Music as a mediator that crosses borders and the orchestra as a place of participation, freedom, equality and fraternity: these are the ideas behind the Young Euro Classic festival. Since 2000, the festival has been inviting young orchestras from many parts of the world to Berlin and has also initiated new orchestra formations.
The National Youth Orchestra of Poland is taking part in the festival for the third time and opened the anniversary edition of the festival under the direction of conductor Jakub Chrenowicz with compositions by Ludwig van Beethoven and Artur Malawski. The German symphonist Beethoven is the focus this year; all of his nine completed symphonies will be performed by the young ensembles. The program also includes piano concerts, chamber music and his great choral fantasy.
The idea for the Beethoven focus came from three to four orchestras who suggested playing works by the German composer, says the festival’s artistic director, Dieter Rexroth. “That’s a good starting point, one year before the Beethoven year,” Rexroth told DW. However, Beethoven is very demanding both technically and in terms of content, especially for young orchestras.
Transporting Beethoven’s idea into the present
“Without Beethoven there would be no institutionalized orchestras today,” says Rexroth. “The orchestra of the size known today was still young, Beethoven’s music expresses an idea that needs to be musically transported into today.” Then as now, society and the future, the individual and the masses were negotiated.
Rexroth describes as a surprise the 11-year-old pianist Alexandra Dovgan, who performed with the International Tatarstan Youth Orchestra and will also appear at the Salzburg Festival at the end of July at the invitation of the Russian pianist Grigori Sokolov. “It radiates something that suggests a great future,” says Dieter Rexroth.
Orchestras from all over the world will perform at the 20th Young Euro Classic, including China, Turkey, Portugal and Sweden. The ensembles from Chile, the Dominican Republic and the Russian Republic of Tatarstan as well as the Israeli-Palestinian Galilee Chamber Orchestra will celebrate their festival premiere. The National Youth Orchestra of the USA will conclude the festival in the Konzerthaus Berlin, conducted by Antonio Pappano, together with the mezzo-soprano Sarah Connolly.
On Wednesday, August 4th, visitors can actively immerse themselves in the festival events: The European Union Youth Orchestra will play Beethoven’s 9th Symphony from 8 p.m. Central European Summer Time, which will be broadcast via livestream from the Great Hall of the Berlin Konzerthaus to the Gendarmenmarkt in front of it . All participants then sing the final movement with the “Ode to Joy”, the official anthem of the European Union, together. The concert sounds outside with a so-called immersive sound system, which enables spatial listening.
International Youth Orchestras Meet in Berlin: A Global Celebration of Music and Unity
Berlin, known for its vibrant cultural scene and rich history, once again became a focal point for music lovers when it hosted an international gathering of youth orchestras. The event, which brought together young musicians from around the world, offered a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and artistic collaboration. These orchestras, representing diverse countries and musical traditions, united under one roof to celebrate their shared passion for music, transcending geographic and linguistic barriers.
Held in various iconic venues across the city, such as the Berlin Philharmonie and Kraftwerk Berlin, the gathering highlighted the city’s importance as a hub for international music festivals and a platform for emerging talent. The event not only provided a stage for talented young musicians to perform but also fostered a sense of community and cooperation among future leaders in the global music scene.
A Global Convergence of Talent
The international youth orchestra event in Berlin was a remarkable showcase of young talent from a wide range of countries, from Europe and North America to Asia and South America. Orchestras composed of musicians aged between 12 and 25 years came together to perform under the baton of renowned conductors, many of whom were also former members of youth orchestras themselves. This shared experience between the conductors and the performers created an atmosphere of mentorship and mutual respect.
What made the event particularly special was the diversity of the orchestras. Each group brought a different musical tradition and style, contributing to the overall richness of the experience. Some of the orchestras were rooted in classical music traditions, while others explored contemporary compositions and experimental sounds. Regardless of the genre, every performance was marked by the passion and dedication of the young musicians, whose enthusiasm for their art was palpable.
Cultural Exchange and Artistic Collaboration
One of the key aspects of the international youth orchestra meeting was the emphasis on cultural exchange. Young musicians had the opportunity not only to perform but also to interact with one another, sharing experiences, learning from each other, and developing friendships that crossed national and cultural boundaries. This exchange was facilitated through joint rehearsals, where musicians from different countries played together and had the chance to adapt to each other’s styles and rhythms.
The blending of various cultural perspectives within the orchestras enriched the performances. For instance, while one orchestra might have emphasized precision and structure in its playing, another may have focused on expressive freedom and improvisation. The blending of these different approaches during the rehearsals and performances led to a truly unique sound, where the strengths of each musician and orchestra were brought together.
Moreover, the presence of diverse conductors, each with their unique interpretation of the music, further added to the dynamic nature of the event. Young musicians were not only exposed to different conducting styles but also received invaluable insights into the art of orchestral performance from experienced maestros. The result was a series of performances that were both technically outstanding and emotionally resonant.
Educational Opportunities and Professional Development
In addition to the concerts, the event also offered a range of educational programs aimed at nurturing the next generation of musicians. Workshops, masterclasses, and interactive sessions with professional musicians and conductors were held throughout the week, providing young performers with valuable opportunities to learn new techniques, improve their musical skills, and expand their artistic horizons. These educational components were designed to help young musicians refine their technique and gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of orchestral performance.
The event also offered career development opportunities for the participants. Young musicians had the chance to network with industry professionals, music academies, and agents, all of whom were present at the event to scout for promising talent. Many musicians found these interactions instrumental in shaping their careers, as it opened up potential paths for future collaborations, performances, and professional opportunities.
A Celebration of Diversity and Unity Through Music
One of the most powerful aspects of the event was the message of unity and peace that it conveyed. Music, as a universal language, has the power to transcend borders and bring people together in a way that words alone cannot. In a world often divided by political and cultural differences, this gathering of youth orchestras served as a reminder of the power of art to create common ground and foster understanding.
As the concert hall filled with the sound of music, it was clear that these young musicians, despite their different backgrounds and experiences, were united by their love of music. The joy and energy of the performances reflected not just their technical skills, but also the sense of community and camaraderie that had developed among them during their time in Berlin.
Conclusion
The international youth orchestra event in Berlin was a celebration of musical talent, cultural exchange, and global unity. It showcased the immense potential of young musicians and provided a platform for them to connect, collaborate, and learn from one another. Through their performances, they not only demonstrated their technical proficiency but also conveyed the universal power of music to bring people together.
As Berlin continues to be a center for musical innovation and artistic collaboration, events like these serve as a reminder of the importance of nurturing young talent and providing opportunities for emerging musicians to grow. The gathering of youth orchestras in Berlin was more than just a musical performance; it was a testament to the enduring power of art to transcend boundaries and unite people from all walks of life.
