History
In 2006 a small group of friends came up with the idea of a youth orchestra and professional training event aimed at providing young musicians from our province, who had already finished or were about to conclude their formal course of studies, with an opportunity for professional experience, study and growth which would be difficult for them to find elsewhere. The initiative was also intended to encourage the exciting musical ferment in our province, which may not be so characteristic of other parts of Italy, and to stimulate and support young people who have taken up music and persevered in the field to finally become professional musicians with a solid background and a valid preparation. They have undertaken a very ambitious task when considered from the standpoint of preparation and performing, the high point of which is currently represented by the Youth Symphonic Orchestra of the Verbano Cusio Ossola District.
All this was realized in 2006 thanks to the sensibility of the provincial administration and the availability of an internationally acclaimed musician like the director Umberto Benedetti Michelangeli who enthusiastically accepted to work with our young people. The Maestro is flanked by a group of friends, all accomplished musicians who are often his regular collaborators and have the task of preparing the young people for this orchestral activity through chamber music lessons and auditions for the orchestra sections. Some of these same teachers may serve as Principals of the different sections of the orchestra.
The facilities at the Teatro La Fabbrica provide a venue for the event which takes place over a span of eight to ten days and culminates in concerts performed in different areas of the province.
In order to participate in the training session, the young people who enrol must take part in an audition presided over by Maestro Benedetti Michelangeli and his collaborators, usually held on the day before the course begins. The first two days of work are dedicated to studying the repertoire and to rehearsals of the different sections of the orchestra led by the collaborating coaches. The orchestra is made up of the following sections: first violins, second violins, violas, cellos, double basses, woodwinds, and brass. Beginning on the third day, the pedagogic activity is divided equally between sectional rehearsals and rehearsals of the entire orchestra under the direction of Maestro Benedetti Michelangeli; from the sixth day onwards it is limited to full orchestra rehearsals.
All this was realized in 2006 thanks to the sensibility of the provincial administration and the availability of an internationally acclaimed musician like the director Umberto Benedetti Michelangeli who enthusiastically accepted to work with our young people. The Maestro is flanked by a group of friends, all accomplished musicians who are often his regular collaborators and have the task of preparing the young people for this orchestral activity through chamber music lessons and auditions for the orchestra sections. Some of these same teachers may serve as Principals of the different sections of the orchestra.
The facilities at the Teatro La Fabbrica provide a venue for the event which takes place over a span of eight to ten days and culminates in concerts performed in different areas of the province.
In order to participate in the training session, the young people who enrol must take part in an audition presided over by Maestro Benedetti Michelangeli and his collaborators, usually held on the day before the course begins. The first two days of work are dedicated to studying the repertoire and to rehearsals of the different sections of the orchestra led by the collaborating coaches. The orchestra is made up of the following sections: first violins, second violins, violas, cellos, double basses, woodwinds, and brass. Beginning on the third day, the pedagogic activity is divided equally between sectional rehearsals and rehearsals of the entire orchestra under the direction of Maestro Benedetti Michelangeli; from the sixth day onwards it is limited to full orchestra rehearsals.