When Germany’s youngest elite musicians pick up their instruments, the reaction from critics, soloists, conductors, and audiences is enthusiastic. The youthful energy and surprising professionalism of these young performers combine to produce an orchestral sound that is perhaps unique in the world.
„What an enormous pleasure to meet this wonderful next generation of colleagues! I think the future of orchestras is safe in your hands …“ – Sir Simon Rattle
The National Youth Orchestra of Germany is Germany’s youngest major orchestra, founded by the German Music Council in 1969 and made up of the country’s finest young musicians between the ages of 14 and 19. Distinguished conductors such as Herbert von Karajan, Kurt Masur, Gustavo Dudamel and Kirill Petrenko have led the orchestra; soloists have included Christian Tetzlaff (violin), Tabea Zimmermann (viola), and Fazil Say (piano), as well as the rock musicians Sting and Peter Maffay. The Berliner Philharmoniker have been the youth orchestra's official Mentoring Orchestra since 2013 and support it through joint rehearsals, masterclasses and concerts. Since 2018, Sir Simon Rattle is Conductor Laureate of the National Youth Orchestra: “What an enormous pleasure to meet this wonderful next generation of colleagues! I think the future of orchestras is safe in your hands.”
The young musicians qualify for membership of the National Youth Orchestra of Germany with an audition. During the intensive rehearsal periods, the orchestra prepares challenging works from all historical eras; contemporary music and premieres of new pieces are an essential aspect of the orchestra’s repertoire. The preparation of these programs, the musical interaction with professionals from Germany’s finest orchestras and universities, and the encounter with other talented and like-minded young people are defining experiences at both a musical and a human level.
There is no part of the world where these young musicians have not performed: Tours have taken the group throughout Europe, as well as to Asia, Africa, and North and South America. The orchestra has participated in numerous projects of historical significance, including a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift with Kurt Masur in New York. It accompanied the founding of the Youth Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, took the "Embrace Our Rivers" project as an opportunity to draw attention to the climate conditions in India and supported musical education in the South African township of Soweto. In 2024, it toured together with the World Youth Choir and the Oscar and Grammy award-winning composer and conductor Tan Dun to celebrate the anniversary of the composition of Beethoven's 9th Symphony with the world premiere of Tan Dun's "Choral Concerto: Nine".
The young instrumentalists are particularly committed to music education: At the self-moderated ‘SchoolSessions’, pupils in the audience are given direct access to the musical works and proof that young people barely older than themselves visibly enjoy classical music. However, the National Youth Orchestra of Germany does not only leave its mark in the concert hall: many former members now play in professional orchestras or have become well-known soloists. (Statistics from 2013: 83% of former BJO members have become professional musicians.) Around 20 members of the Berliner Philharmoniker are alumni of the National Youth Orchestra of Germany.
The orchestra’s work is generously supported by the German Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale, Mercedes-Benz Group, the City of Bonn, unisono, the German National Youth Orchestra Foundation and numerous private donors.
