News
CBYO IS MOVING HOME.......for a while
Would all CBYO members and parents please note that as of Saturday 28th January 2012 the orchestra's Saturday morning rehearsals will take place in the Belfast Boys Model School and not CBSM. Rehearsal times will remain unaffected. Further details of this temporary move will be issued to orchestra members via letter at the rehearsal on Saturday 21st January. This letter will be mailed out to anyone absent from this rehearsal.
Festive Cheer for NI Travellers and Shoppers
CBYO members are set to bring some festive cheer to Northern Ireland travellers and shoppers over the Christmas period. City of Belfast Youth Orchestra is one of a number of organisations who will be performing at Belfast Central Station and the Europa Bus Station over the Christmas holidays. Small ensembles from the orchestra will also be performing in House of Fraser and Victoria Square. Members of the Friends of CBYO will be collecting during these performances towards orchestra funds. Announcing these performances CBYO Manager Robert Briscoe said "the orchestra is very grateful for the support offered by Translink, House of Fraser and Victoria Square and all at CBYO are delighted to once again be teaming up with these companies over the festive season!"
CBYO kicks off Christmas in style!
Congratulations to all CBYO members for a great performance at the Belfast Education & Library Board Annual Christmas Concert. This orchestra recieved a great reception from the capacity crowd in the Ulster Hall and managed to get everyone in the Christmas spirit!
Schedule & Events update
Would all CBYO members and parents please note that the schedule and events section of this site has been updated as of 10th November 2011. This now includes specifics of Christmas events and some further information on events for 2012
CBYO to play a significant part in Belfast's TITANIC 2012 Commemorations!
The City of Belfast Youth Orchestra has been selected to perform at the opening ceremony of the new iconic Titanic Belfast Signature building on Saturday 31st March 2012. The Brass section of the orchestra will perform at the official ribbon cutting ceremony and the entire CBYO will perform two concerts later that day infront of a recreation of the famous Titanic staircase. All involved with CBYO are proud to be involved with the City's Titanic commemorations for 2012. Further details of this event and also another major commemarotive event involving the orchestra will be announced on this website in early 2012!
Orchestra to Head North West for Residential in February 2012
Details of the CBYO's residential rehearsal course have been announced by CBYO Manager Robert Briscoe. This course will he held in Raddisson Blu Roe Valley Hotel, Limavady on Saturday 25th / Sunday 26th February 2012. The course will allow CBYO tutors to work in depth on this year's symphonic repertoire whilst also allowing team building and social time for orchestra members.
Important information regarding half term holiday February 2012
Please note the following change to half term holiday arrangements for February 2012. CBYO will not rehearse on Saturday 18th February 2012 due to CBSM half term break. CBYO will rehearse as normal on Saturday 11th February 2012.
Update to schedule and events for 2011/12
Would all CBYO Members/ Parents please check the updated schedule and events page on this site which now includes information on the CBYO residential in February 2012 and other changes which have occured since provisional schedules were posted out back in August.
Details announced for first concert of 2011/12
The first concert of the 2011/12 season will take place in the Common Hall of Royal Belfast Academical Institution, Belfast at 7.30pm on Saturday 22nd October. For this concert the CBYO will be joined by special guests Niall Catney on classical guitar and Symphonic Brass from Belfast School of Music. Further details of this concert can be found in the concerts section of this website or via the CBYO's facebook page.
Update on events rehearsals for September 2011
CBYO will start rehearsals for the 2011-12 season on Saturday 3rd September in CBSM, Fortwilliam Park, Belfast. Please note that this is earlier than all other CBSM group activities. During this rehearsal students will recieve extracts / information on seating auditions which will be held the following week. There will also be a team building mystery tour and BBQ for the new orchestra after the rehearsal on Saturday 10th September. Further information on this will be posted out in the information packs being sent to all orchestra members.
Information Packs to be posted out to all CBYO Members
In addition to the information in this website, a rehearsal schedule and provisional calendar of events will be posted out to all CBYO members the week beginning 15th August 2011. This will also include information on the mystery tour team building day on 10th September and also the residential rehearsal course scheduled for February 2012.
Information on 2011-12 Season now available on this site
Please note that a list of the membership of CBYO for 2011-12 is now available on this relevant section of this site. A rehearsal schedule and provisional calendar of events is also available. Please note that further dates will be added to this calendar in the coming weeks so please keep checking back for updated information.
Viva La France !
The recent concert tour of France was a tremendous success with the CBYO performing to large crowds including over 1700 in La Madeleine Cathedral in Paris. Everyone on the tour, both students and staff alike had an amazing ten nights touring throughout France and have come home with memories which will saty with them for a long time to come ! The orchestra recieved critical acclaim from the French audiences with standing ovations at the end of all their concerts. Our thanks go to all those who supported the tour financially and in particular the Friends of the CBYO whose hard work and fundraising continue to make projects like this possible for the members of the orchestra. Photographs and repertoire will appear on the France tour section of this site in the coming weeks.
Pre Tour Concert Days
Details of the rehearsal schedule for the pre tour concert days on 4 & 5 July will be emailed out to orchestra members 1 week in advance.
Stephen Parker Memorial Award 2011
Congratulations to Malachy Frame (trumpet) who is the winner of the Stephen Parker Memorial Award for 2011. Malachy was presented with the award during the CBYO Summer Concert in the Ulster Hall on Saturday 18th June 2011 by conductor Paul McBride. Malachy is the 39th recipient of the award. For more details on this award and a photograph of this year's presentation, please see the Stephen Parker section of the website.
Summer concert provides great send off !
The final home concert of the CBYO 2010-11 saw the orchestra being given a great reception by the large and enthusiastic crowd in Belfast's Ulster Hall on Saturday 18th June. This concert previewed the main repertoire for the forthcoming Concert Tour to France including Shostakovich Symphony No. 5. Congratulations to all those who performed but in particular to Niall McBride, Paul McCusker, Vicki Schmidt and Katherine Sung, soloists in the Vivaldi Concerto for 4 Violins and also to Malachy Frame who performed the Arutunian Trumpet Concerto with great flare and showmanship.
Tour Information Released
Would all CBYO members and parents please note that a provisionial tour interary is now available on this site. Tour information packs are also being posted out this week for members and parents.
Tour Meeting for Parents
Would all parents of CBYO members going on the Concert Tour to France please note that there will be a short meeting / information session reagrding the tour on Saturday 11th June at 10am in the School of Music.
Tour Concert Venue Change
Please note that the venue for the third concert in France this summer has been changed. The concert on Friday 15th July which was scheduled to have taken place in Le Luc, will now take place in the town of La Seyne. Further details of the tour will continue to appear on the France 2011 page in the tours section of this website.
CBYO represented at Prestigious Award Final
Congratulations go to both Malachy Frame (Trumpet) and Richard Allen (Harp) who were finalists in this year's Catherine Judge Memorial Award. Both CBYO members gave exceptional performances on the day. In the end Richard Allen won the competition and the £5000 bursary which he will use to further his studies at music college in London next year. Once again it was great to see CBYO represented to such a high standard in this prestigious competition. For further information on this award please visit www.cjudgememorialaward.co.uk
Winners of Fundraising Quiz Announced
Thank you to everyone who bought a fundraising quiz sheet from orchestra members and friends. The sale of these has so far raised over £700 towards our tour fundraising. The winners of the quiz were as follows:
1st place (£40 voucher) : Kathryn McGinnis,
2nd place (£30 voucher) : Leanie Heron,
3rd place (£10 voucher) : Carol Morrison.
Winners will be contacted via the CBYO members who sold the winning sheets.
Friends of CBYO link up with House of Fraser
The Friends of CBYO have received a boost from major retailer House of Fraser. The store has donated almost £2000 of shopping vouchers and products to the FCBYO which this group will then be able to use as raffle prizes over the next 6 months. House of Fraser events manager Mark Kelly said that the company was to delighted to be supporting the FCBYO and enabling the young people from the orchestra to showcase their talents at home and abroad. Small ensembles from CBYO will also showcase the orchestra via performances in the Belfast House of Fraser Store throughout the year.
One Special Night...Inside Out !
Congratulations to all CBYO members and friends who were part of the INSIDE OUT Concert. The concert, which took place in Fortwilliam & Macrory Presbyterian Church, Belfast, was performed before a very large and enthusiastic audience. The programme showcased the wealth of talent of individuals and small ensembles from within the orchestra performing everything from classical to dance music! Special thanks must go to Niall McBride and Paul McCusker who came up with the idea of this event and made it happen. This really was an absolutely amazing night's entertainment which raised over £2000 towards this summer's CBYO Concert Tour of France!
Final tour installment date altered !
Would all CBYO members / parents please note that the date for paying the final installment of this year's tour cost has been extended by one week to Saturday 9th April.
Provisional Concert Tour information now available on this site !
A brief outline / itinerary of this summer's Concert Tour of France is now available in the tours section of this website. A more detailed itinerary will be posted on this site and sent to parents at the start of May.
NOT TO BE MISSED AT ANY COST !!
For one night only on Saturday 26th March come along to Fortwilliam and Macrory Presbyterian Church in North Belfast and witness the CBYO..... INSIDE OUT ! This concert which is being organised by CBYO members will feature soloists and small ensembles from the orchestra as you have never seen them before; performing all types of music from the sublime to the ridiculous ! Where else can you hear dance music played on guitar and banjo ??? This is a concert not to be missed and all proceeds will go to CBYO Tour Fund. Please see concerts section of web site for ticket information.
APPLICATION / RE ENROLMENT FOR MEMBERSHIP OF CBYO FOR 2011/12 NOW OPEN !
Application / Re enrolment for membership of the City of Belfast Youth Orchestra for the academic year commencing September 2011 is now open. Please read the sections below regarding the application process. Please note that a revised admissions criteria will apply to CBYO membership from September 2011 and all applicants should obtain a copy of this along with their application form.
CURRENT CBYO MEMBERS
If you are already a member of the orchestra and want to return to CBYO next year, then you should obtain a standard Belfast School of Music re enrollment form either at your instrumental lesson (if you get this in the School of Music) or from CBYO Manager Robert Briscoe at CBYO rehearsals. Please fill out the relevant CBYO sections of the form. This year please also obtain and read over a copy of the revised admissions criteria as there are some changes to this policy as of September 2011. Completed forms should be returned to the Belfast School of Music by Friday 25th March. Further details regarding seating re auditions will be made available shortly.
NEW CBYO APPLICANTS
If you are not currently a member of the orchestra and would like to apply for CBYO membership for September 2011, then you should obtain a standard Belfast School of Music re enrollment form along with a copy of the CBYO admissions criteria. On the form you should fill out all the relevant CBYO sections. If you receive lessons in the School of Music or are currently a member or another School of Music group then these can be obtained at your lesson or group activity rehearsal. If you are applying from outside the Belfast School of Music system then forms can be obtained from the general office in the School of Music, Fortwilliam Park, Belfast, BT15 4AR, 02890772266. Forms will also be available to download from the Belfast School of Music web site www.cbsm.org.uk from early March. Entrance to CBYO is by audition and these have been provisionally scheduled for Saturday 7th May 2011. Completed forms should be returned to the Belfast School of Music by Friday 25th March.
FUNDRAISING QUIZ NIGHT ANNOUNCED
The Friends of City of Belfast Youth Orchestra (FCBYO) will be holding a table quiz at 7.30pm on Friday 11th February in the Belfast Boat Club. Each team can consist of up to 8 people. Tickets cost £5 per person and can be reserved in advance or paid on the night. All monies raised will go towards the CBYO tour to France this summer. This event is open to age 18+ and promises to be a great night's entertainment. For more information please contact CBYO Manager Robert Briscoe at BobbyBriscoe@aol.com or via the School of Music switchboard on 028 9077 2266.
Chamber Orchestra
Could all CBYO members please note that a Chamber orchestra has been formed for the concert on 4th February. Details of who is involved in this has been sent out to all orchestra members via email. This orchestra will rehearse every Saturday throughout January after the main CBYO rehearsal. If anyone requires more information please contact CBYO manager Robert Briscoe via email.
To those who braved the arctic conditions......
A huge thank you to all those who gave up their time and braved the arctic conditions to bag pack or perform as part of our tour fundraising over the festive period in sub zero temperatures! Particular thanks go to the CBYO brass section who were very busy indeed and to the CBYO mentors who helped organise all of the events.
Former Leader makes Triumphant return to CBYO!
A former leader of the CBYO Ciaran McCabe has received an standing ovation when he performed with the orchestra as guest soloist at the CBSM Christmas Concert on 10th December. Ciaran who is now a freelance musician based in London, performed Sarasate's Gypsy Airs before a full house in the Ulster Hall to great acclaim. CBYO conductor Paul McBride said he was "delighted to have Ciaran back home playing with the orchestra and looked forward to him performing again with CBYO on the forthcoming concert tour to France."
New Fundraising events added to schedule
Would all CBYO members please note that a new bag pack has been added to the schedule on Saturday 18th December in Sainsburys at Holywood exchange. Please see the schedule section for more details
CBYO to tour France in Summer 2011!
The City of Belfast Youth Orchestra will embark on a 10 night concert tour of France in July 2011. This will include a prestigious performance at the Cathedral of La Madelaine in Paris. The tour will also include concerts in central and southern France. Announcing the tour, orchestra manager Robert Briscoe said that "he was very excited about being able to bring the CBYO to France and showcase the talent of our young people in some of the best festivals and venues in Europe. I have every faith that the orchestra will be excellent ambassadors for Northern Ireland. " The orchestra will be joined on tour by soloist Ciaran McCabe. Further details of the tour will appear on this site over the next few months. Anyone who can help the orchestra with fundraising for this tour should contact CBYO Manager Robert Briscoe via the contacts section of this site.
Season Opener a Great Success
The opening concert of the CBYO's 55th season was a great success. The concert on Saturday 16th October in RBAI, Belfast was performed to a large and enthusiastic audience. Particular congratulations go to David Bennett who performed the first movement of the Weber Bassoon Concerto and to Michael Barr, Michael Bell, Rowen Vincent and Alex Stead who were the soloists in the Schumann Konzertstucke for Horns and Orchestra. Our thanks also go to the City of Belfast School of Music Symphonic Brass and Cantanti groups who also performed on the night.
2010/11 rehearsal and events schedule now available!
Would all orchestra members and parents please note that the rehearsal schedule and events calendar for the CBYO's 2010/11 season is now available on this website. This information will also be posted out to all CBYO members during August. Please note that this is a provisional calendar with the dates of some of the concerts and the tour still to be confirmed. If you have any queries about this information, please contact orchestra manager Robert Briscoe via the contact section of this site.
Events / Schedule for 2010/11 Season
Would all CBYO members / parents please note that details of rehearsals, concerts and events for the 2010/11 season will appear on this web site from the beginning of August 2010. An information pack will also be sent out in the post to all CBYO members in mid August.
Guest soloist announced for 2010/11 Season
Violinist Ciaran McCabe has been announced as the guest soloist for the CBYO's 55th season. Ciaran, a former leader of the orchestra, will return to CBYO in 2011 to perform Sarasate's Zigernerweisen (Gypsy Airs). Ciaran will perform with the orchestra both in Belfast and on the concert tour to France. Commenting on the news Ciaran said that he was "delighted to be returning home to perform with CBYO."
Membership of CBYO announced for 2010/11 Season.
Following the recent audition period, membership of the orchestra for the 2010/11 season has been decided. All members of the orchestra should have received notification in the post and if not they should contact orchestra manager Robert Briscoe or the relevant Head of Department at CBSM. A full orchestra list is available in the members section of this web site.
End of Year BBQ
All 2009/10 CBYO members should have received an email about the end of year BBQ on Friday 25th June. If anyone has not received this information then they should get in touch with CBYO Manager Robert Briscoe before Friday 11th June.
New Mentors appointed
Congratulations to Hayley Bowes (violin), Katie Devlin (violin), Aidan McLoughlin (oboe) and Eoin O'Kane (bassoon) who have been appointed as CBYO Mentors for the 2010/11 Season. Announcing the news orchestra manager Robert Briscoe said he was "delighted with the appointments and wished the mentors well in their new roles."
2009/10 Season ends in Triumph!
Congratulations to all members of the orchestra for the amazing performance they gave at the Summer Concert on Saturday 15th May in the Ulster Hall Belfast. This concert, which traditionally brings the CBYO season to an end, was performed to great acclaim. In particular, congratulations go to the soloists on the night Vicki Schmidt (violin) and Sue Gawn (oboe). Thanks also go to Mrs Heather McCready and the members of the CBSM String Orchestra who were the orchestra's special guests for this concert.
Stephen Parker Memorial Award 2010
Congratulations to Susanna Gawn (oboe) who is the winner of the Stephen Parker Memorial Award for 2010. Susanna was presented with her award during the CBYO Summer Concert in the Ulster Hall on Saturday 15th May 2010 by conductor Paul McBride. Susanna is the 37th recipient of the award. For more details on this award please see the Stephen Parker section of the website.
Wine Tasting Evening
Attention all wine connoisseurs or wanna be connoisseurs! The Friends of the City of Belfast Youth Orchestra are holding a wine tasting evening in the concert hall of the Belfast School of Music at 7.30pm on Friday 21st May. This event will be both a fundraiser for the orchestra and a great way for parents and friends to get to know each other. Tickets cost £12.50 must be booked in advance. For more information please contact CBYO manager Robert Briscoe via email BobbyBriscoe@aol.com
CBYO at Dusk in the Dome!
The CBYO are pleased to announce some performances in the iconic Victoria Square centre in Belfast. These will feature smaller string ensembles from the orchestra and will take place as part of Victoria Square's Dusk in the Dome series of performances at 6.30pm on Friday 4th & 18th June. Announcing the performances CBYO Manager Robert Briscoe said that he was "delighted for the orchestra to be working with Victoria Square again this year after the success of previous summer and Christmas events."
End of Year Bar B Que
An end of year Bar B Que will be held for all members of CBYO and staff on Friday 25th June at 6.00pm in the School of Music garden. This event will help mark the end of the season and also allow for some post exam social time for orchestra members. All CBYO members will be emailed with further details nearer the time.
Additional rehearsals for some orchestra members
Those CBYO members performing in the Chamber Orchestra for the concert on 8th May should note that this orchestra will rehearse from 12.15pm - 1.15pm on the following Saturdays:
20th March, 17th April, 24th April and 1st May
CBYO performs in aid of Local Charity
The CBYO's concert in aid of the Northern Ireland Music Therapy Trust on Saturday 13th March was a great success. The orchestra received a great reception after performing Brahms' Haydn Variations, Saint Saens Danse Macabre, Beethoven's Egmont Overture and Howard Shore's Music from Lord of the Rings. Also performing on the night were the Choirs of Ballyholme Primary School and Hunter House College. CBYO Manager Robert Briscoe praised the orchestra's performance and said that all involved with CBYO were "delighted to be supporting such a worthy charity."
APPLICATION / RE-ENROLMENT PROCESS FOR CBYO 2010/11 NOW OPEN!
Applications are now being taking for membership of CBYO for the 2010/11 season. Terms and conditions of membership of CBYO are available online at www.cbsm.org.uk Please read the relevant section below.
Existing CBYO Students re-applying for 2010/11
Current CBYO members should collect a re-enrolment form either from their teacher (if they get lessons at CBSM) or from CBYO manager Robert Briscoe (if they are CBYO only students). There is a section of the form relating to CBYO application which must be filled in. These forms must be returned by Friday 26 March. CBYO re-auditions will take place on Saturday 1 May 2010.Students applying for CBYO for the 1st time
Any current member of another CBSM group: who would like to apply for membership of CBYO should collect a re-enrolment form either from their teacher (if they get lessons at CBSM) or from the conductor or their group (if they are group activity only students). There is a section relating to CBYO application on these forms which must be filled in. These forms must be returned by Friday 26 March and CBYO auditions have been provisionally scheduled for Saturday 15 May.Anyone wishing to apply for CBYO who is not currently a member of the Belfast School of Music: should either download an application form at www.cbsm.org.uk or contact CBYO Manager Robert Briscoe via email to BobbyBriscoe@aol.com Please note that completed application forms must be returned by Friday 26 March and that CBYO auditions have been provisionally scheduled for Saturday 15 May.
CBYO retains link with Junior School of Music Group
CBYO is pleased to announce that it is retaining it's link with the School of Music String Orchestra. This will allow the younger members in the String Orchestra to come and rehearse with the CBYO on Saturday 20th March and gain experience of playing symphonic orchestral music. The String Orchestra and their conductor Heather McCready will also be the CBYO's special guests performing as part of the Summer concert on Saturday 15th May in the Ulster Hall.
Concert Postponed
Would all CBYO Members / parents please note that the concert which was scheduled for Thursday 4th March has now been postponed until Autumn 2010. All other CBYO events planned for March remain unchanged.
ADDITIONAL CONCERT ADDED TO SEASON
Would all CBYO members and parents please note that a new concert has been added to the orchestra's schedule for 8th May 2010. This will be a private concert in the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast for the NI Bar Library. This concert is in addition to the CBYO Summer concert which is in the Ulster Hall on the following Saturday, 15 May 2010.
Oh What a night !
A report and photographs of the CBYO's highly successful concert in the Royal Albert Hall London is now available in the Tours section of this site!
Food Glorious Food!
All CBYO members should have received an email about menu choices for meals on the trip to London. These need to be returned to orchestra manager Robert Briscoe by WENESDAY 6th NOVEMBER 2009 or you will end up being hungry whilst we are away !!
REHEARSAL - SATURDAY 7TH NOVEMBER 2009
Would all CBYO members please note that this rehearsal is extended until 3pm and that a FULL attendance is required in preparation for the concert in London the following week!
Season gets off to a great start!!
The first concert of the CBYO's 2009-10 season was a great success. The concert on 23rd October, which was in preparation for the CBYO's trip to London, was performed before a large with the orchestra receiving a standing ovation from the audience. Our thanks go to the Pastor and members of the Church of God Glenmachan for their help in staging the concert and to the School of Music Symphonic Brass, Harp Ensemble and the Choir of Strandtown Primary School who were our guests on the evening.
Extended rehearsal change of date
Would all CBYO members / parents please note that the extended rehearsal which was scheduled for Saturday 24th October will now take place on Saturday 17th October. The dates of the other extended rehearsals remain the same.
London registration packs
Please note that registration packs for the London trip will be posted out to all CBYO members the week beginning the 21 September. All information should be returned to Mr Paul McGuigan at Belfast School of Music by Friday 2nd October.
Tickets for Royal Albert Hall Concert
Any parents / relatives wishing to attend the CBYO's School Prom concert in the Royal Albert Hall, London are advised to purchase tickets as soon as possible for this concert as demand is likely to be high. Details of how to purchase tickets can be found on the concert section of this site.
Schedule updates as of 21st September 2009
Would all CBYO members / parents please check the schedule and events page for updates regarding the months of October, February and March.
More events added to schedule
More events have been added to the schedule for December 2009 - all orchestra members should check the relevant section of this site and take note of the new dates added !
Reminder
Would all orchestra members / parents please note that booking forms and payment for the London Trip and Greenmount residential should be sent to Mr Paul McGuigan at the School of Music by MONDAY 14 SEPTEMBER!
Important information for all CBYO Members
All members of the orchestra for the 2009-10 season should receive an information pack in the post by Thursday 20 August 2009. This contains information regarding the first CBYO rehearsal on 5 September, a rehearsal and events schedule and also booking information for CBYO trips this year. If any member of the orchestra does not receive this in the post by 20/08/09 then they should contact CBYO Manager Robert Briscoe via email to: BobbyBriscoe@aol.com
Orchestra to return to Royal Albert Hall!!
The City of Belfast Youth Orchestra are to return to play in the iconic Royal Albert Hall on 11 November 2009. The orchestra will perform as part of Music for Youth's School Proms Concerts. Announcing this CBYO Manager Robert Briscoe said he "was delighted to be able to announce this concert and accept Music for Youth's invitation for the orchestra to perform in London. The experience of performing in one the worlds greatest concert venues is one that the CBYO members will never forget. It is also an honour for the CBYO to be able to represent Northern Ireland at this prestigious event."
Further details of this event will be posted out to all CBYO members / parents during late August along with the rest of the year's events. Further information on the Schools Prom Concerts including box office information can be found on the concerts section of this site or via checking www.mfy.org
New membership announced for 2009/2010 season
The new list of CBYO members for 2009/2010 has been announced. Please check on the members 2009/2010 page for details. All members of the new orchestra should keep checking the website for information and further updates on our exciting plans for 2009/2010 season.
The most successful tour ever!!
Congratulations to all who travelled on the recent CBYO concert tour of Slovenia & Italy. The tour was the most successful ever in every way. Everyone had a great time and the orchestra acted as great ambassadors for Belfast and Northern Ireland. All of the concerts were a great success with capacity crowds in the venues and standing ovations at the end of each concert! A big thank you to all of the staff who accompanied the orchestra on the tour. In particular to John Lucas and Michael Hare who ensured that all the instruments were transported safely there and back again. Finally to all those who helped to fundraise to make such a special event like this happen. For more information on the tour and to see photographs please see the tours section of the website.
EXTRA CONCERT CANCELLED
Would all CBYO students and parents please note that due to circumstances beyond our control that the concert scheduled for Thursday 25th June in the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast has been cancelled. This also means that there will be no CBYO rehearsal on Tuesday 23rd June as previously scheduled.
Stephen Parker Memorial Award 2009
Congratulations to Emma King (percussion) who is the winner of the Stephen Parker Memorial Award for 2009. Emma will be presented with her award during the CBYO Summer Concert in the Ulster Hall on Saturday 20th June 2009. Emma is the 37th recipient of the award. For more details on this award please see the Stephen Parker section of the website.
Tour Update - Transportation of Instruments
Would all CBYO Parents / Students please note the following change to the transportation of instruments for the forthcoming tour to Slovenia & Italy.
Only the following instruments may be taken on board the plane as part of your hand luggage:
Flutes, Oboes and Clarinets. All other instruments will be transported on the tour lorry and must be left in Porter's Hall (CBSM) in hard cases at the end of the rehearsal on Tuesday 7th July.
Tour meeting for parents
A meeting will be held for the parents of those CBYO members going on the concert tour of Slovenia & Italy. This will be held in Castle High School, Belfast on Saturday 13th July at 10am.
Tour Information packs available
Tour information packs for CBYO members / parents were given out during the rehearsal on Saturday 6th June. Anyone not at this rehearsal will have the information sent out in the post.
Slovenia / Italy Tour Information
Please note that a new section has been added to the website to cover the forthcoming summer concert tour of Slovenia & Italy. Information for students and parents regarding the tour will appear in this section over the next few weeks.
Summer Concert Tickets
Please note that tickets for the annual Summer Concert on Saturday 20th June will now be available via CBYO members as well as being on sale from the Ulster hall box office. Please see the concert section for further details.
Re Auditions
All current CBYO members re auditioning for continued membership of the orchestra for next year should have received an audition timetable and orchestral excerpts by now. Anyone who has not should contact orchestra manager Robert Briscoe as soon as possible. Please note that re auditions will take place on the morning and afternoon of Saturday 16th May. Any new student applying for first time membership of CBYO should contact the relevant Head of Department at the School of Music regarding these auditions.
3 in a row at top competition!
Congratulations go to both Scott Lowry (Violin) and Emma King (percussion) who were finalists in this year's Catherine Judge Memorial award. Both played superbly and gave "stunning performances". In the end Emma King won the competition and the £5000 bursary which she will use to further her studies at music college next year. Once again it was great to see CBYO represented to such a high standard in this prestigous competition. It is also great that since this competition was started 3 years ago that every winner has been a member of CBYO.
Ultimate Quiz Night
The Friends of CBYO are organising an Ultimate quiz night on Saturday 23rd May in the Porcelain suite of Ten Square Hotel. Tickets cost £10 for adults and £8 for students and includes a complimentary drink on arrival, table quiz and gourmet fish and chips served during the break. Tickets are available via CBYO members or from the School of Music and must be purchased in advance . Teams numbers can be anything between 2 and 8 people. All proceeds raised on the night will go towards the tour fund.
Details of POPS concert announced
Details of the CBYO's forthcoming POPS concert have been announced. This concert, which will take place in the Common Hall of Royal Belfast Academical Institution in Belfast on Saturday 4th April, will see the orchestra performing a light programme of favourites from stage and screen. The orchestra will be joined on the night by the School of Music Big Band and String Orchestra. More details of this concert can be found in the concerts section of the website.
Full House for first concert of 2009
The orchestra received a standing ovation at their first concert of 2009 . The concert, performed before a capacity crowd in St. Peter's Cathedral, Belfast featured guest soloist Michael Trainor performing The Lark Ascending to rave reviews. This concert which was part of the Belfast School of Music's series of community concerts, also featured 200 local Primary School children performing as well as the Cathedral Schola.
Applications for 2009/10 membership now being taken!
Applications for membership of CBYO for the 2009/10 season are now being taken.
Exisiting CBYO members who wish to return next year should fill in a re-enrolment form (available at rehearsals) - re-auditions will be held in May.
New Applicants should obtain a CBYO application form which are available from the Belfast School of Music. On receipt of your form you will be notified of time and location of your audition by post.
ALL FORMS NEED TO BE RETURNED TO BELFAST SCHOOL OF MUSIC BY FRIDAY 13 MARCH!
New fundraising events added!
Would all CBYO members please note that 2 new bag packs have been added to the schedule for Saturdays 28th March and 11th April 2009. Further details will be announced at CBYO rehearsals.
Guests for CBYO community concert announced
The line up for the forthcoming CBYO community concert has been announced. This concert in St Peter's Cathedral Belfast on Friday 27th February will feature the CBYO under the baton of Paul McBride with former leader Michael Trainor returning as guest soloist to perform Vaughan Williams The Lark Ascending. The CBYO are also delighted to welcome St. Peter's Cathedral Schola directed by Nigel McClintock, and local Primary Schools as part of the School of Music Sing Out project to take part in this concert. Ticket details can be found on the concerts section of the website.
Changes to CBYO events schedule for Feb/March
Would all orchestra members please note that the scheduled trip to the Ulster Orchestra concert on Friday 6th February has now been postponed until a later date. Also the CBYO concert proposed for Dublin on Saturday 28th March has now been cancelled.
Calendar now on sale!!!
Looking for that ideal Christmas gift ? Well look no further!! Orders are now being taken for the 2009 CBYO Calendar. This calendar which features informal pictures of the CBYO druing rehearsal costs £5 with profits going towards the Italy/ Slovenia tour fund. Calendars are only available through advance order and this can be done via CBYO members or calling the Belfast School of Music.
2008/2009 season of concerts off to a terrific start!
The first concert of the CBYO's 2008-09 season was a rousing success. The concert on 17th October was performed to a packed house with the orchestra recieving a standing ovation from the audience. Congratulations particularly go to Malachy Frame, the solosit on the evening who performed the 1st movement of the Neruda Trumpet Concerto. Our thanks go to Fr. O'Donnell and all at St. Anne's Parish Church for hosting the concert and to the School of Music Youth Chorale, Harp Ensemble and the Choir of Malone College who were our guests on the evening.
Changes to Tour Cost for Italy and Slovenia
After a review we have been able to lower the cost of the tour for July 2009. Each CBYO member will now pay £800 per person and deposits are due in by Monday 13th October.
Date of 2009 Summer Concert changed
All orchestra members should note that the date of the 2009 Summer concert has been changed. The concert which was originally scheduled for 27 June will now take place on Saturday 20th June in the Ulster Hall, Belfast.