Summer 2026—The GDYO in Vienna and Prague!

The GDYO will make its 10th International Concert Tour in June of 2026. Members of the GDYO are not required to participate in the international tours, but most do, and there is a high expectation that you will participate in the tour if you are a member. If your child is a member of the GDYO in 2025-2026 we expect you to give serious consideration to their participation in the 2026 tour.

Where

Countries to include: Austria, Czechia, Slovenia. A full schedule is in the works.
The tour will include 5 concerts in professional halls with enthusiastic audiences.

When

We would have a series of rehearsals in Dallas from Mid to End of May 2026, with departure date as early as May 31, 2026. The tour will be 11 days long and we should return sometime between June 10-12, 2026.

How Much

The projected cost of the 2026 tour is in the range of $4,500 per person plus passport and visa fees. In addition to that amount, students will need spending money for other incidentals and shopping as desired. A suggested amount in the past has been $250-$300. You may have additional optional personal expenses for trip cancellation insurance and/or instrument insurance.

Payment schedule

• $700 non-refundable deposit June 8, 2025
• September2025: $1,267
• January 2026: Payment $1,267
• April 2026: Remaining Balance

We will be happy to discuss alternative payment schedules to fit your budget.

Scholarships

A limited number of scholarships covering up to half the total cost are available based on financial need. Application requires submitting a copy of your tax return.

Parent Meeting and Contract Deadline:

An informational meeting for parents is scheduled for Sunday June 1, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. over Zoom. Prior to that meeting, parents of GDYO members will receive detailed information including a tour contract stating the final cost and the payment schedule. The signed contract and deposit are due on June 8, 2025 as outlined above.

The Necessity of Planning Ahead

For serious music students, summer offers exciting opportunities of musical growth. But it is difficult to do everything in one summer. While we are making serious efforts to get back early enough for students to attend summer festivals or workshops they might conflict with GDYO tour dates.
Additionally, we have to know who is going to attend well in advance in order to make the trip happen, so If you choose to go with us, you should plan to not audition for NYO (mind you this depends on their tour dates, which can vary year by year)

Is the tour just for students in the GDYO?

Technically yes, but on most tours a few top students from the Philharmonic or the Wind Symphony have been invited to participate.

Benefits

• Intensive study and multiple performance of repertoire in a concentrated period
• Cultural exchange, living in and experiencing another culture
• Living with and developing close friendships with fellow orchestra members

If you would like to know more about the pros and cons of touring, any GDYO staff member will be happy to answer your questions or put you in touch with a parent or student who can speak from their own experience. Call us at 214-528-7747 or email us cathy@gdyo.org or patrick@gdyo.org or yurie@gdyo.org