Pupils will be tuning up for a musical tour of Italy with a concert in Wolverhampton next week.

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A total of 77 members of Wolverhampton Music Service's Youth Orchestra and Youth Wind Orchestra will take part in a series of prestigious concerts in the Umbria region of Italy at the end of July.

There they will perform classical pieces by a range of composers including Verdi, Grieg, Ellerby and Dvořák. 

Before they leave, they will be in concert at St Peter's Collegiate Church, St Peter's Square, on Thursday 21 July, 2016. The programme includes Rossini's Overture from The Barber of Seville, Greig's Peer Gynt Suite No.1, Dvořák's Slavonic Dance No. 8 in G minor, Gonna Fly Now by Conti, Overture to Nabucco by Verdi and Ellerby's Dreamscapes.

Julian Lloyd Webber and the Mayor of Wolverhampton are among the guests for next week's performance. Tickets are priced £7 each and should be booked early to avoid disappointment by calling Wolverhampton Music Service on 01902 558105. Tickets may also be on sale on the door, subject to availability.

Councillor Claire Darke, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Education, said: "Every year the 2 orchestras take part in a foreign tour at the start of the summer break.

"Music is an important part of a young person's education, and Wolverhampton Music Service provides quality teaching for children and young people across the city.

"The tour of Umbria is an excellent opportunity for pupils to show off their talents, and they will be excellent ambassadors for both our city and our country."

The tour has received sponsorship from The James Beattie Charitable Trust, fbc Manby Bowdler Solicitors, Wolverhampton Partners in Progress and the city's six Rotary Clubs - Bilston & Wolverhampton East, Tettenhall, Wednesfield, Willenhall, Wolverhampton and Wolverhampton St George's.

Councillor Darke added: "I'd like to thank all the sponsors for their generosity which has made this tour possible."

Among those taking part in the tour will be Wolverhampton Young Musician of the Year, Elvinas Reinikovas, a pupil at Our Lady and St Chad Catholic Sports College, who will be performing the Concertino for Clarinet and Orchestra by Weber.

Wolverhampton Music Service provides tuition and musical opportunities for youngsters from schools across the city, including the chance to perform with Wolverhampton Youth Orchestra and Wolverhampton Youth Wind Orchestra. To find out more, please visit Type=links;Linkid=7387;Title=Wolverhampton Music Hub;Target=_blank;.

  • released: Wednesday 13 July, 2016