European Youth Orchestra Academy
Under the patronage of the European Parliament
Symphony Orchestra
Become part of the Young European Music Festival 2026
Application for the EYOA – Symphony Orchestra 2026
Are you between 14 and 18 years old, highly musically talented, and from Europe, Great Britain, or Ukraine? Are you bold and ready to enchant us with your favorite instrument? – Then show us what you can do!
You can now apply for our popular European Symphony Orchestra and participate in EYOA 2026.
The European Youth Orchestra Academy is under the patronage of the European Parliament.
European Youth Orchestra Academy: September 3–13 2026
Application Deadline: December 31, 2025
Before you get started ...
Please carefully read all our Rules & Guidelines and make sure you have selected the correct form for your desired ensemble. The appropriate sheet music for your instrument audition can be found under the tab Sheet Music for Your Audition.
For your application, you should have the following documents ready:
# YouTube link to your application video
# Motivation letter (text for the form)
# (if under 18) Parental consent form (informal PDF)
# signed Declaration of Consent | Media Rights
Rules & Requirements
Application Deadline
You must submit your application by December 31, 2025. Please use only our designated application form (at the bottom of this page) and make sure to select the correct form for your preferred ensemble!
If you encounter any issues with the form, please contact us in time.
Requirements
For our Symphony Orchestra 2026, all talented applicants must be between 14 and 18 years old by the end of December 2026. You must hold the nationality of a European Union member state. In addition, you may also hold the nationality of associated countries such as the United Kingdom, Norway, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Kosovo, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, or Israel.
The decision of our jury regarding the selection of participants is binding and final.
Participation Fee
The participation fee is €165 and is due once the jury confirms your placement. This includes:
# Accommodation in a double room (3-star hotel)
# Meals during the entire academy as well as during additional activities.
If you need a large instrument, such as a cello or double bass, we will provide it free of charge on-site. However, you must arrange and cover your own travel to and from Mannheim.
For the final concert during the Young European Music Festival, you will receive an exclusive EYOA T-shirt. Please also bring black trousers or a skirt, and black shoes.
Excuse Letter for School
If you need an excuse for your school, we will be happy to provide an official excuse or confirmation letter upon request. Just provide us with the school’s address.
EYOA Goals | Motivation Letter
At our EYOA, it’s about more than just music: we aim to support your artistic and personal development, open new perspectives, and even enhance your career prospects. Therefore, we want to know from you: Why do you want to be part of the EYOA – and what do you hope to gain from this experience?
This – let’s call it a MOTIVATION LETTER – is an essential part of the application requirements.
Dates & Program EYOA 2026
In 2026, our European Youth Orchestra Academy will take place in Mannheim from Thursday, September 3 to Sunday, September 13, 2026.
Arrival: September 3, 2026
Departure: September 13, 2026
Academy Contents:
# Daily section and full orchestra rehearsals
# Morning sports activities
# Shared meals
# Cultural excursions
# Cultural and political lectures, e.g., on music history and Europe
Festival Program Symphony Orchestra
European Anthem
Fanny Hensel Mendelssohn
Konzert Ouvertüre
Violinkonzert D-Dur, op. 35
Camille Saint-Saëns
Sinfonie Nr. 2, a-Moll, op. 55
Neue Komposition: Suite für Sinfonieorchester und Bigband-Jazz
Violinsolist: Gewinner des Sinfonima-Wettbewerbs 2026
Conductor: Jan-Paul Reinke
Aufführungsorte:
# Börsensaal der Musikhochschule – Mannheim
# Johannes-Brahms-Saal – Heidelberg
# Musensaal – Konzerthalle Rosengarten – Mannheim
Conductor & Artistic Director
Since 2020, the EYOA has been under the musical direction of Jan-Paul Reinke.
He brings a wealth of experience: orchestras in Cologne, Stuttgart, Bonn, and Mannheim have already worked with him, and tours have taken him across Europe and as far as Australia.
Jan-Paul Reinke is the co-founder and musical director of the CoGNiMUS Collektiv e.V. in Cologne. Since 2017, he has been teaching orchestral conducting at the University of Music in Freiburg, has led the Mannheim Youth Symphony Orchestra since 2016 (awarded the distinction “Best Youth Orchestra in Germany”), and has directed the prestigious Stamitz Orchestra Mannheim since 2018.
For the EYOA, this means a conductor who not only knows how to make an orchestra shine, but also how to guide and inspire young musicians on their journey.
We Need the Following Instruments*
5 x Cello
3 x Double Bass
1 x Timpani
*The sheet music for each instrument for your audition can be found in the tab Sheet Music for Your Audition.
Requirements & Tips for Your Application Video
To really get to know you and your musical skills, we need an application video from you. It should show us where you currently stand musically – and who you are.
You will upload the video as a YouTube link in your application form.
Here’s how to structure your video:
Introduce Yourself Briefly
Tell us in a few sentences who you are and why you want to participate in EYOA 2026.Perform Something for Us
First: the orchestral parts listed for your instrument under the tab Sheet Music for Your Audition.
Then: a piece of your choice from the classical repertoire – for example, a movement from a concerto, sonata, or suite in the classical style.
Tip: If the movement is too long, you may stop after the reprise.
No Stress with Accompaniment
Piano accompaniment is not required – you can record everything solo.Recording Rules
Please perform each piece and excerpt in a single take.
No cuts or edits!
If you record different sections separately, combine them into one video at the end.
Length & Format
Duration: minimum 10 minutes, maximum 15 minutes.
Format: YouTube link. (Important note: We only accept YouTube formats!)
Additional Notes for …
Violin:
You can apply for violin in general. Please let us know whether you prefer to play 1st or 2nd violin. The jury may change your preference if musically necessary.
Strings (General):
For the positions of concertmaster or section leader, we are looking for individuals who can impress musically and lead a group confidently. If you are interested, simply check it in the application form.
Percussion/Drums:
Please play the required orchestral parts and additionally one or two freely chosen timpani études.
The appropriate sheet music for your instrument can be found under the tab Sheet Music for Your Audition. Sheet Music for Your Audition.
Young People with Special Needs
Young musicians with disabilities who meet the usual application requirements and wish to register for the audition are welcome to join us.
Travel to Mannheim
Arrival by Plane / Train:
Please book your flight ticket including your train ride to Mannheim. We recommend Frankfurt International Airport. From there, you can reach the center of Mannheim (Main Station) directly and conveniently by train.
Arrival by Bus:
If you wish to arrive by bus, select Mannheim Bus Station (directly at the Main Station) as your destination.
We will pick you up after your arrival at Mannheim Main Station. Meeting point: Mannheim Main Station – Station Hall – Ticket Counter
For the sake of the environment, we recommend traveling by train or bus!
Travel Permission & Insurance
Please remember: You must insure your instrument yourself, cover all additional costs, and have international health insurance. Before your trip begins, please show us that your insurance is valid.
Photo & Media Rights
In addition to the application form, we also need your consent for photos, videos, or television recordings to be made during the academy.
By giving your consent, you grant us the right to publish the media as part of our project.
Your consent is a mandatory part of the application.
Participants Under 16 Years
Participants under 16 years old also need a parental consent form.
Contact for Local Rotary Club
Invited participants are asked to introduce themselves to the local Rotary Club in their home country. All contact information will be provided personally with your invitation letter to the academy in early 2026.
Contact for Questions
If you have any further questions or if anything is unclear, please contact:
Michel Maugé, EYOA
E: mauge@eyoa.de
T:: +49 (0)151 189 09 288
Sheet Music for Your Audition
Choose the appropriate sheet music for your instrument for your application video!
Jan Paul Reinke – Musical Director
Since 2020, the EYOA has been under the musical direction of Jan-Paul Reinke.
He brings a wealth of experience: orchestras in Cologne, Stuttgart, Bonn, and Mannheim have already worked with him, and tours have taken him across Europe and as far as Australia.
Jan-Paul Reinke is the co-founder and musical director of the CoGNiMUS Collektiv e.V. in Cologne. Since 2017, he has been teaching orchestral conducting at the University of Music in Freiburg, has led the Mannheim Youth Symphony Orchestra since 2016 (awarded the distinction “Best Youth Orchestra in Germany”), and has directed the prestigious Stamitz Orchestra Mannheim since 2018.
For the EYOA, this means a conductor who not only knows how to make an orchestra shine, but also how to guide and inspire young musicians on their journey.
If you have any further questions or if anything is unclear, please contact:
Michel Maugé, EYOA
E: mauge@eyoa.de
T:: +49 (0)151 189 09 288
Application Form Symphony Orchestra 2026
The form guides you through your application in 5 steps:
1. Personal Information
2. Personal Details
3. Instrument & Education
4. Parent Contact
5. Data Protection & Uploads
Get ready – we look forward to your application!
