations to private functions involving the orchestra and chorus.
For those people interested in becoming a Founding Patron of the Intercontinental Youth Symphony and Orchestra, please go to the 'Founding Patron' page.
Mailing List
If you are interested in receiving information about the Intercontinental Youth Symphony Orchestra and Chorus please use the short form on the 'mailing list' page towards the bottom of the sidebar menu. Please note it is not necessary to complete this form if you have applied to become a member of the orchestra or if you have become a Founding Patron, as information will be sent to you automatically.
