SLEEPING BEAUTY ATTENDS FESTIVAL!

Hard-working Muso-cum-Courier, Ken Johnston took a well-earned break from the Festival this afternoon.

FESTIVAL GETS SOME BALLS!

Aberdeen's Westburn Tennis Club has donated its used tennis balls to the Aberdeen International Youth Festival's (AIYF) Youth Orchestra.
Grampian Youth Orchestra is using the balls in preparation for their concert on Thursday August 9 at Aberdeen Beach Ballroom.
The youngsters are under the tutelage of innovative American conductor Randell Swiggum, who is using the balls to teach the musicians about co-ordinating beats and rhythms.
AIYF Music Assistant Claire Evans said: “We are really pleased that we managed to get hold of the tennis balls for this exercise. We phoned the club just in time, as they usually donate them for use in police dog training.”
Tickets for the concert at 3pm in Aberdeen Beach Ballroom are available from Aberdeen Box Office on 01224 641122.

FESTIVAL REVIEWS!

A Midsummer Night's Dream
Sonja Rasmussen
Evening Express

“With a cast of all ages, and the funkiest fairies ever seen, the young actors squeezed every ounce pf comedy from the script and delivered it with precision timing.

“The Rude Mechanicals stole the show with their hilarious retelling of Pyramus and Thisbe. Absolutely side-splitting."

“Narrated throughout with TV news inserts and interspersed with carefully chosen music, this is a production that looks and sound terrific.”



World Music Night
Jenny Clarke
Evening Express

“Music to make you smile inside and dance for all to see. They are amazing.”

Edinburgh Youth Orchestra
Alan Cooper
The Herald

****

“The Edinburgh orchestra caught the abruptly changing moods of contrasting pictures perfectly, pointed up by some splendid solo playing throughout the orchestra. The percussion section, which sometimes gets taken for granted, was particularly fine.”

Opera Garden
Alan Cooper
The Herald

4*

“When you reduce your forces to this level, they need to be good and this orchestra was fabulous....It was a production bursting at the seams with eye-popping surprises – fantastic.”

World Music Night
Alan Cooper
The Herald

4*

“The ultimate source of the special atmosphere surrounding Aberdeen youth festival is its capacity for bringing together young musicians from every corner of the world in a spirit of co-operation. World Music Night was the very embodiment of this ideal.”

Opera Garden
Roddy Phillips
Press and Journal

“This production has everything in place, from the cast to the orchestra, design and lighting and the new English translation.”


AIYF Opening Concert
Sonja Rasmussen
Evening Express

“A high standard to follow.”

Music At The Mitchell
Alan Cooper
The Herald

4*

Local youth orchestra presents a unique concert

Symphony Small Talk
The orchestra is speaking. Let's listen in.
Thursday August 9 @ 3pm

Beach Ballroom

Grampian Youth Orchestra (GYO) breaks from tradition to present an original concept in classical programming.

Local youngsters from across Grampian are being led by American guest conductor and educationalist Randal Swiggum, who has been commissioned by AIYF to programme and conduct an unprecedented family concert entitled Symphony Small Talk.

Randell said: “For lots of people, orchestral music seems either sort of difficult to understand, sort of mysterious or just pretty background music, like musical wallpaper. This concert, of familiar classics and newer, less well-known works will show how listening to the orchestra is a lot like listening to a conversation,or telling a story, where the subject is the music itself”

Breaking from convention the one-hour concert is especially suitable for children ages 6-12, and will appeal both to classical music newcomers and seasoned concert-goers alike, It will be fast paced and interactive, and will be a chance to get both inside the orchestra, and inside some incredible music.

Festival Director Stephen Stenning said: “Randal Swiggum has a very different and exciting approach to creating a concert for mixed audiences. The programme is fast-moving and beautifully presented captivating young audiences, drawing in those unused to classical music and enlivening regular concert goers.”

This is the first full concert given by Grampian Youth Orchestra formed by AIYF. GYO will also be joined by local guitarist Ian Watt.

Repertoire

Dvorak: Slavonic Dance No. 8 in G minor

Lutoslawski: Little Suite

Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez, for guitar and orchestra

Featuring Ian Watt, guitar

Copland: Hoe-down

Ian Watt, guitar

Ian Watt, who has been described as “One of Scotland’s foremost young guitarists”, studies at Aberdeen City Music School (based at Dyce Academy) with Allan Neave. With the school, he has performed in Paris, Stravanger, Aberdeen Music Hall and Cowdray hall to name but a few. In 2006, Ian won a silver bursary for his high mark at grade 8 and also passed his DipABRSM with distinction in the same year.

Ian’s performances include the opening concert for the “North East Scotland Classical Guitar Society” and a concert at the prestigious “Dundee Guitar Festival 2007”. In April, Ian won the title of “Ishoka Aberdeen Young Musician of the Year 2007” and due to this, will be performing Joaquin Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez with the Aberdeen Youth Orchestra at the Aberdeen Music Hall in March 2008. He has performed in master classes with such guitar luminaries as Pavel Steidl, Scott Tennant (Los Angeles Guitar Quartet), David Tanenbaum, Aniello Desiderio, Graham Devine and Tomasz Zawierucha.

Randal Swiggum, conductor

Randal Swiggum is conductor of the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra, of Chicago, Illinois which appeared at last year’s Festival. He is also Education Conductor of the award-winning Elgin Symphony Orchestra, one of the premier regional orchestras in the USA, where he creates and directs an acclaimed series of concerts for young audiences, introducing them to the joys of orchestral music.

TICKETS SALES ARE SOARING AFTER JUST ONE WEEK OF AIYF

The 35th Aberdeen International Youth Festival (AIYF ) is celebrating soaring sales and sell out concerts as the first week comes to a close.

 

The National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Scotland, Edinburgh Youth Orchestra, World Music Night, Opera Garden's Hansel and Gretel all sold out and tickets sales for other performances have been exceptional.

 

Festival Manager Jenny Phillips said: “We are delighted with the ticket sales so far,  it is a reflection of the ever growing importance of the Festival in Scotland's cultural calendar.

 

“The first week has seem some outstanding soloists and groups perform across Aberdeen and beyond.  This weeks events look set to be just as inspiring as the first weeks and we hope the positive trend in sales continues into the final week of the Festival.”

 

Aberdeen International Youth Festival is the world's leading festival of youth arts offering a unique platform for young talent and celebration of youthful creativity and innovation.  The Festival attracts an astonishing array of talent from across the world and offers an unmissable chance to experience high quality and diverse performance.

 

 

 

videos

http://uk.youtube.com/aberdeenfestival

check out videos from the festival here - new clips every day

Show Change! Insch prgramme to include African Special Guests!

Due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control we have had to change the advertised programme for the event at the Bennachie Leisure Centre, Insch. Despite the loss of Slovenian dance troupe Igen and Belarussian group Dialogues, AIYF is delighted to be able to announce some very special guests from Africa - Umdumo Wesizwe. The arrival of the 8-strong group of dancers and singers from Zimbabwe is a real coup for this year’s festival.

Eight young men singing songs of love, hope, worship, courtship, hardship and African social commentary will mesmerise you with their harmonies and tip-toe dance routines. This is vocal music that is laced with music styles of Afro Pop, Jazz, R&B, and Reggae. Umdumo Wesizwe is the newest accapella sensation to come out of Bulawayo (Zimbabwe’s cultural melting pot)

They perform ‘imbube’ music (made popular by Ladysmith Black Mambazo) and over the years have created their own style of ‘imbube’ christened ‘igusheshe’

"Fresh, young, exuberant and ready to touch the world, the best music outfit to come out of Zimbabwe in recent years” Bulawayo Chronicle 2005

The traditional music sung by Umdumo Wesizwe is called ‘isichathamiya’ (is-cot-a-me-ya) also known as ‘imbube’. The music was born in the mines of South Africa. Black workers were taken by rail to work far away from their homes and their families. Poorly housed and paid worse, they would entertain themselves after a six-day week by singing songs into the wee hours every Sunday morning. There began a fierce but social competition held regularly and a highlight of everyone's social calendar. The winners were awarded a goat for their efforts and, of course, the adoration of their fans.

Umdumo Wesizwe has shared the stage with numerous artists from around Africa; some of these include Zimbabwe’s own Siyaya, Black Umfolosi, Aleck Macheso, Imbizo and Oliver Mtukudzi.

In 2005 Umdumo Wesizwe recorded their debut CD called “Nqingqo” and has been released on SMP Records. “Nqingqo” is the sound made by a ringing bell so by ringing the bell Umdumo are drawing the attention of every peace loving human being who has ears for good music to hear and listen to their angelic voices.Umdumo is well traveled in Southern Africa having toured their native Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa and Zambia. The group has been invited to perform at many special occasions. One recent event, was to perform at The NAMA (National Arts Merit Awards) on Zimbabwe’s national television in February 2006.

The event at Insch is not to be missed, and tickets can be bought from the Picardy Tearoom at the Bennachie Leisure Centre and are priced at £6/£3 concessions.

For more programme info, visit http://www.aiyf.org/

Salmond Welcomes Aberdeen International Youth Festival

Gordon MSP Alex Salmond welcomes this years’ Aberdeen International Youth Festival which will see up to 1000 participants take part in over 70 events throughout the 2 week period.
The festival will also include a multimedia production of a Midsummer Nights Dream commissioned by the festival and produced by local theatre director Rhona Mitchell of Rhona Mitchell School of Drama, Inverurie.

Gordon Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament Millie Fawcett will also be working at this year’s festival and has been working hard over the last few months behind the scenes with many other staff and young people to make sure the event runs smoothly.
Commenting Mr Salmond said:

"Once again it is great to see so many young people having the opportunity to get involved in such an exciting programme of events. I’m sure a great deal of hard work has gone into the Aberdeen International Youth Festival and I commend all of the staff and young people involved. Events such as these provide a great boost for the young people in the area and prove once more how the North East is proving a hub of creativity and energy for young people.”

“I would also like to wish the young people that are taking part in A Midsummer Nights dream all the very best as I understand they have worked tirelessly with Rhona Mitchell in Inverurie over the last few months to get the production ready. Credit must also go to Rhona's colleague Al Seed who alongside Rhona created this original production, I’m sure they both worked very hard with the young people to bring the production together.”

"The Aberdeen International Youth Festival is a great showcase and I’m sure will benefit and engage young people from not only the North East, but across Scotland. Some of my young Gordon constituents will be taking part and I hope they will enjoy themselves and gain new skills and experiences.”

Gordon Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament Millie Fawcett commented saying,
“I have been working at the festival behind the scenes and front of house at some of the events, so have seen first hand how hard the organisers and participants work to bring the event together. I think the festival is a great way to engage young people and get them involved in theatre, drama and music. There are all sorts of opportunities and activities and it gives us a chance to experiment and express ourselves in lots of new and creative ways.”

SURPRISE ADDITION TO AIYF PROGRAMME

A popular Zimbabwean band has been announced as a surprise addition to the Aberdeen International Youth Festival programme.

 

Umdumo Wesizwe consists of eight young men singing songs of love, courtship, hardship and African social commentary. The traditional music sung by the group is known as 'imbube' made popular by Lady Black Mambazo.

 

Their vocal performance is laced with music styles of Afro Pop, Jazz, R&B, and Reggae. Umdumo Weizwe is the newest accapella sensation to come up out of Zimbabwe.  Umdumo Wesizwe has stepped into replace Gambia's Bajaly Suso who was unable to attend the festival this year. Festival Chief Executive Stephen Stenning said:

 

“We are delighted to welcome such a talented ensemble. This surprise addition will enhance the Festival's diverse and innovative programme.”

 

Umdume Wesize will perform at a number of concerts including the Opening Ceremony, Fraserburgh Gala and the Festival Finale.

 

For up to the minute news visit here regularly for updates.

Listen At Lunchtime Concert Cancelled :(

Due to the heavy rain we have been experiencing it is with great regret that the AIYF Blog announces the cancellation of today’s Listen @ Lunchtime Concert at Union Terrace Gardens, featuring Gary Straker’s Steel Pan School Orchestra. The vibrant group from Trinidad and Tobago helped launch this year’s festival last night at a reception hosted by Professor Dominic Houlihan, Vice-Principal of the University of Aberdeen. Earlier in the day, the band had joined with the steel drum band from Bankhead Academy, led by ex-festival courier, Kirsty Robertson. The rehearsal allowed both groups of young people to meet, mix and share knowledge and experiences and was hailed as a great success by alll involved.

The cancellation of the lunchtime concert won’t dampen the spirits of the visitors who have a busy programme ahead of them over the next 2 weeks with concerts and workshops in Aberdeen and around the North-East.

Great Expectations In Front of the Camera - Again!

The Cast of Great Expectations has been out and about in front of the camera yet again this week! Fresh from their appearance on STV's North Tonight on Monday evening, the young participants were snapped for some publicity shots outside their rehearsals at the University of Aberdeen

The pictures were taken by Jonathan Midgely

CHARLES DICKENS AS 'NEVER SEEN BEFORE'

A Week-long performing arts summer school kicked off in Aberdeen yesterday with 10 local youngsters taking part. The scheme, titled the Studio, has been organised by the Youth Music Theatre: UK (YMT), an organisation dedicated to producing theatre projects across the country. It is being held as part of the Aberdeen International Youth Festival and will run until Saturday.

Throughout the week the participants, age 12-16, will work with some of the best professional theatre directors, choreographers and composers in the country. The group will be encouraged to create their own piece of theatre using drama, dance and music and will be invited to invent characters and write lyrics to songs. Their work will culminate in a public performance on Saturday at the city's Linksfield Community Centre.

Scotland administrator for YMT, Kate Taylor said: "This is the first time we've done the Studio in Aberdeen and we're expecting a very successful week. What we do has great benefit for the youngsters' soft skills like confidence and communication but it also helps maintain their level of interest in theatre. In the past it's been amazing to watch those taking part go away having become more confident performers and having improved their theatrical skills. We are hopeful that this will be the first of many projects organised for Aberdeen."

Also as part of the Aberdeen International Youth Festival, a series of free lunchtime recitals will take place throughout the city over the next two weeks. Gary Staker's Steel Pan School will perform tomorrow and on Saturday at Union Terrace gardens while the Kutapira Marimba Ensemble will play at the gardens on Thursday. On Friday the National Youth Choir of Scotland's Edinburgh group will perform in the Maritime Museum on Shiprow. Ian Watt will play there on Friday, August 10.

Aberdeen Art Gallery will play host to the Christophorus Jugendkammerkor Choir on Tuesday, August 7 and guitarist David Buckingham will play at the Lemon Tree on Thursday, August 9. For more information contact festival organisers on 01224 213800 or visit www.aiyf.org

Great Expectations to hit the small screen!

Look out on STV for coverage and interviews with the stars of YMT:UK's Great Expectations. The stars of this year's production - performing as part of this year's festival - took a break from their 2-week intensive rehearsals at Linksfield Community Centre to welcome a camera crew from STV to film some footage to be screened over the next week or so on the national TV channel.

Keep an eye on STV news bulletins throughout next week to catch a glimpse of YMT:UK!

YMT:UK Arrive!

Today (Tuesday) sees the arrival of the Cast & Production Team of Youth Music Theatre:UK's production of Charles Dickens' Great Expectations. Rehearsals begin today at 2pm, when the 27-strong cast will meet and begin preparations for the show, being staged at the Aberdeen Arts Centre next month. The cast has been selected from the cream of Youth Theatre in the UK, with many local youngsters being chosen for the residential 2-week intensive course.

Great Expectations will be a vivid recreation of the Dickens classic distilled into a visual feast of musical theatre. This is Great Expectations as you have never seen it before. YMT:UK will create a show that is invigorating, comic and heart-breaking with an original blend of song, clowning and physical storytelling theatre in which members of the audience become collaborators in the creation of Pip’s world.

Together we will meet the eccentric Miss Haversham, have our hearts broken by the beautiful Estella, and speculate over the identity of our mysterious benefactor.

This production plays with Dickens’ ingredients, yet remains faithful to the language, characterisation and emotion of the original work. It will awaken you imagination, make you laugh and move you. Join us for an evening of potent musical theatre.

AIYF would like to welcome all those involved with YMT:UK to this year's Festival, and look forward to the production in August.

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Welcome to the AIYF Blog 2007!

Welcome folks, to the very first post on the brand new Aberdeen International Youth Festival blog!

AIYF is the World's largest annual participatory Youth Arts Festival, and runs in Aberdeen, Scotland from Wednesday 1st August - Saturday 11th August, 2007.

Every year, the Festival welcomes groups and individuals from all over the world to Aberdeen to take part in a colourful and exuberent celebration of cultures and the Arts. This year's programme includes participants from Spain, Scotland, Trinidad & Tobago, Switzerland, China, and America to name a few. Everything from Classical Music to Contemporary Dance, and much more in between will be covered.

This blog will keep you up-to-date with the latest news and gossip from the Festival, as well as reviews, previews, photos and interviews with participants. Daily updates will be posted so you can keep in touch, even if you can't make it to the Granite City for the 35th Annual Festival.

Please also remember to visit our main website at www.aiyf.org for more information on the Aberdeen International Youth Festival, and to download this year's Festival Guide.

We hope you enjoy the blog, and indeed the Festival itself - it's set to be one of the best ever!