European Youth Orchestra
Academy
Under the patronage of the European Parliament
Where Europe’s brightest young musicians connect, create, and break boundaries. Ready to join the journey?
The talents of youth – the voice of Europe
Europe grows where young people meet – and music is the language that connects them.
The European Youth Orchestra Academy, or EYOA, is more than an orchestra: it is a place for friendship, exchange, and a vibrant Europe. Every year, we bring together highly talented young musicians from all over Europe to Mannheim. Here, where the Mannheim School once made history with its sound, a new school of European togetherness is emerging.
Our Mission: to use music as a universal language to overcome borders, foster friendships, and make Europe tangible. Alongside intensive rehearsals and concerts, young participants experience political and cultural inspiration, discuss Europe’s future, and learn to embrace diversity as a strength.
Our Vision: a Europe that resonates through the voices of its youth – harmonious, courageous, and full of ideas.
Mannheim School
Mannheim – UNESCO City of Music – und einst das Epizentrum einer musikalischen Revolution. Die Mannheim School des 18. Jahrhunderts prägte mit ihrem Orchesterklang die Wiener Klassik und inspirierte Mozart selbst.
Kurfürst Carl-Theodor hielt sich Anfang des 18. Jahrhunderts eine eigene Hofkapelle. Um seiner Macht und seinem Reichtum Ausdruck zu verleihen, holte er die besten Violinisten an seinen Hof. Es kamen Johann Stamitz, Ignaz Hofbauer, Christian Cannabich, die Brüder Toeschi und Joseph Vogler. Sie schufen die Mannheimer Schule als Violin- und Orchesterschule und zunehmend als Kompositionsschule und gaben die Grundlage für die Wiener Klassik.
Viermal war Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in der Residenzstadt Mannheim. Hier hörte er das beste Orchester seiner Zeit und schloss Freundschaften mit den Musikern der Mannheimer Schule. Vor allem aber begegnete er seiner ersten großen Liebe – der Sängerin Aloisia Weber. In keiner Stadt hatte Mozart sich wohl so wohl und in seinem musikalischen Genie so verstanden gefühlt wie in Mannheim. Das beweist ein Brief an seinen Vater, in dem er schreibt: “Mit einem Wort: Wie ich Mannheim liebe, so liebt auch Mannheim mich.”
EYOA continues this tradition: Mannheim remains a place where musical excellence and European exchange come together.
From Application to Festival
Europe comes alive on stage:
Once a year, we invite around 50 young, talented European musicians aged 14 to 18 to Mannheim. From several hundred applicants, a renowned expert jury selects the best of the best.
For the first time, our alumni can also apply, regardless of age, for our two new ensembles – String Quartet and Wind Quintet.
During the Academy period – under the direction of the renowned conductor Jan Paul Reinke and in collaboration with the Mannheim Municipal Music School – participants engage in 10 days of intensive rehearsals, complemented by workshops, political insights, and cultural encounters.
The highlight of the EYOA in 2026 will be our multi-day Young European Music Festival for the first time, featuring four different ensembles:
# Symphony Orchestra
# Big Band Jazz
# String Quartet
# Wind Quintet
Venues in the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region include Mannheim and Ludwigshafen, as well as Heidelberg, Schwetzingen, and Worms.
We have already selected all of our participants for our Academy in late summer 2026 from among many talented young musicians. However, you are welcome to make a note that we will be opening our application phase for 2027 in October.
Jan Paul Reinke – EYOA Artistic Director & Conductor Symphony Orchestra
I am simply convinced that change must start in one’s own environment. Music is a medium that needs no words, and through it, one can begin to convey ideals and perhaps even bring them to life, at least in part.
Jan Paul Reinke is the director of the Stamitz Orchestra and the Mannheim Municipal Youth Orchestra. With his extensive pedagogical experience, Reinke is able to unite the participants of our academy into a remarkable ensemble in just a few days. His focus is not solely on technical brilliance.
We are looking for young people for the Young European Music Festival who enjoy making music together, who want to grow as a collective within the orchestra, and who see Europe as a living project.
You don’t need to be a “child prodigy,” but you should be open, curious, and ready to engage with questions about our shared future.
Thomas Siffling, Artistic Director & Conductor, Big Band Jazz
When young people from different European countries make music together, something more than a great big band sound emerges. Many individual voices come together to create a shared musical language – full of energy, emotion and joy. And perhaps that is one of the most beautiful ways to experience Europe.
A big band thrives on interplay, on listening to one another and on the ability to respond to each other. And it thrives on improvisation: on having the courage to bring in your own voice, take musical risks and, at the same time, remain open to the ideas of others.
This is exactly the sense of freedom and enthusiasm for music that I want to share with the participants. Our differences are not erased; they become part of a shared sound.
We are looking for young musicians who are eager to contribute, try new things and grow beyond themselves together with others. You don’t have to be perfect – what matters is your passion for music, your openness and curiosity, and the joy of meeting new people and creating music together.
European Youth Orchestra Academy – Moments That Last
Focused tutti and lively discussions, quiet moments and vibrant evenings – EYOA is more than rehearsals and concerts.
Here, you experience Europe on a small scale: encounters, friendships, and special moments full of energy, music, and like-minded people.
The most beautiful moments from 2019 to today, captured in pictures.
What Our Alumni Say
Apply now for the European Youth Orchestra Academy 2026
Show us your talent – and become part of EYOA 2026!
Are you between 14 and 18 years old? Dann kannst du dich jetzt noch für unsere Young European Jazz Big Band .
EYOA-Alumni können sich altersunabhängig für unser Young European String-Quartet or our Young European Wind Quintet .
For our Young European Symphony Orchestra all places have already been allocated.
For your application, you will need:
# a short application video
# a declaration of consent from your parents (< 18 years old)
# confirmation from your teacher
Alle weiteren Infos, Bewerbungsformulare*, Noten und Upload-Möglichkeiten findest unter den einzelnen Bewerbungspunkten.
*Bitte achte darauf, das richtige Formular für das Ensemble deiner Wahl zu nutzen
Do you love playing in a large orchestra and becoming part of a full, symphonic sound? Then this is the place for you! In the Symphony Orchestra, you will work together with around 50 other young musicians on an exciting program and bring it to the stage in Mannheim.
Period: September 3–13, 2026
Applications for 2026 are now closed
Do you love groove, improvisation, and creating an energetic sound as part of a team? The Jazz Big Band gives you the opportunity to share your passion for playing with others and discover new soundscapes as an ensemble.
Dates: 3–13 September 2026
Applications for 2026 are closed!
(For Alumni Only)
Have you performed with the EYOA before and are ready to explore your musical potential even further? In the String Quartet, you’ll experience what it means to grow together as a small ensemble at the highest level – with precision, sensitivity, and expression.
Dates: 3–13 September 2026
Applications for 2026 are closed!
(Alumni Only)
As an EYOA alumnus or alumna, you can embark on the adventure of making music in a small ensemble. In the Wind Quintet, you will learn how close collaboration, timbre, and team spirit are interconnected – an experience that will advance your musical skills tremendously.
Period: September 3–13, 2026
Applications for 2026 are now closed
Review – Behind the Scenes & Final Concerts
From digital academies during the pandemic to grand anniversary concerts in Mannheim’s Rosengarten – the history of EYOA is young, yet already rich in highlights. It tells a story of passion, talent, and the power that emerges when Europe’s youth make music together.
Concert Recordings
Photo Books
Supporters & Sponsors
The heart of our foundation beats for young talent, art, and culture – and with the EYOA, this comes alive: E stands for European unity and diversity, Y for young musical talent, O for orchestral collaboration, and A for Academy, representing support and education. The academy provides young people with a stage to showcase their skills and gives the audience the chance to experience the world-famous Mannheim musical tradition.
Patronages
Shareholders
Supporter
+ Europäische Bewegung Baden Württemberg
+ Stadt Mannheim Kulturdezernat
+ Stadt Mannheim – Städtische Musikschule Mannheim
+ BASF, Ludwigshafen
+ Rotary Distrikt 1860
+ Rotary Club Mannheim Rhein-Neckar
+ Rotary Club Worms-Nibelungen
+ RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards)
+ RotaryJazz.com
+ Jeunesses Musicales
+ Richard-Wagner Verband Kurpfalz
+ SINFONIMA-Foundation | SINFONIMA-Wettbewerb
+ Mozart ways Salzburg
+ Metropolregion Rhein-Neckar
+ Vernetzungsinitiative Patenschaft auf Augenhöhe
+ Claus + Hilary Herzog Stiftung
+ Abacus Alpha GmbH, Frankenthal
Looking for an instrument?
The SINFONIMA Foundation provides outstanding violins and cellos—some with a history spanning up to 300 years—to talented musicians under the age of 30. Young artists can apply for a loan through the Foundation's annual selection process.
We are proud to count the Foundation among EYOA's supporting partners.