Millennium Academy Orchestra
Vienna/Prague Tour 2026
About the Tour
Experience the musical journey of a lifetime!
The Millennium Academy Orchestra invites passionate young musicians (from Primary 3 to Junior Secondary) to perform and compete at the prestigious Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival in Vienna, the world’s music capital. This unique tour also offers cultural exploration in Vienna and Prague, world-class workshops, and the chance to perform on legendary stages.
Highlights:
- All-inclusive travel, accommodation, and meals
- Compete and perform at Vienna’s Golden Hall (Musikverein)
- Workshops at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna
- Cultural city tours in Vienna and Prague
- Perform at Vienna’s MuTh Concert Hall, Prague’s Smetana Hall and more
- Guided sightseeing and museum visits
About the Orchestra
The Millennium Academy Orchestra is a collaborative youth ensemble formed by Amicis Sinfonia and Millennium Youth Orchestra. We aim to bring together talented young musicians from across Hong Kong to receive professional training, participate in world-class performances, and experience meaningful international cultural exchanges.
Our Mission:
- Educational Impact: We are committed to supporting our members’ academic and musical journeys, helping them build strong foundations for future studies and careers in music.
- Professional Development: We provide systematic, high-level orchestral training, nurturing both technical skill and musical artistry in our members.
- International Exchange: By participating in overseas festivals and collaborations, our musicians broaden their horizons and engage with artists from around the world.
- Performance Excellence: Our orchestra regularly performs at renowned venues and has achieved top honours, including 1st Prize at the 2024 Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival.
Leadership
Dr. Jennifer Ho – Artistic Director
Music Director and Conductor, Millennium Youth Orchestra
Doctor of Musical Arts (Conducting), Claremont Graduate University, USA
Music Director and Principal Conductor, Millennium Green Orchestra
Music Director and Conductor, Millennium Conductor Orchestra
Music Director and Conductor, HKFW Six Arts Orchestra
Music Director and Conductor, Symphony on Stage Chamber Orchestra
Artistic Director, Symphony on Stage
Artistic Director, M Orchestra Academy Millennium Youth Orchestra
Artistic Director, M Artist Hub
Artistic Director, MYO Plus Productions
Founder and Chairperson, Gloves Handbell
Conductor of various school orchestras in Hong Kong
Mr. Kelvin Wan – Principal Conductor
Music Director and Conductor, Amicis Sinfonia
Recipient of Master of Arts in Music Fellowship, CUHK
Advisor and Former Conductor, HKU University Philharmonic Orchestra
Artistic Director, Amicis Production
Conductor, Amicis Sinfonia Italy Tour 2025
Conductor, Amicis Sinfonia Vienna Tour 2024
Chairperson, Joint University Concert 2022
Chairperson, Joint University Concert 2021
Conductor of various school orchestras in Hong Kong
Rehearsal Schedule and Itinerary
Rehearsals
Dates: October 2025 – June 2026 (Sundays)
Venue: M Stage (near Diamond Hill MTR Station)
Schedule:
2:00–3:00pm: Winds
3:10–4:40pm: Orchestra
4:50–5:50pm: Strings
Each session includes:
1.5 hours orchestral rehearsal
1 hour sectional coaching
Itinerary
- Day 0 (2/7): Departure from Hong Kong International Airport
- Day 1 (3/7): Arrive in Vienna, attend festival opening at Vienna Konzerthaus
- Day 2 (4/7): Vienna city tour, perform at MuTh Concert Hall
- Day 3 (5/7): Compete at Musikverein Golden Hall, perform at a historical catholic church
- Day 4 (6/7): Masterclasses at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, visit the House of Music museum
- Day 5 (7/7): Attend festival closing ceremony at Konzerthaus (Winner’s Concert)
- Day 6 (8/7): Travel to Prague, city exploration
- Day 7 (9/7): Prague city tour, perform at Smetana Hall
- Day 8 (10/7): Departure from Prague
- Day 9 (11/7): Arrival at Hong Kong International Airport
Application, Audition and Fees
Eligibility & Application
Who Can Apply
- Primary 3 to Junior Secondary students (priority given to ABRSM Grade 5-8+)
*We also welcome participants who only wish to join rehearsals and shows in Hong Kong. - We welcome students who play the following instruments to apply:
- Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
- Woodwinds: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, etc.
- Brass: Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Tuba, etc.
- Percussion
If you play other instruments or have special circumstances, please contact us for further information.
How to Apply:
- Submit a video of a self-chosen piece (performance or exam video accepted; must clearly show your face and full body); or
- Attend an in-person audition
Parents and family members are welcomed to join the tour as accompanying participants.
Availability for parents and family members depends on the number of spots left after student admissions are confirmed. Please indicate your interest during application, and our team will follow up regarding availability and arrangements.
Please email mao@amicishk.org for further information or enquiries.
Training Fee, Tour Fee, and Inclusions
Training Fee
The training fee for the tour is collected by terms. There are a total of three terms and each term consists of 12 sessions.
- Fee per Term: HKD $2,280
- Training Content:
- 1.5 hours of full orchestra rehearsal & 1 hour of sectional coaching each Sunday.
- Sessions will led by Dr. Jennifer Ho, with support from professional tutors. One-on-one guidance is provided to address issues and ensure efficient improvement.
Tour Fee
The tour fee covers all major expenses for the entire exchange tour. It is to be paid only after you have received confirmation of admission to the tour.
- Tour Fee: HKD $35,000 (Includes round-trip airfare)
- Inclusions
- Accommodation
- 5 nights in Vienna: Eventhotel Pyramide, JUFA Vienna City, or similar.
- 2 nights in Prague: Hotel Duo Prague, Zleep Hotel, or similar.
- Students: triple/quadruple rooms; Adults: twin rooms.
- Daily buffet breakfast included.
- Meals
- Three meals daily (breakfast and some dinners are buffets at the hotel).
- Local specialty dishes included.
- Complimentary reusable SCL water bottle for use at city water stations.
- Flights & Transport
- Round-trip flight on Emirates or Finnair (included in tour fee).
- Private luxury coach throughout the tour.
- English-speaking professional tour guide.
- Sightseeing & Admissions
- Half-day Vienna and Prague city tours with licensed English-speaking guides.
- Admission to Vienna Konzerthaus and one museum.
- Festival Inclusions
- Participation in the SCL International Youth Music Festival:
- Opening ceremony at Vienna Concert Hall
- Two masterclasses at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna
- Two concerts in Vienna or surrounding areas
- Competition performance at the Golden Hall, Musikverein
- (If awarded) Winner’s concert at Vienna Concert Hall
- Closing ceremony at Vienna City Hall
- Workshop certificate and festival participation certificate
- Participation in the SCL International Youth Music Festival:
- For Accompanying Adults/Parents
- Winner’s concert ticket (Cat.3, value €95)
- Free entry to all festival activities (excluding workshops/masterclasses)
- Other Inclusions
- All local taxes and gratuities (hotel, restaurant staff, etc.)
- Pre-competition rehearsal (1.5 hours in hotel) and short soundchecks before each concert
- Accommodation