The IYOB project is an extraordinary collaboration, bringing together the West Coast Youth Orchestra (South Africa), the Waverley Ensemble (UK), and Draper’s Hall Coventry (UK). This ambitious initiative will unite young talents from South Africa, the UK, the USA, and Australia to form an international youth orchestra. These musicians will also join the Stellenbosch Youth Orchestra, further enriching the ensemble with local talent.

In July and August 2024, these diverse musicians will converge in South Africa for a series of captivating performances across Cape Town and the West Coast. This first-of-a-kind tour promises to showcase the power of music to transcend borders and unite cultures. Join us in celebrating this remarkable fusion of talent and tradition!

West Coast Youth Orchestra

The West Coast Youth Orchestra® is an established South African youth orchestra for musicians from all backgrounds, empowering the youths of the West Coast communities with musical knowledge, imagination, and a love of music. Currently, it has six interlocking music education, development and performing programmes running throughout the year. It organised an international orchestra tour in 2017 with great success. Currently, under the careful guidance and expertise of founding member and director, Ms. Carina Brown, the WCYO is very successful.

The Waverley Ensemble

Ishani Bhoola founded the charity The Waverley Ensemble in 2011 to bring high-quality baroque music, performed by professional musicians in the Haslemere area, to the local community. In addition to performing great music, a core element of the venture is to bring the local community together through a shared love of classical music.

Draper’s Hall Coventry

After more than 30 years shut, this impressive Regency Hall in the heart of historic Coventry has been repurposed and reinvigorated as a venue for music and music education. Working with The Princes’ Foundation, Historic Coventry Trust is restoring the building as a home for Coventry Music Service and a music and events venue. Cathy Scott-Burt, who is involved with Draper’s Hall, currently divides her time between performing, studio violin and viola teaching, examining and working as an Engagement Officer for the music hub in Coventry.

What are the Aims of the IYOB Project?

The IYOB project aims to inspire young people from all backgrounds, especially those from disadvantaged communities, to pursue music seriously. By bringing together young musicians from diverse backgrounds into one orchestra, we foster unity through a shared love of music and the energy of group performance.

Promoting Social Mobility

We strive to encourage social mobility among participants, hoping that the IYOB experience will help them reach new heights in their personal and professional lives.

Building Confidence and Self-Discipline

Through rigorous rehearsals and performances, we aim to build young musicians’ confidence and healthy self-discipline — essential life skills that support any career. The IYOB project is dedicated to equipping the next generation with vital workplace skills through teaching and nurturing.

The IYOB Tour includes the following concerts:

Tickets are available at webtickets and PicknPay or just click on the poster of the event you wish to attend to book your tickets online.

Funds for the Tour

The WCYO believes this experience will be incredibly enriching for all students, especially those from the WCYO Outreach Programme (students from previously disadvantaged communities). This unique opportunity will allow them to explore new cultures, connect with fellow musicians, and gain invaluable insights into the world of music and performance. We are confident they will return from this tour with a wealth of knowledge and experiences that will contribute significantly to their personal and academic growth.

We Need Your Help

However, to make this dream a reality, we need your support. Organising such a tour involves significant costs, including transportation, accommodation, meals, and other logistical expenses. We are reaching out to generous individuals and organisations for financial assistance.

Any donation, regardless of size, will make a significant difference. Contributions of R100 and more will automatically receive an Article 18A tax certificate. There are several ways you can contribute:

SnapScan: Convenient and quick, you can donate via SnapScan using the QR code.

Direct EFT: Donations can be made directly to our bank account. (Contact us for the bank details.)

 

Thank you for considering supporting the WCYO and helping our students achieve this life-changing experience.