The Spring Music Camp and the Summer Music Academy of the Cyprus Youth Symphony Orchestra have become an important part of Cyprus’ music educational activities. The Camps are organized at the high mountain resort of Pedoulas in April and August, respectively. The community of Pedoulas has been linked with the Orchestra’s Music Camps and the concerts given by the Orchestra during the Camps and attracts both foreign and Cypriot tourists.
The programme includes individual instrumental tuition, master classes, wind orchestra, sectional rehearsals and chamber music training as well as rehearsals for a symphonic programme. These are taught by expert musicians and pedagogues of the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra and the CyYSO Academy of the CyYSO. Towards the end of the Music Camps, the prepared programme is presented at an evening concert open to the public at the Events Hall of the Pedoulas Gymnasium and later in Lefkosia and other cities.
The Music Camps accommodate about 100 young musicians, from Cyprus as well as foreign students from European and non-European countries. Also, Cypriot students who study conducting in recognized institutions, have the opportunity to participate in the Academies by assisting the production and gain experience under the guidance of the artistic director and conductor of the CyYSO.
Apart from the music activities, other social activities at the Camps, include sports (volleyball, basketball, football), excursions, movie nights, treasure hunting and others.