International tours

The orchestra has a long track record of successful and acclaimed international tours, with the main one occurring every 3 years. These tours have covered countries as diverse as the United States, Poland, and New Zealand. In 1998 the orchestra was the first British youth orchestra to tour South Africa since the end of Apartheid.

In the summer of 2000 the Hampshire County Youth Wind and String Orchestras undertook a short tour of Poland. In Summer 2001, the County Youth Orchestra became the first ever British Youth Orchestra to tour Chile under the auspices of the British Embassy in Santiago.

The Wind and String Orchestras went to Italy in August 2002.

A tour of Western Bohemia, Eastern Germany and the Czech Republic was undertaken in summer 2004, the climax of which was a performance of the Rite of Spring in Prague.

In summer 2005, the String Orchestra, County Wind Orchestra and Double Reed Ensemble made a successful visit to France.

The County Youth Orchestra toured northern Italy in August 2007.

In 2008, the String Orchestra, with the County Wind Orchestra went on tour to Spain.

In 2010 The CYO's Summer Tour will be to Provence from July 24 to August 2.  The detailed itinerary is currently being finalised.  Parents and friends are most welcome to attend concerts.  All concerts are free and open to the public.

The links on the right include reviews and diaries from some previous international tours.