Touring with BYOV

Every three years, Bay Youth Orchestras of Virginia plans a tour overseas. Members of the Concert & Symphony, and Wind Symphonies are invited to participate in musical performances around the world and all of our families are invited to join us in an unforgettable travel experience.

Stay tuned for details about our next tour in the Spring of 2021! 

BYOV 2018 Tour Orchestra Reflections

In June 2018, BYOV traveled to the beautiful Emerald Isle and visit Dublin, Galway, Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, and many of Irelands iconic landmarks and natural treasures, while performing concerts at the St. Nicholas Collegiate Church and Christ Church Cathedral. Take a look at our itinerary!

“I was unsure how this tour was going to go, but somehow it was all the better for it. I made friends that I never thought I’d have. I tried all sorts of new foods and had conversations with some of the most interesting people I’ve ever met. After the tour, my understanding of music, people, and culture is richer. I would go again in a heartbeat, and I hope one day I do.”   ~ Megan McFadden, BYSO Violist

“The BYOV tour to Ireland was such a positive experience for me and my son! From the very first rehearsals and concerts in Norfolk, we knew we were in a special group of wonderful people. The food and accommodations were excellent, and the sights were so unbelievably beautiful. On top of that, getting to play for appreciative audiences in Galway and Dublin alongside my son was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. I will always remember our trip and the friendships we made, and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity!”           ~ Amanda Gates, BYOV parent

BYOV 2015 Tour Orchestra Reflections: Performances in Germany, Czech Republic and Chrysler Hall

By Helen Martell, Music Director

The BYOV Concert and Symphony Orchestra Germany and Czech Republic tour was very memorable musically, culturally and socially. Here are a few things that a music director would remember about the experience.

• Singing on the bus improved our performances. I am not sure the bus driver or our parents appreciated the monotone or off key singing, but our musicians gained so much from our bus rehearsals before each concert.
• Hearing our students introduce each piece at the concerts and then hearing the translation in German and Czech created an international connection between our student musicians and the audience. The generous, appreciative audiences wanted more after we finished our last piece.
• Everywhere we went, there were opportunities to hear cultural music on the street. It was amazing to see Daniel Barenboim conduct an outdoor concert with the largest, quietest, and most respectful audience in Berlin. For my BYSO musicians, it was thrilling to hear the Wagner Meistersinger Overture performed by the Prague Symphony.
• The tour was an incredible experience to get to know our BYOV musicians, parents and board members better. All tour members were so supportive, flexible and happy throughout even when glasses were dropped in the Moldau and passports lost.
• The reunion performance for an appreciative audience at Chrysler Hall in September reminded me of how wonderful it was to work with the tour orchestra.