WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT YOA

WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT YOA LETTERS FROM TOUR LEADERSHIP It is with pleasure that we welcome YOA Orchestra of the Americas to Sweden, an orchestra of pr...
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WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT YOA LETTERS FROM TOUR LEADERSHIP It is with pleasure that we welcome YOA Orchestra of the Americas to Sweden, an orchestra of prodigious youth from 25 countries of North and South America. We look forward to the inspiration your free performances will give families, and applaud your work to bring the joy of symphonic music to communities all around the world. Sweden is a majestic country with rich musical traditions. We hope you enjoy our wonderful countryside, unique culture, and vibrant communities during your visit.

Her Majesty Queen Silvia Of Sweden Queen Consort of Sweden What is music? Music is a vibration of air, which makes the soul sing – regardless of any language or state boundaries. Music helps us move towards our inner self with deeper strokes. Music can be a source of both profound peace of mind and vibrant joie de vivre. Music gives us a zest for life and helps everyone become a better person. We are glad that YOA Orchestra of the Americas has chosen Estonia to host the Residence of its 2016 Nordic-Baltic Tour. Estonia is a very lovely and tiny country. We live in the middle of large forests. While traveling through Estonia, you might even ask yourself – is the whole of Estonia one big natural park? But these forests have also safeguarded and protected us, and they have let us grow and develop mentally. Yet we have always been open to the world: the sea has brought in fresh winds from all directions. Music has played a very important role in our cultural history. Apparently, our Singing Revolution resounded so powerfully because it harmoniously combined our ardent yearning for freedom, peaceful temperament and love of music. I sincerely hope that YOA’s visit will be mutually inspiring and enrich our cultural relations.

Thomas Hendrik Ilves President of the Republic of Estonia At the Ministry of Culture, our goal is to promote continued national prosperity and welfare through cultural initiatives and undertakings for the benefit of the Latvian people. Latvia is a country steeped in cultural and humanitarian traditions. Latvians have a rich heritage of traditional folklore, especially folk songs. Dating back well over a thousand years, more than 1.2 million texts and 30,000 melodies of folk songs have been identified. Our folklore is closely associated with the Song and Dance Festival, which preserves these traditions through a complex process of amateurs, professionals and masters working together. Choral singing and contemporary professional musicians are tightly united by our nation’s values and traditions. Latvian choirs, both professional and amateur, regularly receive top honours at festivals and competitions around the world. The choir singing tradition has also created the brightest talents in the Latvian musical family including the Grammy award-winning

conductors Mariss Jansons and Andris Nelsons. The Radio Choir and State Choir "Latvia" are among the 10 best choirs in the world. Opera stars such as Inese Galante, Inga Kalna, Sonora Vaice, Elīna Garanča, Egils Siliņš and Aleksandrs Antoņenko have been highly acclaimed worldwide. These are only a few examples from the rich spectrum of our excellence in music. In this musical spirit, it gives me great pleasure to welcome the YOA Orchestra of the Americas to Latvia in July. We salute the work of the Orchestra to bring the transformative power of symphonic music to communities across the world, and to share the universal language of music with new generations. We wish you all the best on your ambitious musical agenda across the Baltic States and throughout the surrounding regions.

Dace Melbārde Minister of Culture, Republic of Latvia Lithuania is a country where folk music, national traditions, and summer festivities play an important role. In this spirit, we welcome YOA Orchestra of the Americas to our beautiful nation. While we are a country of many dialects, pride in our united Lithuanian identity is focal point of national culture. The symbol of Lithuania is the Vytis, a white knight, sitting astride his horse and brandishing a sword, which symbolizes the nation’s history of valiantly protecting itself from intruders. Today, while retaining our strong identity, we welcome enriching cultural exchange between the Americas and Lithuania, promoted by the visit of YOA Orchestra of the Americas to our country. We look forward to your music, sharing the great tradition of the symphony orchestra with our audiences, young and old alike. We wish you the best in your visit to Lithuania, and that you enjoy our beautiful land of sun and trees, symbolized by the colors of the great Lithuanian flag.

Šarūnas Birutis Minister Of Culture, Republic Of Lithuania It is with great enthusiasm that we welcome YOA Orchestra of the Americas and its prodigious young musicians from 25 countries to Poland for three performances across our nation. The example of this orchestra is an inspiration to young musicians around the world, and a reference for the world’s nations about the power that is possible through collaboration beyond borders. Let me be the first to extend our most hospitable and warm welcome to Poland. We are a country steeped in the traditions of music. The great melodies of our mountains, rivers, and fields have defined and unified Polish countrymen and countrywomen for centuries. We hope that you explore the legacy of Polish culture, music, and the arts during your visit to our nation, and wish you the best for your performances in Warsaw, Luslawice, and Lublin, and on tour across the community of Baltic and Nordic countries.

Piotr Gliński Minister of Culture & National Heritage, Republic of Poland

Denmark is a country of islands, bridges, tunnels, and sea. It is a land of seasons. Across the Danish landscape of hills and fields, one is never far from the coastline. Yet amidst this myriad of land and water—our vibrant culture, shared history, rich language, and democratic values unify us as Danes. Denmark is a nation that appreciates the great value of cultural activities for its citizens. In this spirit, we look forward to welcoming the young musicians of YOA Orchestra of the Americas to our shores during the White Nights of July. We hope that your concert in the ancient village of Soro acts as a bridge between the countries of the Americas and the community of Danes present. We wish you the best on this occasion, and throughout your stay in Denmark.

Bertel Haarder Minister of Culture, Kingdom of Denmark The Federal German Comission for Culture and Media (Beauftragter der Bundesregierung für Kultur und Medien) has the task to create favorable conditions for the formation, the acquisition of knowledge and lifelong learning, teaching and research to raise at an excellent level, to intensify the exchange between science and industry and to promote the culture and strengthen. As part of this mission, we enthusiastically welcome the visit of YOA Orchestra of the Americas to Germany in August 2016. Music has the power to bridge human divides and to create dreams in young people. YOA Orchestra of the Americas showcases the power of music for cooperation serves as an example to us all about what is possible when countries work together towards the very best objectives. With my sincerest congratulations to the young musicians of YOA, we applaud your talent, dedication, discipline, and hard work.

Staatsministerin Monika Grütters Beauftragter der Bundesregierung Für Kultur und Medien, Germany

Welcome to Estonia - the land of music! I am very pleased that you have chosen Estonia as a destination during your tour. I hope that during your visit you will discover that Estonians have a special relationship with music. Music has played an exceptionally important role in our history and culture. The tradition of Song Festivals started in 1869 and since then have helped us to shape and strengthen our national identity. The Singing Revolution at the end of the 1980s was a powerful popular manifest that helped us to regain our freedom from the Soviet occupation. Today, singing and Song Festivals are an integral part of Estonian contemporary culture, as in every five years tens of thousands of Estonians gather in Tallinn to take part in this amazing experience of singing together. I welcome you all back to Estonia in 2019 when we celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Song Festivals tradition. Estonia is proud to be the homeland of renowned composers like Arvo Pärt, Veljo Tormis, and Erkki-Sven Tüür. The global dynasty of well-known conductors Neeme Järvi, Paavo Järvi, and Kristjan Järvi also has its roots in Estonia. I hope that during your stay in Estonia you will also have time to enjoy traditional summer activities, which also include exploring our beautiful nature and enjoying our wonderful

seashore, especially, as 2016 is the Year of Maritime Culture in Estonia, dedicated to maritime-related traditions and customs, the art of living by and with the sea. I wish your stay in Estonia would be full of experiences!

Eerik Marmei Ambassador of Estonia to the United States I would like to welcome YOA Orchestra of the Americas to Sweden in July during their Nordic-Baltic Tour. The places in Sweden, Stora Tuna, Leksand, Dala Jarna, where the orchestra will perform happen to be my home turf. There is a strong musical tradition in this part of Sweden, which I am sure will be apparent during your visit. The values the orchestra promotes are in line with our Swedish objectives, including the importance of cross-cultural exchange in a globalized world; the celebration of cultural diversity as a catalyst for social change; the promotion of understanding of such important issues as gender equality, environmental consciousness and social development; the fortification of ties between Northern Europe and the Americas through the transformative power of music; and focusing on youth achievement for future community leadership. I wish you a wonderful time in Sweden as you share the experience of music with a new audience in my country.

Björn Lyrvall Ambassador of Sweden to the United States In 2001, the dream of YOA Orchestra of the Americas was to create an international orchestra of the best and brightest young musicians from across our hemisphere. Today, YOA has captured the hearts of so many, from all walks of life, in all corners of the Americas and beyond. Thanks to the beautiful music they are making together, musicians and audiences alike are experiencing the transformational power of music. On this special occasion of YOA’s Pan American Games Tour, I hope you will support this endeavor and join me in congratulating the young musicians, from whom I continue to learn, because of their love, dedication, and hard work.

Plácido Domingo YOA Artistic Advisor On behalf of the Board of Directors, Faculty, Musicians, and Administration of YOA Orchestra of the Americas, we are honored to serve as cultural ambassadors of the Western Hemisphere across the Nordic and Baltic countries this July. Throughout Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Sweden, Denmark, and Germany, we celebrate cultural exchange between Europe and the Americas. YOA is pleased to welcome members of the Boston Youth Philharmonic Orchestra and its visionary Benjamin Zander as partners in the project. We are indebted to our residence host, PLMF Music Trust, for receiving the YOA orchestra in Tallinn, Estonia, where 80 musicians from more than 25 nations will begin their journeys of transformation. This

leading cultural institution has been at the forefront in Estonia of a growing movement of music for social change. What a privilege to support their effort. YOA’s committed Music Director, Carlos Miguel Prieto, guides the orchestra and distinguished guest artists on this historic tour, which includes beloved repertoire from the European and the Americas in addition to music by local Estonian composer Arvo Pärt and Jüri Reinvere. We are indebted to the guidance of our world-class Faculty and are especially pleased to recognize Faculty members from this year’s host countries: Leon Spierer of the Berlin Philharmonic and Karl Frisendahl of the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic. We are grateful for the generosity of our Board Members, donors, supporters, and partners that have made this tour possible. Let us all embrace and take advantage of this international platform where we can strengthen ties between the Americas and Europe. We look forward to an exciting adventure - please join us in this once-in-a-lifetime 2016 Nordic-Baltic Tour. Together we are making possible the exceptional achievements of youth excellence, social entrepreneurship, and community engagement across the Americas!

Hilda Ochoa-Brillembourg YOA Founding Chairman In celebration of YOA’s 15th anniversary, I am proud of the lives that this organization has impacted across the globe. While each season brings its own unforgettable adventure, since the birth of YOA the unique energy of this orchestra has remained one of the things I look forward to most as a professional musician. YOA finds a way to reach out to humanity in all its variety, from Carnegie Hall to La Serena. I know of no example of cultures existing more beautifully than in this orchestra, and applaud the dedication and spirit of the musicians that bring the magic of each concert to life. Our 2016 tour across seven countries bordering the Baltic Sea could not be possible without the belief of great supporters and partners across the region and beyond. Your generosity not only changes the lives and futures of talented young musicians, but also allows audiences to be part of an unforgettable experience. I thank you for making the miracle of YOA happen!

Carlos Miguel Prieto YOA Music Director I offer my heartfelt compliments to YOA Orchestra of the Americas on its 15th anniversary European tour. It was my greatest pleasure to have been one of YOA’s first conductors when this noble enterprise was launched in 2002 and then to have enjoyed many opportunities to lead its extraordinary young musicians since then. Four years ago, I founded the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, whose motto is “Shaping Future Leaders Through Music.” BPYO was the direct outgrowth of my work with youth orchestras and young musicians for over 40 years and shares with YOA its values and the belief that music transforms lives, enriches the imagination, bridges cultures, and opens vast possibilities for lives of creative leadership and contribution. So it is thrilling to see the young musicians of YOA and BPYO joining musical forces, learning and growing together, and sharing their passion for music and life with the people of Scandinavia and

the Baltic region. Please join me in offering sincerest congratulations to the young musicians of YOA and BPYO for their extraordinary accomplishments and their very bright futures.

Benjamin Zander BPYO Music Director It gives me great pleasure to welcome to Estonia talented young musicians from 25 countries of North and South America. On your visit, I encourage you to explore Estonia’s wonderful musical traditions and history, and to share with our countrymen and countrywomen your diverse stories and cultures through music. Music is a light that contains all colors; YOA Orchestra of the Americas’ example of unity and collaboration across national borders is an example of the transcendent power of music. I am especially enthused that your performance on July 13 in Rapla will feature Estonian works, including my own “Two Lullabies.” Indeed, the human voice is the most perfect instrument of all. I wish you the best in this and all your performances across Estonia and beyond, and we all look forward to the lasting impression your visit will make in the lives of youth and families.

Arvo Pärt Honored Composer, Estonia

FRIENDS OF YOA ORCHESTRA OF THE AMERICAS ARTISTS “If YOA is the future of the symphony orchestra, then that future is secure.” Philip Glass “I know of no example of countries and cultures coexisting more beautifully than in YOA.” 
 Carlos Miguel Prieto “What is so special about YOA is the sense of sharing between cultures.”
 Gustavo Dudamel “In YOA young leaders become musical ambassadors.” Yo-Yo Ma “I learn from them… from their passion, their talent, and their joy.” Plácido Domingo “I am continually inspired by this orchestra.”
 Paquito d’ Rivera

“YOA opened my eyes to a new world.”
 Sarah Chang “It is a wonderful experience to make music with this orchestra.”
 Gabriela Montero “What an amazing adventure!” Louis Lortie “This orchestra changes lives.” Rafael Payare

PUBLIC FIGURES “YOA explains that what unites us as people is greater than that which separates us.”
 Paulo Coelho, Author, The Alchemist “YOA is the most important cultural project in the Americas.”
 Cesar Gavíria, Former President of Colombia “YOA is a model for the world.” David Rockefeller, Jr., Philanthropist “YOA is a source of inspirations to all musicians.” Cecilia Morel, First Lady of Chile (2010-2014) “This orchestra embodies the truth that musical instruments are more powerful than guns.” Óscar Arias, Winner of the Nobel Peace Prize (1987); President of Costa Rica (1986-1990; 2006-2010) “YOA plays a vital role in the formation of young artists from the Americas.” 
 Marta Linares, First Lady of Panama “YOA represents a new paradigm towards a world that is more tolerant and responsible.”
 Laura Chinchilla Miranda, President of Costa Rica (2010-2014) “YOA as a place for social inclusion and integration among nations is a compelling model.”
 Daniel Ortega, President of Nicaragua “YOA is a part of a lasting legacy for our country.”


Otto Pérez Molina, President of Guatemala “YOA raises awareness for the importance of music education within countries.”
 Sir Colville Young, Governor-General of Belize

MEDIA REVIEWS “A rapturous performance of Rachmaninoff…”
 The Los Angeles Times (Mark Swed) “It was a triumph for the orchestra. Yo-Yo Ma beamed as he turned to encourage the young players… the musicians rose to the occasion and matched Ma’s energized and inspired playing.”
 The New York Times “The future of classical music was presented Tuesday night at Wolf Trap, and it looked very promising… The performances were notable for professionalism, precision of ensemble and intonation and, above all, apparently unlimited energy.”
 The Washington Post “Triumphant… Let those who despair of the young ponder last night’s concert.”
 The Boston Globe “In YOA, the quest for musical excellence can break the cycle of poverty.”
 Newsweek (Latin America) “YOA Orchestra of the Americas leaves a trail of cross-cultural high spirits.”
 Symphony Magazine “Friendships quickly formed across boundaries, ages, and language. Music and international harmony blossomed.” National Public Radio’s The World “YOA, synonym of joy.” Le Devoir, Montreal, Canada “It would be registered as one of the most captivating and surprising concerts in recent years… It was a night, where it appeared on stage, as rarely happens, the mystery of an invisible force of concentration, discipline and a contagious love of music, to the point of producing a total silence and stillness in the hall.” La Nación, Buenos Aires, Argentina

“Pure talent! The energy of the Americas’ youth!”
 El Universal, Caracas, Venezuela “A storm of emotions for music lovers.” La Tribune, Sherbrooke, Canada “Beyond the music, as exquisite as it was, an encounter with these great musicians of the Americas will not have an equal anytime soon.” Le Courant, Mont Laurier, Canada “They demonstrated what the international critics have made clear: the precision of ensemble, the intonation, and above all, the youthful impression of musical energy without limits…”
 El Comercio, Lima, Peru “…I am not going to talk about the incredible quality of this orchestra… What I want to describe is the emotional impact that I felt by seeing all these young people from all the Americas, from Canada to Patagonia, sharing their dreams and their commitment to art. It was a privilege to have attended this concert.”
 El Universal, Caracas, Venezuela “To change the world with music.” La Presse, Montreal, Canada “What a passionate concert!” O Globo, Sao Paulo, Brazil “A unique musical experience.” The Daily Gleaner, Fredericton, Canada “More than musical excellence, the feeling of solidarity and social commitment from each musician on stage brought the concert to life.” Diario Página 12, Buenos Aires, Argentina “YOA has a lasting impact. The orchestra builds a resonance in the lives of young people to inspire them, to make palpable new futures.”
 Diario La Prensa, Panamá City, Panamá. “The crème de la crème of international youth orchestras.” The Star, Toronto, Canada “It was an extremely special night, full of energy, emotion, and above all, good music… The success was total… both the quality of the music and the response of the audience… a concert to remember.”


El Norte, Monterrey, Mexico “A celebration of music and discovery.” Stratford Beacon Herald, Stratford, Canada