We Went to France!
In July 2024, the Atlanta Festival Academy embarked on its first-ever overseas trip and hosted its 2024 European Orchestra Camp in Selles-sur-Cher, France. This camp was held in celebration of AFA’s Fifth Anniversary and took place in France’s enchantingly beautiful and historically significant Loire Valley. While there the twenty-four student participants had the pleasure of rehearsing just yards away from the magnificent Château Selles-sur-Cher. They prepared three performances in just five days, highlighted by a Bastille Day concert performed in front hundreds of townspeople who lined the roads, historic bridge, and riverside park.
About Our Trip
During the camp, students took part in multiple orchestra rehearsals each day, private lessons, master classes, and chamber music sessions. They were led in these activities by Maestro Henry Cheng, featured violin soloist Simon Zhu, and faculty members William Pu, Lin Wei Sigurgeirsson, Amy Chang, and Jesús Castro-Balbi.
Amidst all of these music activities, the students were able to explore the beautiful village of Selles-sur-Cher which served as AFA’s home for eight days. They quickly came to appreciate not only Selles-sur-Cher’s amazing château, but also its charming sidewalk cafes, delightfully delicious restaurants, and of course its pâtisserie – the source of many pastry treats!
More extensive excursions included visits to Leonardo da Vinci’s Castle, Château Chambord, Château Chenonceau, and Zoo-Parc Beauval, the largest zoo in Europe!
Bastille Day Concert Video
Pictures from Our Trip
