2014 - Aberdeen International Youth Festival
Transcription
2014 - Aberdeen International Youth Festival
AIYF 25 JULY – 2 AUG 2014 Platinum Sponsor Gold Sponsor Silver Sponsor DANCE THEATRE WORLD MUSIC CHOIRS ORCHESTRAS OPERA JAZZ Principal Supporters www.aiyf.org CONTENTS Welcome and sponsors.................................. 1 B on a T competition and winners.................. 25 Box office and venue map............................... 2 Group Descriptions................................. 26-41 The Spotlight Sessions..................................... 3 Summer Courses..................................... 42-43 Main Festival Programme.......................... 3-13 We need your support.................................. 44 Communities Tour, Spotlight Sessions and Freshly Squeezed.................................. 14 Acknowledgements...................................... 45 Get Scotland Dancing................................... 15 At a glance calendar............................... 16-17 Spotlight Sessions and Freshly Squeezed artists biographies.................... 18-19 Extended Festival Programme................... 20-24 WELCOME I’d like to start by extending a very warm welcome to everyone taking part in this year’s festival, making it a wonderfully creative and culturally diverse event. As always we have many talented young people from the local, national and international arts disciplines and we are convinced that once again in 2014 we will be showcasing talent of the highest quality. You may also notice that how we describe the festival has changed this year and we have stepped out in confidence as ‘Scotland’s platform for youth arts’. This is in recognition of our position on the national youth arts stage as we continue to build sustainable links with national companies and organisations profiling the work of Scotland’s emerging young talent. 2014 will be a year of firsts for us at AIYF, which is no mean feat when we consider that the festival is now 42 years old. We held our first ever fundraising dinner in March, and we’ll be taking part in the cultural element of the Commonwealth Games programme by producing one of the North-east’s ‘Get Scotland Dancing’ projects. We are also continuing with our ‘Spotlight Session & Freshly Squeezeds’ programming, where we profile newly professional young acts across the classical, traditional, jazz and contemporary genres. The focus on the international element of our work has not changed, and as you’ll see from this year’s programme, we have young people participating in the festival from across the globe: many young people from China and the USA, from Europe to Mexico, will experience the excitement and vibrancy of taking part in the 2014 festival. The AIYF team has also been driving a number of initiatives across the city including the ABpositive cultural conversations events and the newly formed Aberdeen Festivals Collective, both of which are aimed at positioning Aberdeen more strongly at a local and national level in terms of its cultural offering. Finally, I’d like to wish everyone a fabulous festival and thank our many supporters, sponsors, friends and partner organisations. Their continuous/ongoing help ensures that we can present a wonderful programme of entertainment for our audiences and the young people involved to enjoy. Stewart Aitken CEO and Artistic Director, AIYF SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS Platinum Sponsor Bronze Sponsors Supporters and Funders Gold Sponsor Silver Sponsor Principal Supporters Programme designed and created by APS Group Scotland www.boxofficeaberdeen.com www.aiyf.org .1 BOX OFFICE INFORMATION Tickets for shows in Aberdeen and a selection of shows outside the city are available through Aberdeen Box Office. Online www.boxofficeaberdeen.com Telephone01224 641122 (Monday – Saturday, 9.30 – 6pm) In person HMT or Music Hall Box Office (Monday – Saturday, 9.30 – 6pm) SPECIAL OFFERS We are pleased to offer multiple ticket discounts for the majority of performances taking place during the 2014 festival. Family Tickets & Festival Pass Family tickets are available on any of the £6 shows. BOOKING FEES Booking Fees are applicable when buying tickets for most of the AIYF festival shows. The normal charge is 10% booking fee per ticket added to the price of the ticket at the point of purchase. This fee is applied to cover box office administrative costs. Please check at the point of purchase for booking fee costs. Family Pass: £20 for a family of four Festival Pass: 4 shows – £20 (saving £4) 8 shows – £38 (saving £10) 10 shows – £45 (saving £15) 20 shows – £75 (saving £45) (must include at least one child) Group Discounts Group of 8 people get £2 off standard rate ticket; Groups of 15 or more get 1 free ticket for every 15 tickets purchased. TICKET DISCOUNTS For events in Aberdeen, we are pleased to offer discounts on full price tickets to under 16s, full-time students, registered unemployed, over 60s and Friends of the Festival. For individual show discounts available please see daily listings. Accord Card AIYF are members of the Accord Card scheme for Aberdeen residents. For full information go to www.accordaberdeen.co.uk Extended Festival Tickets Tickets for these shows are available directly from the venue or local outlets. Please contact the venue or consult the festival website for more information. ABERDEEN CITY VENUES 1 6 2 7 4 Bon-Accord Shopping Centre St. Nicholas Shopping Centre 1 Aberdeen Town House 3 3 4 Union Terrace Gardens 5 Trinity Shopping Centre 6 Aberdeen Station UNION SQUARE SHOPPING CENTRE & BUS STATION 7 H is Majesty’s Theatre (HMT) Rosemount Viaduct, AB25 1GL M usic Hall Union Street, AB10 1QS Beach Ballroom Beach Promenade, AB24 5NR A berdeen Arts Centre & Theatre – (ACT Aberdeen) 33 King Street, AB24 5AA T he Sanctuary at Queen’s Cross Church Albyn Place, AB10 1YN T he Blue Lamp 121 Gallowgate, AB25 1BU T he Lemon Tree 5 West North Street, AB24 5AT All information in this guide is correct at the time of printing. To confirm details please contact the festival office or visit www.aiyf.org The Festival reserves the right to make changes to the programme. 2. ABERDEEN INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FESTIVAL THURSDAY JULY 24 FESTIVAL PROGRAMME PERFORMANCES SUNDAY, JULY 20 SPECIAL PRE-FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE: THE FOUR SEASONS DANCE EVENT Get Scotland Dancing VENUE: His Majesty's Theatre TIME: 5.00pm & 7.30pm COST: FREE but tickets must be booked in advance via Aberdeen Box Office Four Seasons is a project created with 100 young people from across the North-east of Scotland working with internationally-renowned choreographers Royston Maldoom OBE and Tamara McLorg. Supported by community dance artists, the show is a new dance performance that marries the north-east’s reputation for ‘four seasons in one day’ with Vivaldi’s famous score The Four Seasons. This show is a wonderful prelude to the main Aberdeen International Youth Festival programme. The project is commissioned by Get Scotland Dancing as part of Glasgow 2014 Cultural Programme, and is produced by Aberdeen International Youth Festival with support from Citymoves Dance Agency. THURSDAY, JULY 24 Our Scotland MITCHELL SCHOOL OF DRAMA (MSD) VENUE: Lemon Tree TIME: 7.30pm COST: £6 ‘Wir comin’ by the boatload – Wir doon the end o your road – Wir no awa tae bide awa.’ MSD (Scotland) take a wry and youth focused look on this Homecoming year and all things Scottish, in the style of the nation’s favourite form of entertainment – the television. Sheep, castles, Burns, tatties, tartan, the referendum and what comin’ hame means to people. Directed by Rhona Mitchell and devised by the company with music and lyrics by Ashley Forbes. www.boxofficeaberdeen.com www.aiyf.org .3 FRIDAY, JULY 25 The Robbie Burns Performers Garthdee International Concert THE STAR O’ ROBBIE BURNS BEIJING 57 HIGH SCHOOL JINFAN MARCHING BAND (CHINA), BALLET PRAGUE JUNIOR (CZECH REPUBLIC), SIMUNYE SIMUNYE ARTS (ZIMBABWE) AND EGYPTIAN FOLK DANCE GROUP (EGYPT) VENUE: Elphinstone Hall, University of Aberdeen TIME: 2.30pm & 8.00pm COST: £6 Top young performers from The Robert Burns World Federation Festival explore the work and fragile life of Caledonia’s Bard from his early years through to his enduring legacies through songs, poetry and music. The cast of extraordinary musicians and actors from across Scotland will inspire and captivate audiences with their phenomenal talent. VENUE: Inchgarth Community Centre, Garthdee TIME: 7:30pm COST: £6 Groups are coming from all corners of the world to perform at Garthdee this summer with an exciting dance and music show. Bringing a real international flavour, expect contemporary dance from Prague Ballet Junior and much fanfare and music from the large Chinese marching band. Our Scotland MITCHELL SCHOOL OF DRAMA (MSD) VENUE: Lemon Tree TIME: 7.30pm COST: £6 ‘Wir comin’ by the boatload – Wir doon the end o your road – Wir no awa tae bide awa.’ MSD (Scotland) take a wry and youth focused look on this Homecoming year and all things Scottish, in the style of the nation’s favourite form of entertainment – the television. Sheep, castles, Burns, tatties, tartan, the referendum and what comin’ hame means to people. Directed by Rhona Mitchell and devised by the company with music and lyrics by Ashley Forbes. SATURDAY, JULY 26 AIYF International Street Parade and Party ALL GROUPS ROUTE: Parade finishes outside John Lewis TIME: 11.00am COST: Free A new international and local street party and parade where all the local, national and international groups join together to bring a celebratory vibrancy to the city centre. Expect marching bands and dance groups as well as classical ensembles, theatre groups and local musicians and performers. Sponsored by Aberdeen BID 4. ABERDEEN INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FESTIVAL Festival in the City VENUE: City Centre TIME: 1.00pm – 4.00pm COST: Free Aberdeen comes alive with a jam-packed schedule of performances including drummers, traditional music, song, cultural dance and street theatre. A number of city centre stages will showcase the best of the Festival’s international talent, alongside young Scottish performers, in the streets and shopping centres of Aberdeen. The full range of entertainment on offer is suitable for all ages and tastes, so come along and experience the festival buzz for free! Sponsored by BP SATURDAY, JULY 26 UP CLOSE AND MUSICAL North-East Harp Ensemble VENUE: TBC TIME: 4.00pm COST: £6 MITCHELL SCHOOL OF DRAMA (MSD) VENUE: Lemon Tree TIME: 7.30pm COST: £6 ‘Wir comin’ by the boatload – Wir doon the end o your road – Wir no awa tae bide awa.’ MSD (Scotland) take a wry and youth focused look on this Homecoming year and all things Scottish, in the style of the nation’s favourite form of entertainment – the television. Sheep, castles, Burns, tatties, tartan, the referendum and what comin’ hame means to people. Directed by Rhona Mitchell and devised by the company with music and lyrics by Ashley Forbes. This highly talented and award winning duo are recipients of the much sought after Oxford Lieder Young Artist Awards given to only a few outstanding young duos each year to support a concert series. They have previously built their repertoire around pieces by Benjamin Britten, Franz Schubert, Francis Poulenc and Peter Warlock. AIYF Spotlight Session & Freshly Squeezed SUNDAY JULY 27 Our Scotland VENUE: Queen’s Cross Church Sanctuary TIME: 7.30pm COST: £11 & £7 (c) SATURDAY JULY 26 and dedicated harp teacher. She is music advisor to the North East branch of the Clarsach Society, and teaches worldwide using video conferencing software, attempting to make learning the harp accessible to all. KANGMIN JUSTIN KIM (COUNTER TENOR) AND SACHIKA TANIYAMA (PIANO) FRIDAY JULY 25 A group of young harpists from across the North-east will perform a classical repertoire in this City Centre venue. The group was set up by Christine Edwards in 2013. Christine Edwards is an experienced performer, composer Oxford Lieder Young Artists CASINO CIRCUS WITH BE LIKE PABLO AND DANIEL MUTCH VENUE: Lemon Tree (Lounge) DOORS: 9.00pm COST: £11 The Lemon Tree’s Freshly Squeezed programme combines with AIYF’s Spotlight Session to showcase the best new music in Aberdeen. Casino Circus, a four piece indie/punk band from Aberdeen who are gaining a reputation for putting on energetic and lively performances. Supported by other emerging local talent. SUNDAY, JULY 27 Welcome Ceremony VENUE: Music Hall TIME: 3.00pm COST: £1 (Free to Friends of AIYF and APA) AIYF’s grand opening ceremony extends a huge welcome to our talented performers from the UK and the rest of the world. A truly marvellous spectacle not to be missed. Countries this year include Japan, USA, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Czech Republic, China and Azerbaijan. GRAMPIAN YOUTH ORCHESTRA (GYO) (SCOTLAND) AND AMERSFOORT YOUTH ORCHESTRA (NETHERLANDS) VENUE: Music Hall TIME: 7.30pm COST: £16.50 & £11(c) Making a very welcome return to AIYF is the Northeast’s regional orchestra GYO with conductor Jessica Cottis and piano soloist Murray McLachlan. In true AIYF style, GYO will be collaborating with Amersfoort Youth Orchestra under its conductor Rolf Buijs, making its first appearance at the festival. Repertoire will include: Piano Concerto Beethoven’s concerto 5 Emperor and Symphony in D minor by Franck. www.boxofficeaberdeen.com www.aiyf.org .5 SUNDAY, JULY 27 Opera Masterclass VENUE: Elphinstone Hall, University of Aberdeen TIME: 7.30pm COST: £3 Royal Conservatoire of Scotland students from the AIYF Opera project are taken through their paces with one of the UK’s leading opera singers or tutors. In previous years they have worked with the wonderful talents of Lisa Milne and the workshop has become a must-see event in the AIYF programme. MONDAY, JULY 28 UP CLOSE AND MUSICAL Madison Youth Choirs (USA) Supported by Quarry HILL Primary School Choir, Aberdeen VENUE:St Machar Cathedral TIME: 11.00am COST: £6 With origins stretching back over five decades, Madison Youth Choirs is the collection of 11 different youth choirs from Madison, Wisconsin. Quarryhill Primary School Choir from Aberdeen will perform a prelude ahead of the main performance. International Performance Evening BEIJING JINGSHAN SCHOOL (CHINA), YOUNG RUSSIAN SOLOISTS (RUSSIA) & OTHER FESTIVAL PERFORMERS VENUE: ACT Aberdeen TIME: 7.30pm COST: £6 One of the most popular films in the world and recognised across the globe, this young Chinese performing arts company brings its lively stripped down version of the Wizard of Oz. Expect bright costumes and wonderful music and scenery. Supported by two talented Russian soloists from the AIYF linked performing arts school in Russia, School 46. 6. ABERDEEN INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FESTIVAL UP CLOSE AND MUSICAL Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Opera Song Studio VENUE:Elphinstone Hall, University of Aberdeen TIME:1.00pm COST: £6 An hour of song chosen from a range of operas, that will include the well known and the more unusual repertoire, performed by the talented young vocalists from this year’s opera residency under the direction of the RCoS head of Opera, Tim Dean. Classical Concert JOINT CONCERT FEATURING THE SCOKENDIA ENSEMBLE (SCOTLAND, KENYA, INDIA) & LAURA AYOUB (SCOTLAND) VENUE: Queen's Cross Church Sanctuary TIME: 7.30pm COST: £10 & £6 (c) In recognition of this year's Commonwealth Games, the Scokendia Ensemble, led by Scottish tenor Jamie Munn, brings together talented musicians from Scotland, Kenya and India to play new pieces of music. Laura Ayoub is a talented young violinist from Scotland. MONDAY, JULY 28 Theatre Double-Bill WITH BURAYDAH THEATRE GROUP (KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA) & LA CAMOTERA TEATRO (MEXICO) VENUE: Lemon Tree (Studio) TIME: 7.30pm COST: £6 Buraydah Theatre Group present, "A play of a window". A drama about two brothers living in one house in one room and each of them has different ideas, beliefs and aspirations. Who should stay and who should leave? La Camotera Teatro, present “Station”, a love story is performed without words sees a young woman and a middle aged man, both homeless meet by chance and share this moment. TUESDAY, JULY 29 VENUE: Craigiebuckler Church TIME: 11.00am COST: £6 UP CLOSE AND MUSICAL Aberdeen and North-east of Scotland Music Festival selected performers VENUE: Cults Parish Church TIME: 2.00pm COST: £6 Showcasing some of the region’s finest talent, this performance will bring together a number of participants, runners-up and winners from this year’s Aberdeen and North-east of Scotland Music Festival to perform at one of AIYF’s most popular and well supported local church venues. VENUE: TBC TIME: 1.00pm COST: £6 This wonderful school music theatre group takes audiences of all ages to the wonderful world of the Wizard of Oz in an Up Close and Musical setting. Expect music, songs and colourful costumes in this intimate version of the film classic. TUESDAY JULY 29 Two talented young soloists, both singers, visit AIYF from School 46 in St Petersburg, one of our international partner schools in Russia. Elizabeth Gorchakova and Karpenko Mila have won many local awards for their performances and will present a mixed repertoire of traditional and music theatre songs. Beijing Jingshan School MONDAY JULY 28 Elizabeth Gorchakova and Karpenko Mila (Russia) UP CLOSE AND MUSICAL SUNDAY JULY 27 UP CLOSE AND MUSICAL FESTIVAL RADIO Every day on shmuFM 99.8 FM MADISON YOUTH CHOIRS & NATIONAL YOUTH CHOIR OF SCOTLAND (NYCOS) BOYS' CHOIR VENUE: Music Hall TIME: 7.30pm COST: £15 & £10 (cabaret seating – downstairs only until full) This choral evening brings together two Boys' choirs who will share the programme for the evening before coming together with over 120 young male singers in a collaborative finale to the concert. NYCOS boys' choir will perform under guidance of conductor Frikki Walker. Madison Youth Choirs from Chicago, under the direction of Michael Ross, will be participating in AlYF for the first time. Sponsored by Craig Group. www.boxofficeaberdeen.com www.aiyf.org .7 TUESDAY, JULY 29 BALLET PRAGUE JUNIOR (CZECH REPUBLIC), ZACCHO YOUTH DANCE COMPANY (USA), THE NORTHERN EXCHANGE (SCOTTISH/ NORWEGIAN/FINNISH) AND THE BEIJING 57 HIGH SCHOOL JINFAN MARCHING BAND (CHINA) VENUE: International School TIME: 7.30pm COST: £6 One of the most anticipated shows in recent years, within the lovely setting of the International School, this performance will take audiences around the globe, and profile some of the world’s best talent in ballet & contemporary dance and traditional & fanfare music. FUSION YOUTH DANCE COMPANY (SCOTLAND), THEATRE SCHOOL OF MODERN DANCE “POTOKI” (UKRAINE), GUF RISHON (ISRAEL) VENUE: Lemon Tree TIME: 7.30pm COST: £6 Fusion Youth Dance Company, Theatre School of Modern Dance “Potoki” and Guf Rishon are three stunning contemporary dance companies returning to AIYF following previous highly successful and popular shows. Exciting movement with outstanding modern choreography will ensure that these performances are not to be missed. WEDNESDAY, JULY 30 UP CLOSE AND MUSICAL Silverbirch Duo (Scotland) VENUE: Queen’s Cross Church Sanctuary TIME: 1.00pm COST: £6 The Silverbirch Duo bring their beautiful blend of guitar and flute to AIYF courtesy of the AIYF partnership with Live Music Now. The duo are beginning to develop their profile as a partnership alongside their successful award winning solo work. This promises to be another quality concert as part of the Up Close and Musical series. Supported by: AIYF Festival Friends 8. ABERDEEN INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FESTIVAL UP CLOSE AND MUSICAL NESMS Performers Sanjay Vijayan, Ian Leahy and Kirsten Lobban VENUE: Ferryhill Church TIME: 3.00pm COST: £6 This showcase of local talent from the North East of Scotland Music School has become one of the highlight concerts during the annual Up Close and Musical series. The beautiful setting of the Ferryhill Church is perfect for the music of Sanjay Vijayan (Oboe), Ian Leahy(Cello), Kirsten Lobban (Voice) all accompanied by Drew Tulloch. WEDNESDAY, JULY 30 SAIGA BALLET (JAPAN) AND BALLET PRAGUE JUNIOR (CZECH REPUBLIC) BLACKBURN WITH DARWEN MUSIC SERVICES BIG BAND VENUE: ACT Aberdeen TIME: 7:30pm TICKETS: £6 VENUE: Beach Ballroom TIME: 7.30pm COST: £11 & £7 (C) Saiga Ballet (Japan) and Ballet Prague Junior (Prague) are two of the most talented contemporary ballet companies that have a longstanding relationship with AIYF and have a reputation locally of presenting stunning work during the festival each year they visit. Both companies will be profiling some of their newest work, as well as the next generation of top ballet talent. These companies really represent the very best young dance talent AIYF has to offer and this show is a not-to-bemissed evening of incredible dance. This special evening of big band dance music by this fantastic Big Band promises to be one of the festival’s most lively evenings of jazz. The Blackburn with Darwen Music Service Big Band, led by its musical director Paul J Rigby, will lead audiences through an up-tempo set of jazz classics and some modern tunes too. The iconic setting of the Beach Ballroom will ensure this show is a festival highlight for the young people performing and the audiences too. THEATRE DOUBLE BILL WITH APA YOUTH THEATRE (SCOTLAND) AND HOTEL ECHO THEATRE COMPANY (ENGLAND) Spotlight Session & Freshly Squeezed VENUE: Lemon Tree TIME: 7.30pm COST: £6 WATCHTONE (ENGLAND) AND NORTH-EAST FOLK COLLECTIVE (SCOTLAND) VENUE: The Blue Lamp DOORS: 8.00pm COST: £11 & £7 (c) www.boxofficeaberdeen.com www.aiyf.org WEDNESDAY JULY 30 A double bill of traditional and contemporary folk presented by infectious local trad group the North-east Folk Collective, and followed by Newcastle based Watchtone, infusing contemporary Scottish tunes with complex underlying tones and rhythms. North-east Folk Collective is led by local fiddle empressario Sharon Hassan and Chris Meredith (fiddle), Kev Lees (fiddle), Laura Bell (sax) and Graeme Armstrong (guitar) are the Watchtone quartet. THURSDAY JULY 29 “There was once a wide, windswept place, near nowhere and close to forgotten”…Both of these companies have been selected to participate in National Theatre of Scotland’s project “The Tin Forest” and will premier their newly devised shows, which have been developed in response to the stimulus above, during the Glasgow 2014 Cultural programme. .9 THURSDAY, JULY 31 Classical Concert Classical CHAMBER MUSIC PROJECT PARTICIPANTS WITH HEBRIDES ENSEMBLE NORMAN COOPER CHAMBER MUSIC COMPETITION VENUE: Queen’s Cross Church Sanctuary TIME: 1.00pm COST: £6 VENUE: Queen’s Cross Church Sanctuary TIME: 4.00pm COST: £6 Young participants from this year’s Chamber Music Project will perform work that they have learned and rehearsed in the summer course as part of AIYF. The young musicians taking part in this project are the next generation of Scotland’s top-level classical musicians and come from all over the country to learn and perform during this course. With a very high quality of orchestras attending this year’s festival, this will be a highly competitive event, open to any chamber ensemble taking part in AIYF 2014, as well as local young musicians who live or study in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire or Moray. Contact the AIYF on how to enter. Supported by: AIYF Festival Friends Founders Bequest Dance AIYF INTERNATIONAL DANCE GALA VENUE: His Majesty’s Theatre TIME: 7.30pm COST: £22 & £10 (c) The AIYF International Dance Gala is the festival’s annual showcase of wonderful choreography from across the world, with 2014 featuring ballet, contemporary, jazz, and traditional dance from countries such as Japan, Czech Republic, USA, Azerbaijan, Jordan, Israel, Ukraine & Scotland and more making this a top-quality high-energy event. Opera Theatre ROYAL CONSERVATOIRE OF SCOTLAND (RCOS) – OPERA RESIDENCY PERFORM OPERA SCENES AND SONGS HARVEST FIRE BY YOUTH MUSIC THEATRE (YMT) UK VENUE: Elphinstone Hall, University of Aberdeen TIME: 7.30pm COST: £11 & £7 (c) This is the culminating event for all the participants on the AIYF Opera project following a week of acting workshops with director Mark Hathaway, and group music coaching with head of opera, Tim Dean. This evening of opera scenes and song is an opportunity to put their new skills to the test by appearing in this public concert held in an outstanding venue. 10 . ABERDEEN INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FESTIVAL VENUE: Lemon Tree Studio TIME: 7.30pm COST: £6 Harvest Fire is a bold, exciting new work created by director Lewis Barfoot. The inspiration comes from two annual festivals: The Burning Man Festival in America and the Harvest Festival (Lúnasa) in Scotland – a traditional time to celebrate the end of the harvest. But something else happens at this time of year – the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead loosens and the spirit world joins the living, after which things will never be the same. THURSDAY, JULY 31 Jazz YOUNG SCOTTISH JAZZ MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR – PREVIOUS WINNERS VENUE: Blue Lamp DOORS: 8.00pm COST: £11 & £7 (C) A stunning evening of jazz is promised here when some of the previous winners of the Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year award perform as part of this year’s AIYF jazz programme. Previous winners include, drummer Corrie Dick and pianist Alan Benzie. Supported by the Scottish Jaz Federation FRIDAY, AUGUST 1 Opera Classical OPERA, FAMILY AND FUN UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN OGSTON MUSIC PRIZE FINALISTS VENUE: Lemon Tree TIME: 11.00am COST: £6 An informal hour of songs, scenes, stories and opera suitable for all ages. This morning of fun is aimed at families, and no-one is too young or too old, to enjoy this laughter-filled workshop. FESTIVAL RADIO Every day on shmuFM 99.8 FM Theatre VENUE: Lemon Tree TIME: 2.30pm & 7.30pm COST: £6 UP CLOSE AND MUSICAL Richard Bailey (piano) Cheryl Bell (oboe) & Kay Ritchie (flute) NESMS VENUE: Queen's Cross Church Sanctuary TIME: 3.00pm COST: £6 Richard, Cheryl and Kay are stalwarts of the AIYF’s “Up Close and Musical” concert series, performing this year for the 6th year running. They will perform contemporary music and the programme will feature Madeleine Dring’s witty “Trio for flute, oboe and piano” as a favourite of the group’s, and the “Suite Bourgeoise” as one of Malcolm Arnold’s earlier chamber works. www.boxofficeaberdeen.com www.aiyf.org FRIDAY AUGUST 1 Harvest Fire is a bold, exciting new work created by director Lewis Barfoot. The inspiration comes from two annual festivals: The Burning Man Festival in America and the Harvest Festival (Lúnasa) in Scotland – a traditional time to celebrate the end of the harvest. But something else happens at this time of year – the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead loosens and the spirit world joins the living, after which things will never be the same. A concert featuring winners and finalists of the prestigious Ogston prize held by the University of Aberdeen each year. The concert will showcase some of the top musicians from across the whole student population. Previous winners have gone on to a variety of careers and still appear as part of AIYF, such is the depth of talent participating. THURSDAY JULY 31 HARVEST FIRE BY YOUTH MUSIC THEATRE (YMT) UK VENUE: Ferryhill Church TIME: 1.00pm COST: £6 . 11 FRIDAY, AUGUST 1 Orchestras Traditional Music Concert ISO SYMPHONY OF THE INTERSCHOOL ORCHESTRAS OF NEW YORK (USA) & AMERSFOORT YOUTH ORCHESTRA (THE NETHERLANDS) AIYF BIG BAND CEÒL MÒR AND THE FÈIS ROIS NATIONAL CEILIDH TRAIL VENUE: Music Hall TIME: 7.30pm COST: £15 & £10 (c) (Cabaret set-up downstairs but tickets can be purchased for balcony) Collaborative orchestral concert presenting Bernstein's Candide Overture and elements from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake Suite. Also pieces from from Rimsky Korsakov, Ravel, Prokofiev, Beethoven and Copland. VENUE: Lemon Tree (Lounge) DOORS: 9.00pm COST: £10 & £8 (c) Many of the best young traditional musicians in Scotland together for a fantastic concert of contemporary Scottish traditional music. This promises to be a real experience of modern Scottish culture with the edge of 21st century setting off our cultural heritage embedded in the music. Sponsored by Apache SATURDAY, AUGUST 2 Dance 2014 Theatre PROJECT Y 2014 APA YOUTH THEATRE (SCOTLAND) AND AMERICAN CONSERVATORY THEATRE (SAN FRANCISCO) PRESENT INDEPENDENCE VENUE: ACT Aberdeen TIME: 7.30pm COST: £6 Specially crafted pieces will be presented during this evening, profiling some of Scotland’s most exciting and best young dance talent. Project Y is a performance training programme run by YDance, Scotland’s National Youth Dance Organisation for talented young dancers aged 12 to 21, and this year there will be new works by Anna Kenrick (YDance Artistic Director) and guest choreographers Colin Connor and Lina Limosani. 12 . ABERDEEN INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FESTIVAL VENUE: Lemon Tree TIME: 2.30pm COST: £6 For the third year running APA and ACT have collaborated to commission a new piece of writing for their talented groups of young actors. This latest work is by a Scottish writer looking at independence in its broadest sense of the word. AIYF gets the exclusive first rehearsed reading before the play is produced by both companies in the Autumn. Concert INTERNATIONAL VARIETY GALA VENUE: His Majesty’s Theatre TIME: 2.30 pm & 7.30pm COST: Matinee: £20 & £15 (c) Evening Tickets: £25 & £15 (c) The AIYF Variety Gala showcases the best music, dance, song and theatre from the festival programme, all wrapped up in two stunning performances. This show offers a fast-paced celebration of music, dance, theatre, orchestra and jazz. Featuring companies from all over the world including Azerbaijan, Czech Republic, Ukraine, Jordan, Russia, Egypt & Zimbabwe as well as home grown Scottish performers too! Sponsored by Shell & BP SATURDAY, AUGUST 2 AIYF Spotlight Session & Freshly Squeezed FOREST FIRES WITH VELVET AUDIO & SEAS STARRY VENUE: Lemon Tree DOORS: 8.00pm COST: £11 Since Forest Fires played their first show in 2011, they have been nominated at the Scottish Alternative Music Awards for “Best Newcomer”, played a Radio 1 live session for Ally McCrae, launched their debut EP, released a handful of videos and played a headline tour across Scotland. Classical UP CLOSE AND MUSICAL – NICHOLAS HARRIS (PIANO) VENUE: Queens Cross Church Sanctuary TIME: 3.00pm Cost: £6 This much travelled and award-winning concert pianist will be performing Schumann’s Davidsbündlertänze op. 6 and a Mozart Sonata number 3 in Bb Major, KV281. Nicholas is also appearing as a soloist with the Amersfoort Orchestra at AIYF and brings a rich experience of learning including time at the Amsterdam Conservatory and Yehudi Menuhin School in London. FRIDAY AUGUST 1 SATURDAY AUGUST 2 www.boxofficeaberdeen.com www.aiyf.org . 13 COMMUNITIES TOUR The Communities Tour is once again bringing some of the best local, national and international young talent to areas across the city. are brought to communities such as Garthdee, Tillydrone, Northfield, Seaton and Torry. From music, dance and theatre, there are many shows to choose from. This is an opportunity for young people from all over the world to meet people from communities in Aberdeen that would not normally have the chance to see or hear AIYF’s performers. From mother and toddler groups to youth centres and care homes, the Communities Tour, kindly sponsored by Marathon Oil, provides a wonderful experience for the young people The Communities Tour allows audiences, both young and old, to engage with AIYF and its participants in their own community setting. Bringing together the festival’s global focus with its home city, the Communities Tour is an invaluable part of AIYF. involved and the audiences too! Audiences can expect many diverse performances from musicians, actors and dancers, as traditions and talents Please visit the Communities Tour page on the AIYF website for more information about what shows are coming to a place near you! www.aiyf.org AIYF SPOTLIGHT SESSIONS AND FRESHLY SQUEEZED Returning after last year’s successful run, AIYF has once again programmed a series of shows, which showcase young acts that have already turned professional in a bid to support talent development, even when young artists have already turned a corner in their careers. These shows also recognise that young talent, particularly musicians, are becoming professional at a younger age and also need our support. This year AIYF’s Spotlight Session & Freshly Squeezed have taken another step in the right direction by crossprogramming young talent in collaboration with the Supported by Creative Scotland 14 . ABERDEEN INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FESTIVAL Lemon Tree’s very own Freshly Squeezed initiative. The Freshly Squeezed project, led by the Lemon Tree, also looks to support and nurture emerging young local and national talent across all genres of music. We see these ‘sessions’ as being an important part in the development of young artists who get the opportunity through these shows to play live sessions for young audiences that may not previously have enjoyed their work. GET SCOTLAND DANCING The Four Seasons Project Over the past four decades, Scotland has been a world leader in community dance. To celebrate this, and to tie in with what will be a pivotal year in the country’s development, ‘Get Scotland Dancing’, an exciting new initiative to get Scots dancing, is taking place around the country. As part of this project more than 250 organisations are coming together to provide thousands of opportunities for people to take part in and enjoy a huge range of dance activities throughout Scotland and across the world. As part of this programme, young people from Aberdeen City and Shire, as well as Moray, will create a new large-scale dance performance, The Four Seasons, marrying the North-East of Scotland’s reputation for ‘four seasons in one day’ with Vivaldi’s most famous score. Over three weeks in June/July, four local groups of dancers with varying levels of experience will work with internationally-renowned choreographers and community dance artists, Royston Maldoom and Tamara McLorg. This incredibly talented duo will lead the artistic vision and will create some of the dances. Supported by selected Scottish dance artists, Royston and Tamara will then set the overall choreographic framework and split the movements between the four groups who will create their own choreography, before finally coming together to create the finished performance. The Four Seasons will have its world premiere on Sunday 20 July, with performances at 5.00pm and 7.30pm at His Majesty’s Theatre. The performances are free but tickets must be booked in advance via Aberdeen Box Office www. boxofficeaberdeen.com The project is commissioned by Get Scotland Dancing as part of Glasgow 2014 Cultural Programme and produced by Aberdeen International Youth Festival with support from Citymoves Dance Agency. www.boxofficeaberdeen.com www.aiyf.org . 15 AIYF AT A GLANCE SUNDAY, JULY 20 Dance Special Pre-Festival Performance: The Four Seasons Dance Event – Get Scotland Dancing, His Majesty’s Theatre. Time: 5.00pm & 7.30pm SATURDAY, JULY 26 AIYF International Street Parade and Party, All Groups, Route finishes outside John Lewis. Start Time: 11.00am Festival in the City, City Centre. Time: 1.00pm – 4.00pm North-East Harp Ensemble, Up Close and Musical, Venue TBC. Time: 4.00pm Oxford Lieder Young Artists – Kangmin Justin Kim (Counter Tenor) and Sachika Taniyama (Piano), Queen’s Cross Church Sanctuary. Time: 7.30pm Mitchell School of Drama (MSD), Our Scotland, Lemon Tree. Time: 7:30pm Casino Circus with Be Like Pablo and Daniel Mutch, Lemon Tree Freshly Squeezed with AIYF Spotlight Session & Freshly Squeezed, Lemon Tree (Lounge) Doors: 9.00pm SUNDAY, JULY 27 THURSDAY, JULY 24 Mitchell School of Drama (MSD), Our Scotland, Lemon Tree. Time: 7:30pm Welcome Ceremony, Music Hall. Time: 3.00pm Grampian Youth Orchestra (GYO) and Amersfoort Youth Orchestra, Music Hall. Time: 7.30pm Opera Masterclass, Elphinstone Hall, University of Aberdeen. Time: 7.30pm FRIDAY, JULY 25 The Robbie Burns Performers, Young Burns performers from across Scotland, Elphinstone Hall, University of Aberdeen. Time: 2.30pm & 8.00pm Garthdee International Concert, Featuring Beijing 57 High School Jinfan Marching Band, Ballet Prague Junior, Simunye Simunye Arts, and Egyptian Folk Dance Group, Inchgarth Community Centre, Garthdee. Time: 7:30pm Mitchell School of Drama (MSD), Our Scotland, Lemon Tree. Time: 7:30pm MONDAY, JULY 28 Madison Youth Choirs & Quarry Hill Primary School Choir, Up Close and Musical, St Machar Cathedral. Time: 11.00am Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Opera Song Studio, Up Close and Musical, Elphinstone Hall, University of Aberdeen, Time: 1.00pm Beijing Jingshan School & Young Russian Soloists, International Performance Evening, ACT Aberdeen. Time: 7.30pm Concert with Scokendia Ensemble and Laura Ayoub, Queen's Cross Church Sanctuary. Time: 7.30pm Buraydah Theatre Group & La Camotera Teatro, Lemon Tree (Studio). Time: 7.30pm 16 . ABERDEEN INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FESTIVAL TUESDAY, JULY 29 THURSDAY, JULY 31 Elizabeth Gorchakova and Karpenko Mila (Russia). Time: 11.00am Chamber Music Project Participants Concert, Queen’s Cross Church Sanctuary. Time: 1.00pm Beijing Jingshan School, Up Close and Musical, Venue TBC. Time: 1.00pm Norman Cooper Chamber Music Competition, Queen’s Cross Church Sanctuary. Time: 4.00pm Aberdeen and North-east of Scotland Music Festival selected performers, Up Close and Musical, Cults Parish Church. Time: 2.00pm AIYF International Dance Gala, His Majesty’s Theatre. Time: 7.30pm Madison Youth Choir & National Youth Choir of Scotland (NYCOS) boys' choir, Music Hall. Time: 7.30pm Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCoS), Opera Residency perform opera scenes and songs, Elphinstone Hall, University of Aberdeen. Time: 7.30pm Ballet Prague Junior, Zaccho Youth Dance Company, The Northern Exchange and the Beijing 57 High School Jinfan Marching Band, International School. Time: 7.30pm Youth Music Theatre (YMT) UK, Harvest Fire, Lemon Tree. Time: 7.30pm Fusion Youth Dance Company, Theatre School of Modern Dance “Potoki”, Guf Rishon, Lemon Tree. Doors: 7.30pm Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year previous winners, The Blue Lamp. Time: 8.00pm FRIDAY, AUGUST 1 Opera, Family and Fun, Lemon Tree. Time: 11.00am Classical, University of Aberdeen Ogston Music Prize Finalists, Ferryhill Church. Time: 1.00pm WEDNESDAY, JULY 30 Youth Music Theatre (YMT) UK, Harvest Fire, Lemon Tree. Time: 2.30pm & 7.30pm Silverbirch Duo, Up Close and Musical, Queen’s Cross Church Sanctuary. Time: 1.00pm NESMS, Up Close and Musical, Queen's Cross Church Sanctuary. Time: 3.00pm NESMS Performers, Up Close and Musical, Ferryhill Church. Time: 3.00pm Saiga Ballet and Ballet Prague Junior, ACT Aberdeen. Time: 7:30pm Blackburn with Darwen Music Services Big Band, Beach Ballroom. Time: 7.30pm APA Youth Theatre and Hotel Echo Theatre Company, Lemon Tree. Time: 7.30pm Watchtone and North East Folk Collective, Spotlight Session & Freshly Squeezed, The Blue Lamp. Time: 8.00pm ISO Symphony of the InterSchool Orchestras of New York & Amersfoort Youth Orchestra, Music Hall. Time: 7.30pm AIYF Big Band Ceòl Mòr and the Fèis Rois National Ceilidh Trail, Traditional Music Concert, Lemon Tree (Lounge). Doors: 9.00pm SATURDAY, AUGUST 2 APA Youth Theatre and American Conservatory Theatre, INDEPENDENCE, Lemon Tree. Time: 2.30pm International Variety Gala, His Majesty’s Theatre. Time: 2.30 pm & 7.30pm Project Y 2014, ACT Aberdeen. Time: 7.30pm Forest Fires with Velvet Audio & Seas Starry, Freshly Squeezed with AIYF Spotlight Session & Freshly Squeezed, Lemon Tree. Doors: 8.00pm Up Close & Musical – Nichloas Harris. Queens Cross Church Sanctuary. Time: 3.00pm www.boxofficeaberdeen.com www.aiyf.org . 17 THE SPOTLIGHT SESSIONS SCOTLAND BE LIKE PABLO Be Like Pablo are a noisy powerpop band from quiet, rural Scotland who make catchy pop songs with girl/boy harmonies, Moog synthesizers, noisy guitars and a healthy dose of nerdy enthusiasm! The band consists of Ewen Watson on vocals/guitar/synthesizers, Ross Watson on guitar/vocals, Karen Johnston on syntheizers/vocals, Jamie Murphy on bass/vocals, and Andrew Stepien on drums/samples. Hailing from the small Scottish town of Forres, Be Like Pablo write bright, summer-sounding songs inspired by both classic pop music and alternative bands such as Weezer, Ash, Silver Sun and Ben Kweller. Since the band was founded, Be Like Pablo has performed live on both BBC Radio One and BBC Radio Scotland and played at many festivals throughout Scotland including: T in the Park, Rockness, Wickerman and The Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival. The band’s debut album, The New Adventures, was released in 2013 through London-based label Sray Cat Records and received airplay from Dermot O’Leary, Steve Lamacq, Vic Galloway, Ally McCrae and Jen long. CASINO CIRCUS Casino Circus are a four piece stripped down indie/punk band from Aberdeen. The band love playing live and embrace putting on an energetic and lively performance. Formed in Ellon the band describe their sound as “indie with an energetic edge”, united through a shared love for pop-punk. DANIEL MUTCH Daniel Mutch is a 21-year-old singer/songwriter from Aberdeen. With his mother from the tropical island of Bali and his father from the heart of the Granite City, Daniel has taken his unique background and experiences into writing songs. With his main influences deriving from his musical idol John Mayer, current singer/songwriter extraordinaire Ben Howard and other acts such as Lifehouse, Charlie Simpson, City and Colour and Bon Iver, Daniel has mixed all of these artist’s qualities and created an original blend of honest lyrical expression. In his very short career, Daniel has managed to reach relative success with his first two single releases. His debut ‘Lullaby’ managed to reach #15 in the iTunes singer/songwriter chart. His second single ‘Counting Stars’ reached #5. His debut EP ‘Chapter One’ was released at the end of March 2013. Still an unsigned artist, Daniel is actively looking to book himself into many gigs and opportunities which can help promote his music in any way possible. 18 . ABERDEEN INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FESTIVAL FOREST FIRES Since Forest Fires played the first show in 2011 the band has been nominated at the Scottish Alternative Music Awards for “Best Newcomer”, played a Radio 1 live session for Ally McCrae, launched a debut EP, released a handful of videos and played a headline tour across Scotland, as well as receiving local and national press coverage. Forest Fires are a four piece Alternative/Rock band from Aberdeen. They were named as one of Vic Galloway’s ‘bands to watch in 2013’ and are renowned for their live performances. Accolades given to the band include this stamp of approval from Ally McCrae at Radio 1 “They are the sort of band that will be filling stadiums in the future!” and this from Scotland’s very own Vic Galloway, "Muscular yet melodic rock". VELVET AUDIO Velvet Audio are a three piece alt/rock band from Aberdeen formed in the summer of 2007. They quickly developed a positive rapport with the locals and began generating a local fan base. They have been showcased on several local stations including, Original 106, Northsound 1 Waves radio and most notably Radio 1. The band have gigged extensively around the North-east, won high praise from Scotland’s very own music mogul legend and Oasis discoverer, Alan McGee, and have played at the famed Bull and Gate venue in London. SEAS, STARRY Seas, Starry are an instrumental/ambient/shoegaze band who draw inspiration from the effects-laden guitar sound of My Bloody Valentine, the minimalism of Labradford and the driving beats of Errors. The band are based in Aberdeen and have played a variety of live venues in and around the North-east. The band consists of Mike Blair, Claire Harkins, Ross MacBeath, Shaun Peters and Jan Stewart. A self-released home-recorded demo can be found on BandCamp as well as several tracks recorded for the Not A Teepee compilations collective. Live, Seas, Starry have shared bills with the likes of Joan of Arc, Hot Club de Paris, HT RK, Matricarians, Esperi and Conquering Animal Sound. ENGLAND WATCHTONE Watchtone are a fresh and exciting Newcastle-based band that infuses contemporary Scottish tunes with complex underlying tones and rhythms. Dazzling audiences with their own compositions and arrangements, Chris Meredith (fiddle), Kev Lees (fiddle), Laura Bell (sax) and Graeme Armstrong (guitar) make up this innovative quartet. Chris Meredith is a Scottish fiddle player and guitarist just back from his second tour in Norway with NE3Folk. Hailing from the historic border town of Jedburgh, Graeme Armstrong developed his style of playing amongst many of the great players based in the heart of the Scottish culture and traditional music scene in Glasgow. Kevin Lees has been playing the fiddle now for over 15 years, having been brought up on the vibrant youth folk music scene in Newcastle upon Tyne. Laura Bell, sax player, brings graceful and delicate sax style that provides a progressive and complex dimension to the group. www.boxofficeaberdeen.com www.aiyf.org . 19 EXTENDED FESTIVAL SUNDAY, JULY 27 MONDAY, JULY 28 Scokendia THE THEATRE SCHOOL OF MODERN DANCE ‘POTOKI’ (UKRAINE), ELBRUS (JORDAN), ZACCHO YOUTH DANCE COMPANY (USA) & SIAGA BALLET (JAPAN). VENUE: TBC TIME: 7.30pm TICKETS: TBC Commonwealth Games Cultural Programme collaborative project with top young classical musicians from Scotland, Kenya and India performing new work, and led by Scottish tenor Jamie Munn. VENUE: Webster Theatre, Arbroath TIME: 7.30pm TICKETS: £8 & £ 5 (c) Available from: T: 01241 435 800 Four outstanding dance companies perform classical and contemporary pieces in an international dance evening that will offer ballet, modern choreography from the USA and Ukraine, as well as traditional costumes and pieces from Jordan. MONDAY, JULY 28 BALLET PRAGUE JUNIOR (CZECH REPUBLIC) AND THE EGYPTIAN FOLK DANCE GROUP (EGYPT) VENUE: Woodend Barn, Banchory TIME: 7.30pm TICKETS: £5 plus bf of 10%. Available from: www. woodendbarn.co.uk T: 01330 825 431 Ballet Prague Junior and The Egyptian Folk Dance Group are two highly talented dance companies performing at Woodend Barn this July with an exciting ballet, traditional dance and music show. The companies will be profiling some of their newest work, and will bring a real international flavour to this lovely community in the heart of Aberdeenshire. 20 . ABERDEEN INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FESTIVAL Fèis Rois National Ceilidh Trail (Scotland) VENUE: Braemar Hall TIME: 8.00pm TICKETS: at door or available from Braemar Pharmacy and Newsagent Tickets £6/£4/£3 Young traditional musicians from across Scotland bring their beautifully crafted songs and driving tune sets to the heart of Braemar. A promise of an entertaining performance of both traditional and contemporary folk music and an enjoyable show for all them family. MONDAY, JULY 28 Simunye Simunye Arts (Zimbabwe) Amersfoort Jeugd Orchestra (Netherlands) VENUE: Victoria Hall, Ballater TIME: 7.30pm TICKETS: TBC Available from: 46 Bridge Street, or BRD office T: 01339 755467 VENUE: Banff/MacDuff tbc TIME: 7.30pm TICKETS: £8 Available from: Alistair Mason, Deveron Music: 0121 812941 or on the door. Traditional music, theatre, song and dance from this Zimbabwean group whose aim is to promote the One of The Netherlands’ most talented regional youth orchestras will perform under its conductor Rolf Buijs. culture of the country. Billed as a vibrant concert, the evening’s repertoire will include pieces by Tchaikovsky and Franck. TUESDAY, JULY 29 The Northern Exchange (Scotland/Norway/Finland) Amersfoort Jeugd Orchestra (Netherlands) VENUE: TBC TIME: 7.30pm TICKETS: £8 Available from: TBC. VENUE: Webster Theatre, Arbroath TIME: 7.30pm TICKETS: £8 & £ 5 (c) Available from: T: 01241 435 800 Traditional and classical musicians from these three countries come together to create an ensemble, which fuses the music together under the guidance of Scottish musician, Mike Vass. One of The Netherlands’ most talented regional youth orchestras will perform under its conductor Rolf Buijs. Billed as a vibrant concert, the evening’s repertoire will include: Piano Concerto No 1 by Tchaikovsky and Symphony in D minor by Franck. TUESDAY, JULY 29 Fèis Rois National Ceilidh Trail (Scotland) VENUE: Salmon Bothy, Portsoy TIME: 7.30pm TICKETS: £7 & £4 from www.salmonbothy.org.uk or 01261 842951 Young traditional musicians from across Scotland bring a full Ceilidh live experience to the heart of Portsoy. An uplifting and thoroughly enjoyable show for all the family. www.boxofficeaberdeen.com www.aiyf.org . 21 TUESDAY, JULY 29 Saiga Ballet (Japan), Simunye Simunye (South Africa), The Egyptian Folk Dance Group (Egypt) VENUE: Inverurie Town Hall, Inverurie TIME: 7.30pm TICKETS: £8 & £6 (c) Available from: Aberdeen Box Office www.boxofficeaberdeen.com or Strachans of Inverurie: T: 01467 621 489 Eagles of Azerbaijan & Elbrus Dance Troupe Azerbaijan (Jordan) VENUE: TBC TIME: 7.30pm TICKETS: tbc Available from: Two beautiful traditional companies bring their cultural choreography and stunning costiumes to this show. Three outstanding international companies will perform an exciting mix of traditional song and dance alongside exquisite contemporary ballet. WEDNESDAY, JULY 30 22 . Singing Duo (Russia), Theatre School of Modern Dance ‘Potoki’ (Ukraine), Elbrus (Jordan), Simunye Simunye (Zimbabwe) Eagles of Azerbaijan (Azerbaijan), Egyptian Folk Dance Group (Egypt) and Fèis Rois National Ceilidh Trail (Scotland). VENUE: Dalrymple Hall, Fraserburgh TIME: 7.30pm TICKETS: £8 & £5 (c) Available from: R & S Dyga, 51 Broad Street, Fraserburgh T: 01346 518 751 or from the venue. VENUE: Westhill Trinity Church, Westhill TIME: 7.30pm TICKETS: £8 & £5 (c) Available from: Parish office after church on Sundays and from a selection of local shops. An exciting international evening of incredible talent from across the globe including dance, song and regional African music. This popular extended festival venue hosts performers of traditional music and dance from Scotland, Egypt and Azerbaijan. ABERDEEN INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FESTIVAL WEDNESDAY, JULY 30 Buraydah Theatre Group (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) & La Camotera Teatro (Mexico) VENUE: Woodend Barn, Banchory TIME: 7.30pm TICKETS: £5 Available from: www.woodendbarn. co.uk T: 01330 825 431 Moving and thought-provoking dramas about people and relationships. Buraydah Theatre Group presents “A play of a window” a drama about two brothers living in one house in one room and La Camotera Teatro presents “Station” a love story, performed without words but true emotion. ISO Symphony of the InterSchools Orchestras of New York (USA) VENUE: tbc TIME: 7.30pm TICKETS:£8 & £5 (c) Available from: Elgin St. Giles’ and St. Columba’s South Wonderful orchestra made up of some of New York’s finest young classical musicians. A real treat to see them perform in the heart of the North-east. The Northern Exchange (Scotland/Norway/Finland) VENUE: St. Ninian’s & Forglen Church’ Turriff TIME: 7.30pm TICKETS: £8 & £5 (c) Available from: The Church T: 01888 560282 Traditional and classical musicians from these three countries come together to create an ensemble which fuses the music together under the guidance of Scottish musician Mike Vass. Guf Rishon and Guf Sheni (Isreal), Fusion Youth Dance (Scotland) and Zaccho Youth Dance (USA) VENUE: Deeside Theatre, Bridgeview Road, Aboyne TIME: 7.30pm TICKETS: £8 & £6 (c) Available from: The Deeside Theatre T: 01339 886 222 or Aberdeen Box office: www.boxofficeaberdeen.com Exciting and inspirational evening of international contemporary dance from Scotland, USA and Israel THURSDAY, JULY 31 Madison Youth Choirs (USA), Blackburn with Darwen Music Services Big Band (England), Feis Ros National Ceilidh Trail (Scotland) VENUE: Stonehaven Town Hall, Stonehaven TIME: 7.30pm TICKETS: £8 & £6 (c) Available from: Stonehaven Tourist Office Acclaimed youth choir from the USA, big band jazz from England and traditional music from the Fèis Ros National Ceilidh Trail. www.boxofficeaberdeen.com www.aiyf.org . 23 FRIDAY, AUGUST 1 Watchtone, (UK) Madison Youth Choirs (USA) VENUE: Melvin Hall, Tarves TIME: 7.30pm TICKETS: £8 & £6 (c) Available from: Tarves Heritage Centre, T: 01651 851883 VENUE: Brechin Cathedral, Brechin TIME: 7.30pm TICKETS: £8 & £6 (c) Available from: Cathedral Office, 6 Church St T: 01356 629 360 between 9.30am and 12 noon. Newcastle based group of respected young traditional musicians known for performing upbeat and entertaining live shows. Internationally acclaimed youth choir form the USA will be performing a classical set in this unique setting in the North-east of Scotland. As many as 80 young voices will present an uplifting and exciting repertoire during this choir's first ever visit to AIYF and Scotland. Blackburn with Darwen Music Services Big Band VENUE: Kemnay Village Hall TIME: 7.30pm TICKETS: £8 & £6 (c) Available from: The Hair Shop T: 01467 642177; Kemnay Library T: 01467 643906; Kintore Library T: 01467 634393 VENUE: tbc TIME: 7.30pm TICKETS: tbc Available from: tbc Returning for a third year, this fantastic Big Band from the North-west of England bring a wide range of repertoire that will make it difficult for you to not want to get up and dance. Moving and thought provoking dramas about people and relationships. Buraydah Theatre Group presents “A play of a window” a drama about two brothers living in one house in one room and La Camotera Teatro presents “Station” a love story, performed without words but true emotion. SUNDAY, AUGUST 3 SATURDAY, AUGUST 9 ISO Symphony of the InterSchool Orchestras of New York (USA) Dlooko School Choir (South Africa) VENUE: St. Margaret’s Church, Braemar TIME: 7.30pm TICKETS: £10 (c), £7 & £5 (under 16). Available from: [email protected] directly or from the Braemar Pharmacy. This 50 strong orchestra brought together from schools across the city of New York bring a high quality of musicianship and a wide repertoire of accessible music. 24 . Buraydah Theatre Group (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) & La Camotera Teatro (Mexico) ABERDEEN INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FESTIVAL VENUE: Woodend Barn, Banchory TIME: 7.30pm TICKETS: tbc Available from: www.woodendbarn. co.uk T: 01330 825 431 The Dloko School Choir comes from an impoverished school in J Section, Umlazi, a township on the outskirts of Durban, South Africa. The choir sings Zulu and gospel songs entirely from memory. They “feel” the music and are highly accomplished singers with perfect intuitive harmonies. B ON A T COMPETITION SPONSORED BY SHELL This year, and following the success of 2013 ‘B on a T’ competition, Aberdeen International Youth Festival (AIYF) supported by Shell, challenged all young people from Primary and Secondary schools across Aberdeen City and Shire to design the Festival t-shirts. AIYF called on budding young artists aged 5 to 17 to come-up with a design for the front of the festival’s t-shirts which will be worn by over 1,000 international, national and local participants, staff and volunteers during this year’s festival. Hundreds of entries were received from schools across the North-East of Scotland, ranging from Robert Gordon’s College to Kennethmont School. The winning design was selected by our panel of judges from Shell, AIYF and SMART Consultants who had a hard time choosing a winner from this year’s fabulous selection of entries. Some lucky pupils received workshops from Aberdeenbased artist Katarína Chomová, who visited some schools to help children with their designs, inspiring them and encouraging them to be more creative with their own work. This year, Summer Mapplebeck from Bucksburn Academy was the overall winner with a wonderful design that showed intricate detail and artistry. Summer will see her design on every festival t-shirt during AIYF and she received vouchers for Hobbycraft art shop and tickets for festival Shows. Bucksburn Academy School won a generous £400 cash prize kindly donated by our sponsor Shell UK that will allow new art materials to be bought for the school. Summer Mapplebeck Bucksburn Academy T-shirt Winner There were four runners up which were Molly Mutch, Age 10, Strathburn Primary School; Louise Rae, Age13, Northfield Academy; Holly Walker, Age 11, Newburgh Mathers School and Emma Williams, Age 13, Albyn School. They received vouchers for a local art outlet and tickets to some of the festival’s top performances. The winners and some of the best entries from the competition will be exhibited during the festival at the new exhibition space on Seventeen,17 Belmont Street in Aberdeen. www.boxofficeaberdeen.com www.aiyf.org . 25 CHOIRS SCOTLAND ABERDEEN CHORAL ENSEMBLES (ACE) ACE is based at Airyhall Community Centre and is a community music project that is a partnership between the centre and Alexander Miller, a freelance musician and singing tutor. He uses the many different singing methods from games, the Kodaly activities and more traditional choral training, to open the door to singing for the young participants. With support from students from the University of Aberdeen, music department and other music specialists, the ACE members, some as young as six, get an ongoing exposure to the power of song as a tool for creativity, confidence and group collaboration. This fairly inexperienced group is stepping gently into the festival with the hope for years to come that they can grow and develop their participation in the event. NYCOS NATIONAL BOYS' CHOIR NYCoS is one of AIYF’s frequent highly professional participants and the 2014 boys' choir will bring a wide ranging repertoire, brought to life under the guidance of conductor Frikki Walker. The National Youth Choir of Scotland has four National Choirs which provide singing opportunities at the highest level for Scotland’s young singers. NYCoS National Boys' Choir is for singers aged 10 to 16 years and is structured in three sections: Junior Corps, NBC and Changed Voices. The choir provides a unique opportunity for young singers to sing together at the highest standard. Consistently delighting audiences since it began in 2002, the choir has gone from strength to strength with performances all across the UK from the Edinburgh International Festival to BBC Proms in the Park. The most talented young singers from across Scotland were chosen to form this year’s 160 strong ensemble. This year’s performance at AIYF is unique in that it brings together two boys' choirs for the first time who will share the programme for the evening before coming together with over 120 young male singers in a collaborative finale to the concert. 26 . ABERDEEN INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FESTIVAL SCOTLAND USA QUARRYHILL PRIMARY SCHOOL CHOIR (SCOTLAND) THE MADISON YOUTH CHOIRS (MYC) Quarryhill Primary School is based at the heart of the Northfield community in Aberdeen. The choir has developed and grown out of a simple idea to give the children some exposure to singing as a group. The Madison Boy Choir began in 1971 after its founder, Carrel Pray, used homemade flyers to invite the Madison community to a free public concert featuring a boy choir from a neighboring city. The Madison Boy Choir grew to involve hundreds of families providing an unparalleled music education and worldwide performance opportunities for their sons. These tentative sessions across the school led to a demand for a more serious and regular activity and over the past nine months the choir has grown to over 50 regular members from primary 1 – primary 7. The horizons of the group have also grown so much that they recently performed in St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh as well as the Scottish Parliament. For AIYF 2014 they have taken on the challenge of opening one of the Up Close and Musical concerts in St. Machar’s cathedral. This group and school staff have shown great commitment to the power of music to not only bring the whole school together but also gain new skills and increased confidence. In 2003, the Madison Boy Choir merged with the Madison Children’s Choir to become the Madison Youth Choirs (MYC). Today, with 11 single-gender choirs, MYC is recognised as an innovator in youth choral music education and serves more than 500 young people, aged 7 to 18, on an annual basis. MYC performs for more than 30,000 audience members annually often in collaboration with local professional arts organisations including the Madison Symphony Orchestra, Madison Ballet, and Madison Opera. The 71 boys honoured to participate in the Aberdeen International Youth Festival include singers from each of their boy choir ensembles: Purcell, Britten, Holst and Ragazzi. Ranging in age from 9 to 18 and including unchanged, changing, and changed voices, these singers represent the entire boy choir program of over 120 members. www.boxofficeaberdeen.com www.aiyf.org . 27 DANCE AZERBAIJAN EAGLES OF AZERBAIJAN This group of teenage boys was formed in 2007 by director Bashirov Khanlar, himself a professional dancer for 40 years. He aimed to create a dance group in order to preserve and promote the traditional dance and culture of Azerbaijan. CZECH REPUBLIC BALLET PRAGUE JUNIOR Ballet Prague Junior is making a return visit to AIYF. A pre-professional contemporary dance company, the group comprises 15 young people from Dance Centre Prague Conservatoire. With origins extending back over seven decades, the student company has hosted many internationally-renowned dancers and choreographers. The ensemble is very active with over 16 original works produced and performed over the last decade. The company’s 2013 production titled “Only You and Me” won the prestigious Czech Actors’ Association’s Student Thalia award for choreography. Ballet Prague Junior is Dance Centre Prague’s senior ensemble, with Baby Ballet for younger years. This productive ensemble performs mostly in the Czech Republic, with a few shows a year across Europe. Ballet Prague Junior performs the very best of youth ballet, with audiences sure to see future stars in the world of ballet on stage. Many of the boys come from the Shagan and Mardakan areas of Baku, the nation’s capital; however the group aims to represent the culture, traditions and values of all of Azerbaijan. Their name derives from the shape of their country next to the Caspian Sea. Alongside dancing, audiences enjoy playing from accompanying musicians, performing on traditional Azerbaijani instruments such as the balaban. Since the group began performing they have been successful in keeping traditions alive for future generations. Audiences across Europe have been delighted with their lively expression of Azerbaijani traditions and customs. JORDAN ELBRUS CIRCASSIAN DANCE TROUPE This group of 15 young people from Jordan make up Elbrus Circassian Dance Troupe. The group performs in impressive costumes, the traditional clothing of the Circassian people. The group has the aim to promote a message of peace, love and harmony. Inspired by the rich culture and heritage of the Circassian people, the group are immaculately choreographed. Dance is celebrated in Circassian culture and the group unite in their enthusiasm for a shared dream to promote good in the world. Audiences will be treated to a view into another, much oppressed, culture. The performance is certain to be not only both perfectly executed but also provide audiences with a display of young people both celebrating their culture and heritage, as well as ensuring that traditions carry on for another generation. 28 . ABERDEEN INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FESTIVAL ISRAEL EGYPT EGYPTIAN FOLK DANCE GROUP Founded in 2008, Egyptian Folk Dance Group is an energetic dance company counting 30 dancers and 20 musicians. Its objective is to train and develop young talents to revitalise local communities. Embracing the Egyptian cultural heritage, the troupe sings and performs a large variety of dances such as el-Tanoura, dabke, belly dance and other regional folk dances. The group’s colourful and energetic performances are enthralling and artistically centred in the roots of Arabic traditional dance. Egyptian Folk Dance Group enjoys displaying its considerable talents to a broad range of audiences and has already participated in a number of festivals in Egypt, Korea, Chile, Turkey and England. SCOTLAND FUSION YOUTH DANCE COMPANY Fusion Youth Dance Company is based in Aberdeen and part of the work developed by Citymoves, the North-east of Scotland’s dance development agency. Fusion offers talented young dancers, aged between 13 and 18, the opportunity to participate in the creation, production and performance of contemporary dance works at the highest-level of expertise. Dancers take part in weekly classes, residencies with acclaimed choreographers and are offered local, national and international performance opportunities. After their performances as part of AIYF, this year they will also be involved in Commonwealth dance festival activities and have recently participate in a youth contemporary festival in Ireland. GUF RISHON & GUF SHENI FROM THE ORNA GELES STUDIO The Orna Geles Studio is a renowned Israeli dance school and also the oldest and most professional school for dance and movement in the Gedera region. Although the school has hundreds of students, it maintains a warm, family atmosphere that emphasises personal attention. The studio boasts a wide range of classes and dance disciplines for children, young people and adults including performance groups like the two groups coming to perform at AIYF 2014, Guf Rishon and Guf Sheni. Guf Rishon, who visited successfully as part of AIYF 20111, is the senior youth performing troupe of the studio and was established in 1996 with dancers aged between 16 and 18. Guf Sheni is the junior troupe from Orna Geles Studio with dancers aged between 14 and 16. Both companies show high levels of motivation and commitment as they strive to express through their choreography the values of cultural activity, respect for education and aspiration to excellence. They are directed by a team of professional teachers and the dancers are exceptionally dedicated and devote much of their free time to dancing. JAPAN SAIGA BALLET Saiga Ballet was formed in 1961 in Tokyo and has been a frequent participant in the festival since 1977. Toshiko Saiga, the founder and choreographer of Saiga Ballet, is an honorary Friend of the festival and one of Aberdeen’s greatest admirers. As a member of the Dance Maker’s Society in Japan, Saiga Ballet has presented many contemporary ballets and has a repertoire of both classical and contemporary ballet, such as dances from ‘La Silphide’ and Japanese old folklore. This year the company has done some performances for some lucky audiences in hospitals and retirement homes. www.boxofficeaberdeen.com www.aiyf.org . 29 ZIMBABWE SCOTLAND SIMUNYE SIMUNYE ARTS PROJECT Y Simunye Simunye Arts is a vibrant group of young people from Zimbabwe aiming to bring joy and entertainment to the local communities through music, drama, song and dance. AIYF regulars Project Y are guaranteed to make audiences sit up and take notice as they perform what is sure to be an attention-grabbing piece of contemporary dance. Project Y is an initiative from Y Dance (Scottish Youth Dance) the National Youth Dance Agency for Scotland. Their performances have a lifelong learning message and they provide peer education for young people and communities. Their aim is to build and transform communities though the arts. Supported by: Aberdeen City Council’s Twinning Fund UKRAINE THEATRE SCHOOL OF MODERN DANCE “POTOKI” Second time visitors to AIYF, Potoki, is a Theatre School of modern dance hailing from Ukraine. This group has been a youth and children’s public organisation in the city of Dniepropetrovsk, in the east of Ukraine, since 2001. Run by director Olena Budnytska, it simultaneously works as school of contemporary dance for children and Youth Dance Theatre, combining such genres as dance and theatre to create unique choreographed and improvised pieces. All students receive quality, varied tuition and are trained using many techniques in numerous disciplines, including contemporary dance, special gymnastics and yoga. The group have performed on several different stages both in Dniepropetrovsk and other cities throughout the Ukraine, Russia, Moldova and other Baltic countries. Once again The Theatre School of Modern Dance “Potoki” are sure to put on an impressive spectacle of modern dance. Dancers between 16 and 21 are involved with Project Y, and are taking part in an intensive course to learn what it is like to be involved with a professional dance company. Project Y dancers tour the country and get a feel for what a career in dance is like. Y Dance’s aim is to encourage young people to get active and realise their potential through dance. Presenting an innovative programme combining a number of different styles including street dance, ballet and break dancing, Y Dance are not to be missed. USA ZACCHO YOUTH DANCE COMPANY Zaccho Youth Company (ZYC) is a small dance company based in San Francisco. ZYC is made up of nine members, aged between 9 and 21. Since the company was founded by artistic director Joanna Haigood in 2002, the group has performed widely both locally in the San Francisco Bay area, and across the United States. This is their first appearance at AIYF. The group performs ariel dance. Dancers display strength and skill, displaying ariel flight and suspension from various apparatus creating unusual and impressive performances. The daring and grace that the dancers display make for an exciting spectacle. Tackling a variety of social issues through their performances, from environmental justice to racial identity, any performance from ZYC not only displays beautiful choreography, but also provokes thought. 30 . ABERDEEN INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FESTIVAL JAZZ ENGLAND SCOTLAND BLACKBURN WITH DARWEN MUSIC SERVICE BIG BAND YOUNG SCOTTISH JAZZ MUSICIANS OF THE YEAR Led by Paul J Rigby, an acclaimed jazz musician, the band was set up in 2001 to encourage up-andcoming players who wanted to develop their musical skills further. The band has performed at many leading events throughout the UK including the Darwen Jazz & Blues Festival and many other venues in their area. Since 2001 they have been on two international tours, the first in France and more recently in Belgium, playing on the main stage in Gent for part of their festival. The band plays a variety of styles and has a wide range of repertoire from Van Morrison to Amy Winehouse, from Herbie Hancock to Henry Mancini. This will be the third visit to AIYF and the band will perform during the 2014 festival at Aberdeen’s renowned Beach Ballroom venue in a pinnacle performance that will profile this wonderfully talented and diverse group of musicians in one of the city’s best acoustic spaces. For the 3rd year AIYF are delighted to welcome a selection of winners from the annual Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year competition. This year will see the finals held in Glasgow as part of the Commonwealth Games cultural celebrations but soon afterwards the 2014 winner will join the likes of last year’s winner, 22 year old drummer from Glasgow, Corrie Dick, in a concert at the wonderful Blue Lamp venue. Partners in this project that is all about promoting young people in jazz are the Scottish Jazz Federation and jazz at the Blue Lamp. SJF continue to promote, mentor and develop opportunities for young musicians to showcase their talent and support their careers. Jazz at the Blue Lamp have created the perfect venue and ambience for the music so festivals like AIYF can promote the best jazz talent in the country and beyond. The young winners of this award not only receive a cash prize but also support for touring and recording as well as appearances at both the Glasgow and London jazz festivals. www.boxofficeaberdeen.com www.aiyf.org . 31 ORCHESTRAS SCOTLAND NETHERLANDS GRAMPIAN YOUTH ORCHESTRA AMERSFOORT YOUTH ORCHESTRA (AYO) Grampian Youth Orchestra (GYO) makes a welcome return to AIYF in 2014! GYO began in 2004 as part of AIYF, known as the Host Orchestra, and has grown into an orchestra in its own right. Since 2006 it has worked with well-respected conductors such as Jessica Cottis, Oliver Rundell and William Conway and features talented soloists such as Jessica Coleman, Alexander Janichek and Murray McLachlan. The Amersfoort Youth Orchestra has been running for over five decades. Proving to be one of the Netherlands’ foremost youth orchestras, the AYO has won many top national awards year on year. Led by conductor Mr Rolf Buljs, AYO has been awarded the prestigious title of “Best youth orchestra in the Netherlands” twice. This year sees the return of Jessica Cottis and Murray McLachlan to GYO with an exciting program including Beethoven’s Emperor Piano Concerto and the Symphony in D Minor by Caesar Franck where GYO will be joined on stage by the Amersfoort Youth Orchestra of the Netherlands – an exciting concert not to be missed! GYO is proud to return to AIYF this year where it will also perform the National Anthems of all participating countries at the Welcome Ceremony held on Sunday, July 27 at Aberdeen’s iconic Music Hall venue at 3.00pm. 32 . ABERDEEN INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FESTIVAL The orchestra is comprised of 65 young musicians, aged between 14 and 24. Most of those who play in AYO are high school or university students, with some studying their craft at conservatories. Amersfoort Youth Orchestra usually performs bold classical pieces. However they are no strangers to taking a few risks and trying something new as they will be doing with two collaborations during AIYF 2014, and also shown in 2012 when the orchestra took part in the world’s biggest scavenger hunt by arranging and performing Kansas’ Carry on My Wayward Son for an orchestra in three days. USA CHINA ISO SYMPHONY OF THE INTERSCHOOL ORCHESTRAS OF NEW YORK BEIJING 57 HIGH SCHOOL JINFAN MARCHING BAND The InterSchool Orchestras of New York (ISO) creates opportunities for school-aged children in New York City to make music together through a family of ensembles. These include seven orchestras and a band that provide progressively graded experiences for students at beginning through to advanced levels. Instrumental coaches take part in all rehearsals and concerts, playing alongside their students offering assistance and encouragement in all ensembles except the ISO Symphony. ISO’s musicians share the music they make with the community in 20 concerts annually to more than 7,200 people, including 1,500 public school children at assembly programs in their schools. More than half of ISO’s students receive scholarships or financial aid, ensuring that family income is never an impediment to participation. The ISO Symphony is ISO’s top ensemble. Its alumni include musicians holding principal chairs in professional orchestras in New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, St. Louis, and other cities. It has undertaken international tours to Spain and Venezuela, and this is its first visit to the Aberdeen International Youth Festival. Beijing 57 High School Jinfan Marching Band was established in 2000. It has participated in many events, festivals and exchanges including performances at the World University Games opening ceremony, Guangzhou International Festival Opening and Closing Ceremony performance, and as part of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Youth Championship and Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Tianjin division Cultural programmes. This school band actively participates in international exchange activities. In recent years, the Band has collaborated with the Australia High School Band, the Dutch Youth Wind Band, the Washington Lake Braddock Youth Symphony Orchestra, United States Marine Corps Band in the Pacific region and other advanced teams. In 2012, the band won the first Prize in Marching Orchestral Music Performance of Beijing at the 15th Student Festival, and won the Orchestral Music Golden Award, Overseas Marching and many other national accolades. Jeffrey Grogan, ISO’s Artistic Director, has led the ISO Symphony since the 2010/2011 season. www.boxofficeaberdeen.com www.aiyf.org . 33 THEATRE SCOTLAND KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA ABERDEEN PERFORMING ARTS YOUTH THEATRE BURAYDAH THEATRE GROUP The Aberdeen Performing Arts (APA) Youth Theatres are part of the company’s Creative Learning portfolio of education and creative talent development projects. APA youth theatres offer participants a high quality experience in a supportive environment whilst developing their skills and confidence in theatre and performance and also assisting them to explore their creativity. For AIYF 2014 they will be bringing two projects including working on a new and challenging play called ‘Independence’ commissioned from a Scottish playwright and developed and performed in collaboration with the American Conservatory Theatre from San Francisco. The second project will be their response to the National Theatre of Scotland’s Tin Forest initiative involving companies from across the Commonwealth. The results of the devised show will be seen as part of a double bill with Hotel Echo Theatre Company. 34 . ABERDEEN INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FESTIVAL Buraydah Theatre Group was founded in Al-Qassim (Saudi Arabia) in 2007. The group has produced more than over a dozen productions in a variety of genres including work for young people, main theatre plays, experimental and movement based shows. As well as performing across Saudi Arabia, the company has also participated in many international theatre festivals in Tunisia, Jordan, Morocco, Cairo and Ukraine and has won numerous awards. For their first visit to AIYF, the Buraydah Theatre Group is bringing a cast of two to perform “A play of a Window”. USA AMERICAN CONSERVATORY THEATER Established in 1965, American Conservatory Theater (ACT) is the largest theatre company in the San Francisco Bay Area, offering both classical and contemporary theatre productions and employing more than 800 people each season. During the past four decades more than 300 ACT productions have been seen by nearly 7 million theatre goers in the company's Beaux Arts-style theatre located in the heart of San Francisco’s theatre district. Central to ACT’s vision is the philosophy of lifelong education. ACT is committed to nurturing artists from diverse backgrounds and to embracing the challenging dynamics of training and performance that lie at the heart of the institution. MEXICO UK LA CAMOTERA TEATRO YOUTH MUSIC THEATRE (YMT) UK La Camotera Teatro is a young theatre group from Monterrey in Mexico, directed by Antonio Craviotto who has more than 10 years of experience participating in various festivals in Mexico and abroad. For their first visit to AIYF and to Scotland, the company will be presenting a play without words called ‘The Station’ performed by two talented actors. ‘The Station’ follows many of the themes promoted by the company including the relationships between generations, the rights of the poor and less fortunate in society. Youth Music Theatre (YMT) UK, known as YMT, is the UK’s leading music theatre company for young people. Supported by Arts Council England and the Department of Education, they deliver a wide range of opportunities including performance, writing, skills workshops and special projects across the whole country. The link with ENGLAND HOTEL ECHO THEATRE Hotel Echo is a new company formed as part of the Bristol Old Vic’s ‘Made in Bristol’ training scheme, where students have come together to train as theatremakers, performers and workshop facilitators and to create inventive, energetic and high quality work. Hotel Echo has come from the fourth year of the project with Bristol Old Vic following a tradition of new theatre companies from the initiative. They are a diverse and eclectic group of young theatre-makers who specialise in narrative-driven ensemble work, new writing, devising and adapting text and employing physical theatre and live music. The show “Wild Men” will be premiered at Bristol Old Vic before being performed at the Tin Forest project produced by the National Theatre of Scotland as part of the Culture 2014 programme and then AIYF. AIYF is now into its eighth year and once again the company will develop a new piece of music theatre from scratch while providing an experience of the highest quality training and development for the young actors, singers, musicians, dancers and technical team. While promoting the creativity of the individual at the heart of their work, the company continues to bring at least eight brand new productions to life each year, working with many of the best professional theatre practitioners from the West End, repertory and community theatre working with hundreds of young people each year developing confidence, self-esteem, teamwork, communication and performance skills. SCOTLAND MITCHELL SCHOOL OF DRAMA (MSD) The Rhona Mitchell School of Drama was set up originally in Inverurie in 1983, and then operating as MSD in the West End of Glasgow in 1988, where it ran very successfully until Rhona’s return to Aberdeenshire in 1998. The school aims to cultivate an interest in theatre and drama by providing classes for a wide range of abilities and the opportunity to participate in a variety of stage productions. Many of MSD’s former students have gone on to study drama full-time and many are working professionally as actors, directors and in television. MSD has been a regular contributor to AIYF since 2006 when they performed their production of ‘Twelfth Night’. Since then they have delighted audiences with such productions as ‘Doorways’, ‘Lottie’ and ‘Our Scotland’. MSD frequently performs at a variety of festivals and shows across Scotland. www.boxofficeaberdeen.com www.aiyf.org . 35 WORLD MUSIC ENGLAND SCOTLAND WATCHTONE FÈIS ROIS NATIONAL CEILIDH TRAIL Watchtone are a fresh and exciting Newcastlebased band that infuses contemporary Scottish tunes with complex underlying tones and rhythms. Dazzling audiences with their own compositions and arrangements, Chris Meredith (fiddle), Kev Lees (fiddle), Laura Bell (sax) and Graeme Armstrong (guitar) make up this innovative quartet. Chris Meredith is a Scottish fiddle player and guitarist just back from his second tour in Norway with NE3Folk. Hailing from the historic border town of Jedburgh, Graeme Armstrong developed his style of playing, amongst many of the great players based in the heart of the Scottish culture and traditional music scene in Glasgow. Kevin Lees has been playing the fiddle now for over 15 years, having been brought up on the vibrant youth folk music scene in Newcastle upon Tyne. Laura Bell, sax player, brings graceful and delicate sax style that provides a progressive and complex dimension to the group. 36 . ABERDEEN INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FESTIVAL Fèis Rois is committed to supporting young people to continue performing, learning and developing their skills in traditional music when they leave school. The Ceilidh Trail is a fantastic summer job for any young musician! This is an opportunity for outstanding young musicians aged 16 to 25 to develop their performance skills and learn what it is like to be a touring musician. The National Fèis Rois Ceilidh Trail allows locals and visitors alike the opportunity to hear top quality traditional music across Ross-Shire throughout the summer. The National Fèis Rois Ceilidh Trail project ran for the first time as part of the Year of Creative Scotland in 2012 and was further developed during the Year of Natural Scotland in 2013. This year the project will run across Scotland again from July 14 to August 23 2014. SCOTLAND SCOTLAND, NORWAY AND FINLAND NORTH EAST FOLK COLLECTIVE THE NORTHERN EXCHANGE This Aberdeen City and Shire based group was formed by local fiddler Sharon Hassan in 2009 to encourage young people to play the traditional music and songs of the North-east. This project builds on a partnership forged with Edinburgh Gaitherin’ and UKM Arctic (Norway). Now, the North East Folk Collective is the advanced performing group associated with Gadie Music It plays traditional music both from the North East of Scotland and other places around the world. There is a strong element of composition within the group, and many group members write their own tunes that make up part of the group’s repertoire. North East Folk Collective is a voluntary initiative where all tutoring is done with a desire to pass on skills and knowledge to a younger generation of musicians. They then can make it their own and pass it on to subsequent generations. Since it began in 2009 the North East Folk Collective has performed at a number of festivals, venues and events throughout Scotland and Ireland, including Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Stonehaven Folk Festival, the North Atlantic Fiddle Convention in Derry 2012, Arts and Bushiness and Traditional Arts Awards in 2013. Each year in Finnsnes (Norway) UKM Arctic holds an international youth traditional arts festival. The organisation works with young people aged 13 to 20 across the Barents region (Russia, Finland, Sweden and Norway) and this project brings the work to Scotland, via AIYF for the first time in 2014. After a successful first collaboration workshop between six Scottish and other Barents region musicians in Norway, this project has brought together 12 of these young Scottish, Norwegian and Russian players for a mentored 10 days of activity, led by multi-instrumentalist Mike Vass as part of AIYF. This project creates a cross-cultural band along with some smaller ensembles that integrate the various musical styles and compositions into a shared and blended repertoire. The Northern Lights Project Group will perform shows at many venues during the festival including the International School and a variety of venues during the ‘extended festival’ programme. www.boxofficeaberdeen.com www.aiyf.org . 37 UP CLOSE AND MUSICAL SCOTLAND ABERDEEN MUSIC FESTIVAL PERFORMERS The Aberdeen and North East Music Festival is an exciting and lively event that provides competitions and performances for a considerable number of local musicians in fields that vary from piano via Scottish instrumental to brass and woodwind. Its events not only encompass all aspects of music but also delve into the field of speech and drama. Some of the winners and runners up from the 2014 festival will perform at AIYF this year. UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN OGSTON MUSIC PRIZE AIYF will once again be linking up and presenting some of the finalists and winner of the prestigious Ogston prize as part of the Up Close and Musical series. This annual competition held in May each year has seen winners from across many musical instruments including saxophone, piano, flute and voice. The event sees many of the most experienced and talented musicians from across the whole student population compete for the prize money and coveted title. Previous winners have been Kerr Slaven, Kay Ritchie and Anna Lawrence (Soprano) some of whom are still very much part of the AIYF programme when available. Please see the AIYF website for updated information on who will be part of this year’s concert. SILVERBIRCH DUO Carina Gascoine (Flute), Ross Wilson (Guitar) The Silverbirch Duo are Carina Gascoine (flute) and Ross Wilson (guitar), who have been playing together since the beginning of 2012. They met while both studying at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and since then began working together in various venues around Glasgow and are regular features at the Conservatoire’s departmental concerts. Ross studies classical guitar under Allan Neave at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and has recently been offered a place to study a Masters at the RCS. He is a previous winner of the North East Guitar Society Junior Award and played with the National Youth Guitar Ensemble. For the past two years Ross has been a guest performer at Ullapool Guitar Festival and in May 2013 gave a recital in Aberdeen organised by the North East Guitar Society. Carina is currently in her fourth and final year at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, studying the Flute with Ruth Morley and Sheena Gordon. In addition she is studying baroque flute with Alison McGilvery and Lis Dooner. Carina grew up in Essex and before moving to Glasgow she was in the National Youth Orchestra, where they toured to various UK venues culminating in the Promenade concert at the Royal Albert Hall. In 2010 she won Havering Musician of the Year. With the charity Flutewise, she travelled to Bermuda and performed with Sir James and Lady Galway as part of a flute quartet. 38 . ABERDEEN INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FESTIVAL LAURA AYOUB A regular and very popular performer at AIYF, violinist Laura Ayoub has just completed her first undergraduate year at the Royal College of Music, London, where she studies violin with Jan Repko and piano with Kathron Sturrok. Prior to studying at the Royal College of Music, Laura achieved grade 8 with distinction on violin at the age of 13 under the tuition of Andrea Gajic at the Music School of Douglas Academy. She was later appointed the leader of the West of Scotland Symphony Schools Orchestra for two years and was also a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. She has also received a masterclass from Nicola Benedetti. Some of Laura’s highlights include the Lark Ascending with members from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and the Bruch Violin Concerto with the West of Scotland Symphony Schools Orchestra in the prestigious City Halls of Glasgow, conducted by James Lowe. Laura has also performed solo recitals in Glasgow, Aberdeen, London and Lithuania. Laura’s programme will include Beethoven Violin Sonata No 1 op 12 and Dvorak - Kreisler Slavonic Dance No 2 and will be accompanied at AIYF by Christopher Baxter. NORTH-EAST OF SCOTLAND MUSIC SCHOOL PERFORMERS (NESMS) Located in Aberdeen, the North-East of Scotland Music School (NESMS) is the UK’s most northerly centre of advanced music tuition. Founded in 1975 by Dorothy Hately, the school provides an opportunity for talented individuals of all ages to gain access to teaching of the highest calibre. Some of this year’s festival performers include: Sanjay Vijayan (recorder/oboe) Sanjay, 15, is a pupil of Robert Gordons College and plays the recorder and the oboe. He has been playing the recorder for five years and receives lessons from Rosalind Coleman. Sanjay has been playing the oboe for four years and has weekly lessons from Hannah Hilton. In addition to his weekly lessons, Sanjay receives lessons from NESMS tutors, Ian Wilson and Joe Houghton. He has completed ABRSM grade 7 for recorder and oboe in June 2014 and is now working towards grade 8 for both. Sanjay plays the oboe in RGC’s Senior Concert Band and is also a member of the school’s Recorder Group. Music has been an important part of Sanjay’s life and he would like to continue playing it for life. Ian Leahy (cello) Ian, 15, is a pupil at Aboyne Academy where he recently won the School’s Young Musician of the Year Competition. Since primary school Ian has received cello lessons at The North East of Scotland Music School with James Halsey. For a number of years Ian has participated in the Aboyne Cello Festival run by James Halsey; during these weeks Ian has also been tutored by internationally renowned cellists Alice Neary and Philip Higham. Ian is a member of the Aberdeenshire Music Centre’s Youth Orchestra along with various school music groups. Besides the cello Ian’s other passion is the bagpipes and during the summer he can be found competing at the various Highland Games across Aberdeenshire. Richard Bailey (piano) Richard Bailey graduated from the University of Aberdeen in 2010 before pursuing postgraduate studies at Birmingham Conservatoire, where he was awarded a scholarship to study piano performance under Prof. Malcolm Wilson. He has accompanied prizewinners in national competitions in Edinburgh and London and has performed in masterclasses for Peter Donohoe, Martin Jones and Mikhail Kazakevich. Cheryl Bell (oboe) Cheryl is working towards a PhD in Health Psychology at the University of Aberdeen. Enjoying music as an extracurricular pastime, Cheryl plays in a number of ensembles in and around Aberdeen. She is a current NESMS scholar, receiving tuition from oboist Joe Houghton. Kay Ritchie (flute) Kay works as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Aberdeen and won the University’s Ogston Music Prize in 2009. Kay plays in many local ensembles, and frequently gives solo recitals. She was awarded the NESMS Dorothy Hately Scholarship in 2007 and 2009, and was the first recipient of the David Nicholson memorial scholarship in 2010 and 2011. www.boxofficeaberdeen.com www.aiyf.org . 39 THE NORTH EAST HARP ENSEMBLE The North East Harp Ensemble is a group of harpists from Aberdeen and the surrounding area. The group was set up by Christine Edwards in 2013 to give harpists of all ages and abilities a chance to expand their repertoire and share their music with the wider community. Christine Edwards is an experienced performer, composer and dedicated harp teacher. She is music advisor to the North East Branch of the Clarsach Society, and teaches both within Aberdeenshire and worldwide using video conferencing software, attempting to make learning the harp accessible to all. Christine is a talented harpist and dedicated music teacher. Originally from Aberdeenshire, she is an experienced professional performer. Having received training at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (formerly the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama), University of Glasgow, Royal Irish Academy of Music and Trinity College Dublin, she is exceptionally talented at both the concert harp (pedal harp) and clarsach (lever harp). As well as specialising in Scottish Music, she has recently attained a Licentiate of the London College of Music Diploma (LLCM) in Irish Traditional Music Performance on the Irish Harp. ENGLAND NICHOLAS HARRIS Nicholas Harris was born in Santa Cruz, California in 1989, where at the age of seven began piano studies with Mariko Kan, who had been a student of the harpsichordist Isolde Ahlgrimm. He studied at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music followed by time as part of the Young Talent Program at the Amsterdam Conservatory and then at the Yehudi Menuhin School in London. Since 2010, he has been a student of Andrew Ball at the Royal College of Music in London. As a chamber musician Nicholas has played with the Engadin Quartet and violinist Amarins Wierdsma in Holland, the London Mozart Players as part of the annual Wigmore Hall concert series given by the Yehudi Menuhin School, and has also performed in such venues as the Menuhin Hall and Cadogan Hall. He is a recipient of a Royal College of Music George Stennett Award, as well as the English Speaking Union’s 2014 Scholarship to the International Musicians’ Seminar, Prussia Cove and will be the soloist with the Amersfoort Youth Orchestra on their AIYF tour. OXFORD YOUNG LIEDER PERFORMERS The Oxford Young Lieder Award is given to two or three outstanding duos each year. In order to qualify for the award each artist must be enrolled on a post-graduate course at a leading UK conservatoire, demonstrate a superior level of musicianship, and have outstanding performance skills. Kangmin Justin Kim – Counter Tenor Kangmin is a Korean-American countertenor from Chicago, Illinois, USA. He is a graduate of Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, USA, with a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance and the Musical Theatre Certificate, receiving both academic (cum laude) and departmental honors upon graduation. He has recently completed his postgraduate studies, receiving a Master of Music degree (Concert Project) at the Royal Academy of Music, London, studying with Nicholas Clapton and Ian Partridge. In the 2011/2012 season, Kim was named the winner of Michael Head Song Prize and a finalist for the prestigious Richard Lewis Award at RAM. He was the winner of the 2012 Stuart Burrows International Voice Award held in Carmarthen, Wales. 40 . ABERDEEN INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FESTIVAL This season, Kim and his duo partner, Sachika Taniyama, collaborated to compete in Oxford Lieder Young Artist Platform (Winner) and National Mozart Competition in UK (Semi-finalist). In March, Kim was seen as Knusperhexe in Hänsel und Gretel at the Royal Academy of Music, conducted by Gareth Hancock and directed by Daisy Evans Sachika Taniyama – Piano Born in Toyota City, Japan, Sachika grew up in Birmingham, UK. She has performed internationally; her global appearances range from places such as Belgium, Turkey and Japan. Sachika has performed in major concert venues such as the Royal Festival Hall and the Purcell Room and has performed in numerous international music festivals such as the Aberystwyth Musicfest, Gümüslük International Classical Music Festival, The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Aberdeen International Youth Festival, and many more. Sachika was awarded both an Undergraduate degree and a Master’s degree in Solo Piano from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and was taught by Charles Owen. She currently studies Piano Accompaniment with Michael Dussek at the Royal Academy of Music. Sachika was recently selected as the Oxford Lieder Young Artist 2013 with Kangmin Justin Kim (countertenor). Being hugely interested in collaborative work, Sachika has recently worked with the Donmar Warehouse, coaching actors on piano playing and recording music for their productions. RUSSIA ELIZABETH GORCHAKOVA AND KARPENKO MILA This visit continues AIYF’s successful partnership with the St. Petersburgh Forum, based in Scotland, who support a number of educational initiatives in schools across that Russian city. These two young singers attend School 46 which regularly produces local award winning performers and both girls are no exception. They bring a repertoire of songs that ranges from traditional Russian to the West End, London and occasional some Burns as well and sing as soloists and a duo. This is the first time either will have travelled to the UK but they plan to make to the first of many. SCOTLAND/ KENYA / INDIA THE SCOKENDIA ENSEMBLE The Scokendia Ensemble will bring young instrumentalists and composers from Scotland, Kenya and India together as part of Glasgow 2014’s Cultural Programme to connect, collaborate and perform. AIYF is delighted to link with Cultural Commonwealth 2014 Programme by welcoming this ensemble to Aberdeen. Though vastly different, these countries all share key common musical threads around using music as a tool for social change, investing in youth orchestras and encouraging and celebrating both their traditional and classical traditions. The project, led by musician Jamie Munn, will include a mixture of players from across the three nations. Some will have started on a professional career, some will be from national orchestras or conservatoires and some from outreach projects. Though all proficient in orchestral music, some will also be adept in traditional instruments. The new commissions, one from each country, will both capture their respective country’s musical traditions and heritage and also reflect the vitality of the Commonwealth’s young people. Project partners include: National Youth Orchestras of Scotland; Kenya National Youth Orchestra; India National Youth Orchestra; Mehli Mehta Music Foundation; Global Music Institute New Delhi; Kenya Conservatoire of Music; Live Music Now Scotland; Royal Conservatoire of Scotland; Ghetto Classics – The Art of Music, Kenya. www.boxofficeaberdeen.com www.aiyf.org . 41 SUMMER COURSES CEÒL MÒR CHAMBER MUSIC PROJECT JULY 25 – AUGUST 1 JULY 28 – JULY 31 Ceòl Mòr is an established summer school offering young traditional musicians, aged 16 to 25, the opportunity to learn and develop a performance practice of the new genre-crossing music that is being written in Scotland just now. Created in 2006, Ceòl Mòr aims to produce each year, an outstanding band of young musicians exploring and performing a contemporary Scottish music inspired and informed by Scotland’s musical traditions. AIYF’s Chamber Music Performance Course, led by Hebrides Ensemble and its Artistic Director William Conway, gives talented young chamber musicians the opportunity to develop their musical skills alongside some of the very best musicians in the UK. Over the years, this band has built relationships with a number of contemporary Scottish songwriters and composers, and has commissioned a range of new music for big band. Previous collaborators have included Colin Steele, Corrina Hewat and David Milligan (Unusual Suspects), Aidan O’Rourke (Lau), Innes Watson (Treacherous Orchestra) and Karine Polwart as well as previous and present members of the band. 2014 will see the band look back and look forward in equal measure taking some of the classic Ceòl Mòr back catalogue and giving it a make-over under the guidance of their new Musical Director, Hamish Napier. Hamish will be taking a new look at this material, selecting four or five of the pieces to rehearse with the band and making the material ready for recording (financial support permitting) as well as a major performance at Aberdeen’s Lemon Tree. This 2014 Ceòl Mòr project will allow AIYF and the band to not only have a record of this wonderful music but also enable it to be shared so other bands and musicians can get access to it. The band is open to young musicians aged between 16 and 25 on any instrument including brass and woodwind. You should play to the equivalent of Grade 5 minimum, have good sight-reading and also be comfortable with learning by ear. Sponsored by 42 . ABERDEEN INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FESTIVAL You can apply either as an individual, or as an ensemble and the course includes a programme of tutored sessions with William Conway and members of Hebrides Ensemble as well as the opportunity to play chamber music informally with members of Hebrides Ensemble and fellow participants. The course finishes with a public performance as part of the AIYF “Up Close and Musical” series, which will also feature Hebrides Ensemble. Though applications should be from individuals and chamber groups who have reached Grade 8 and above, you do not have to be considering a career in music to gain a place on the project. Hebrides Ensemble is Scotland’s foremost contemporary music group, specialising in new, twentieth and twenty-first century chamber music, music theatre and chamber opera. The Ensemble tours frequently to venues and festivals throughout the UK and Europe, and broadcasts regularly on BBC Radio 3. This year the project has been joined by Enterprise Music Scotland whose role is to promote and develop Chamber music across the country and we are delighted to have them as part of the project. THE DANCE LAB SPLORE JULY 25 – AUGUST 1 JULY 28 – AUGUST 1 The AIYF Dance Lab is where talented young dancers develop their skills and repertoire. Applications are open to dancers from across the UK and the project offers 10 days of intensive dance education from leading national and international choreographers. This year, dancers will work with one of Italy’s most sought after choreographers, Roberto Lori. They will undertake a range of dance masterclass and create a brand new piece to be showcased at the AIYF International Dance Gala on Thursday July 31 at His Majesty’s Theatre. Participants will be part of the Dance Lab company that will feature some young Italian dancers, a truly international project. The Splore school has been running for over 10 years and is a wonderful opportunity to meet and play with other young traditional musicians, learn from experienced musicians and get a chance to perform and explore traditional music. Many of the past participants can be seen and heard across the professional music scene, including some of the past winners of the BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year. OPERA AND SINGING: MARY GARDEN YOUNG SINGER’S RESIDENCY JULY 26 – AUGUST 1 AIYF is once again delighted to be teaming up with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCoS) to produce the highly acclaimed Opera Residency project. This partnership and residency has, over the past six years, become one of the most important parts of the summer course and performance programme. The Mary Garden Young Singers’ residency is an initiative supported by Aberdeen City Council’s Mary Garden Fund, enabling young singers aged 14 to 24, who have the desire and talent, to get involved in an intense week of workshops and performances. This year, the programme runs from Friday July 26 until Friday August 1, 2014. Singers will get a chance to work with the leading Stage and Musical Directors from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in preparing a programme of opera scenes for an exclusive public performance as part of the festival on Thursday July 31 at Elphinstone Hall, University of Aberdeen. Over the week, singers will also take part in opera scenes with students from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, acting workshops with director Mark Hathaway, and group music coaching with Head of Opera, Tim Dean, giving them an insight into what it takes to make it in the industry. Application for this residency closed on Friday May 23, 2014. Participants attending this year’s Splore will enjoy a full five-day programme of events led by one of Scotland’s most accomplished trad musicians Gillian Frame who has moved from AIYF participant to tutor over the past few years. She will be supported by AIYF Traditional Music Director, Dave Francis, as well as guest tutors challenging the participants to learn, rehearse, and explore a wide range of traditional music over an intense week of activity. Splore finishes with an ensemble sharing performance and is open to musicians aged 12 to 16 who are able to play at a level of grade 2 or more in their main instrument. Any instrument is welcome! YOUNG SC&T JULY 28 – AUGUST 1 Now in its third year, Young SC&T is proving to be an ideal platform for young traditional musicians to learn, explore and develop their knowledge and playing as part of the AIYF traditional music project that includes the Splore and Ceòl Mòr initiatives. This year, Young SC&T offers children aged 8 to11 the exciting opportunity to be engaged in a weeklong series of intense classes to help them extend their repertoires in Scottish Traditional Musical. Young musicians will have the chance to learn from talented traditional music tutors, including North-east multiinstrumentalist, Sharon Hassan and Aberdeenshire guitarist, singer and drummer, Caroline Roche. To qualify, young people should be able to play some simple tunes on an instrument. Sponsored by McGregor Consultants For information on applying for any of the summer courses please go to: www.aiyf.org/Summer-Courses www.boxofficeaberdeen.com www.aiyf.org . 43 JOIN US – WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT AIYF has always had a huge amount of support from friends of the festival, individuals, small- to medium-sized businesses and large multi-national corporations. It has taken many years to establish and build on relationships that we have with sponsors, partners and individuals and we are keen to continue to grow these links into our community by offering everyone an opportunity to share in the wonderful opportunities that AIYF brings to Aberdeen and the surrounding areas. To do this we need YOUR help to help continue AIYF as “Scotland’s Platform for Youth Arts”, and one of the leading events held anywhere in the world promoting young people and youth arts. This help can come in many different forms. SPONSORSHIP Our distinctive cultural offering that combines the nurturing of emerging local, national and international talent with As a *Festival Star* donor you will be recognised on our website and in our printed brochure, unless you wish to remain anonymous. You can become a *Festival Star* for as little as £100 with a education, performance and social interaction means we are in Diamond Star donation rising to £1,500. a strong position to offer exciting sponsorship and partnership For details relating to *Festival Star* opportunities please contact packages, which will help to deliver any organisation’s objectives in a unique way. For more information on sponsorship please contact us at the festival office. Details are at the bottom of the page. FRIENDS OF THE FESTIVAL Our ‘Friends of the Festival’ are as old as we are! That means that this organisation has been providing support to AIYF for well over 40 years! As an independent membership organisation that provides valuable support to AIYF projects, events, fundraising and performances there are many benefits to signing up to a ‘friends’ membership. Priority booking, discounts and exclusive updates, as well as the knowledge that you are supporting one of Aberdeen’s most established cultural events aimed at young people, means that being a ‘friend’ of the Festival is never dull! us at the main festival office contact details listed below and we will be happy to help. Diamond Stars: Mr R & Mrs P Finnie / GSS Developments (ABD) Ltd / Professor E Russell / Mrs L Sim / Mrs R E M Tayler – Hawkhill House / The Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen / Dr H & Mrs J Wilson Crystal Star: Lessel Rennie LEGACIES One way of ensuring the longer term future of AIYF is through leaving a legacy to the organisation. Information and advice can be received from any solicitor and if you would like to discuss this or any support please get in touch with the festival’s Chief Executive at the contact details below. CONTACT BE A FESTIVAL STAR To find out more about how you can support AIYF please A few years ago we introduced this scheme that acknowledges and celebrates individuals and businesses, which have made Street, Aberdeen AB10 1JR significant donations to AIYF. Like many of the people who T: 01224 213 800 donate their time they became our festival stars. Private donations to AIYF assist many of the international arts companies to take part in the Festival. Giving to the Festival also helps us to continuously develop opportunities for young people based locally, helping them to engage with the arts through educational projects managed by AIYF. 44 . contact: Artistic Director & CEO, AIYF, Seventeen, 17 Belmont ABERDEEN INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FESTIVAL E: [email protected] W: www.aiyf.org ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Aberdeen and North-east Music Festival Finnies the Jeweller Arts Centre and Theatre – ACT Aberdeen Jennie S Memorial Foundation Aberdeen City Council Events Team Press & Journal Aberdeen City Council Creative Learning Team North-east of Scotland Music School Aberdeen City Council Cultural Strategy Team Aberdeen Endowments Trust Aberdeen City Council Twinning Officer Aberdeen Performing Arts Bon Accord and St Nicholas Centre Carmelite Hotels David and June Gordon Memorial Trust Evening Express AIYF is a member of: Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Station House Media Unit (SHMU) SMart Consultants St Petersburg Forum Staff at Seventeen The Mall, Aberdeen The Society of Friends of Brechin Cathedral The Verden Sykes Trust LET’S PASS ON ENERGY TO THE NEXT GENERATION. LET’S GO. FIND OUT HOW WE’RE HELPING MEET THE ENERGY CHALLENGE AT WWW.SHELL.COM/LETSGO