European Youth Orchestra Academy
Young European
Music Festival 2026
Under the patronage of the European Parliament
Four ensembles. Five venues. Six concerts. – Experience Europe’s finest young talent – live in the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region.
From the Academy to the Festival: the Young European Music Festival
76 young musicians from a total of 17 European nations will come together in Mannheim in late summer, working intensively and bringing their collective energy to the stage. In just a few days, ensembles, programmes and concerts will take shape, bringing this special dynamic to life. For the first time this year, several musical worlds will come together: the large symphony orchestra, an international big band, jazz and chamber music ensembles. The festival represents more than just top-class concerts. It demonstrates how Europe can work – when young people meet, learn from one another and find a common language through music. You can find our concert programme and tickets here.
Four ensembles of the European Youth Orchestra Academy
Programme of the Young European Festival – Composers & Works
Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35
Concert Overture
Sinfonie Nr. 8, F-Dur, op. 93
Young European String Quartet – Chamber concert
Streichquartett, Nr.1, d-Moll
Streichquartett Nr. 8, op. 110
Young European Wind Quintet – Chamber Concert
3 Pièces Brèves
Bläserquintett Nr. 1
Five Venues in the Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region
Mannheim
UNESCO City of Music
Mannheim – a modern music metropolis with global influence and an extraordinary musical history:
In the 18th century, the Mannheim School turned the electoral residence into a European center of classical music, influencing composers like Mozart. Mannheim blends tradition with innovation: the State University of Music and Performing Arts provides excellent classical training, while the Pop Academy Baden-Württemberg, with the Mannheimer Modell, links music business, start-ups, and art in new ways.
In this very tradition, Mannheim is also home to our European Youth Orchestra Academy, which since 2019 has nurtured young musicians from across Europe, Great Britain, and Ukraine, giving them a stage to perform. The Young European Music Festival fits seamlessly into the variety of renowned Mannheim music festivals – from Enjoy Jazz to the Maifeld Derby and Guitar Summit.
Our venues in Mannheim:
# Musensaal in Mannheim’s Rosengarten
# Börsensaal at the Mannheim Municipal Music School
# Kunsthalle Mannheim
Concert dates & tickets:
# Thursday, 10 September 2026, 8 pm, chamber concert, Kunsthalle Mannheim
# Thursday, 10 September 2026, 3.30 pm, Family concert (dress rehearsal of the Young European Symphony Orchestra), Börsensaal, Mannheim Municipal Music School, Mannheim
# Saturday, 12 September 2026, 8 pm, Musensaal Rosengarten, Mannheim
Ludwigshafen
Ludwigshafen – City of Contrasts & Culture
Ludwigshafen is known as an industrial city on the Rhine – yet it surprises with a vibrant cultural scene. Alongside innovative architecture and urban flair, theaters, museums, and music festivals shape city life. Here, economic strength meets cultural diversity – making it an exciting venue for our Young European Music Festival.
Our venue in Ludwigshafen:
# Ballroom of the BASF SE clubhouse
Since 1900, the clubhouse has been the Anilin's parlour – a place for encounters, enjoyment and unforgettable moments. From lavish celebrations to stylish events: history has been made here for 125 years.
We would like to thank BASF Kulturfabrik for their support! Concert dates & tickets: # Thursday, 10 September 2026, 8 pm, jazz concert, BASF Gesellschaftshaus
Heidelberg
Heidelberg – city of music on the Neckar
The university city of Heidelberg not only stands for history, science and romance, but also pulsates with a diverse music scene ranging from classical and jazz to contemporary genres. Festivals such as the Heidelberg Spring, Enjoy Jazz and the Castle Festival make the city a lively meeting place for music lovers – an indispensable venue for exciting music events such as our Young European Music Festival..
Our venue is the Johannes Brahms Hall in the Music and Singing School – a sound space with tradition: with its excellent acoustics and warm, inviting atmosphere, the hall offers ideal conditions for concerts and master classes. Named after the great composer Johannes Brahms, this space embodies the spirit of the classical music tradition that lives on in Heidelberg in many different ways.
Our venue in Heidelberg:
# Johannes Brahms Hall in the Music and Singing School
Concert dates & tickets:
# Friday, 11 September 2026, 7.30 pm, Symphony concert, Brahms Hall, Heidelberg Municipal Music School
Schwetzingen
Schwetzingen – Classical Music in a Palace Setting
The Mozartsaal in Schwetzingen Palace is a gem for music lovers: elegant architecture, historic atmosphere, and outstanding acoustics make every performance a special experience. Schwetzingen combines its musical tradition with vibrant concert series and festivals, presenting both classical works and modern interpretations. The hall within the palace itself serves as the centerpiece, immersing artists and audiences alike in a unique world of sound.
Our venue in Schwetzingen:
# Mozart Hall at Schwetzingen Palace
Concert dates & tickets:
# Wednesday, 9 September 2026, 8 pm, chamber concert, Mozart Hall, Schwetzingen Palace Schloss Schwetzingen
Concert dates & tickets:
# Mittwoch, 09.09.2026, 20 Uhr, Kammerkonzert, Mozartsaal Schloss Schwetzingen
Worms
Worms – Jazz Under the Open Sky
In the Cloister of the Andreasstift in Worms, the audience experiences jazz up close: the open architecture and historic backdrop create a unique atmosphere for open-air concerts. Here, our BigBand Jazz Ensemble shines especially brightly, as warm summer evenings meet lively rhythms. Worms thus offers not only musical excellence but a true experience, where jazz fans can feel the fusion of sound, light, and history.
Our open-air venue in Worms:
# Cloister of the Andreas Stift
Concert dates & tickets:
# # Friday, 11 September 2026, 9 pm, Open-air jazz concert, Andreas Stift, Worms
Festival programme & tickets
Date
Ensemble/ Concert
Program
Venue
Buy tickets
Wed 9 Sept 2026
8 pm
Young European String Quartet
featuring works by …
Juan Crisóstomo de Arriaga
Streichquartett, Nr. 1, d-Moll
Dimitri Schostakowitsch
Streichquartett Nr. 8, op. 110
*************
Young European Wind Quintet
featuring works by …
Jaques Ibert
3 Pièces Brèves
Jean Francaix
Bläserquintett Nr. 1
Mozart Hall, Castle
Schwetzingen
Thu 10 Sept 2026
8 pm
Interpretations
Duke Ellington, In a Mellow Tone
Cole Porter, Easy to love
Gordon Goodwin, Count Bubba
Chick Corea, Spain
u.v.a.
BASF Social Club
Ludwigshafen
Thu 10 Sept 2026
8 pm
Young European String Quartet
featuring works by …
Juan Crisóstomo de Arriaga
Streichquartett, Nr. 1, d-Moll
Dimitri Schostakowitsch
Streichquartett Nr. 8, op. 110
*************
Young European Wind Quintet
featuring works by …
Jaques Ibert
3 Pièces Brèves
Jean Francaix
Bläserquintett Nr. 1
Art Gallery
Mannheim
Thu 10 Sept 2026
3:30 pm
Public dress rehearsal
Excerpts from the programme of the
Young European Symphony Orchestra
Stock Exchange Hall
Mannheim
Fri 11 Sept 2026
7.30 pm
Works
Fanny Hensel Mendelssohn
Concert Overture
Peter I. Tschaikowsky
Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35
Ludwig van Beethoven
Sinfonie Nr. 8, F-Dur, op. 93
Brahms Hall Municipal Music School Heidelberg
Fri 11 Sept 2026
9 pm
Interpretations
Duke Ellington, In a Mellow Tone
Cole Porter, Easy to love
Gordon Goodwin, Count Bubba
Chick Corea, Spain
u.v.a.
Open Air
Andreasstift
Worms
Sat 12 Sept 2026
8.00 pm
Program
Young European Symphony Orchestra
European Anthem
Peter I. Tschaikowsky
Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35
Ludwig van Beethoven
Sinfonie Nr. 8, F-Dur, op. 93
*************
Young European Big Band Jazz
Duke Ellington, In a Mellow Tone
Cole Porter, Easy to love
Gordon Goodwin, Count Bubba
Chick Corea, Spain
u.v.a.
as well as the world premiere …
Thomas Siffling
Composition for symphony orchestra and big band jazz
Musensaal
Rosengarten
Mannheim
Contact
European Youth Orchestra Academy
Contact Person
Festival & Tickets: Michel Maugé
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