Young European Symphony Orchestra &
Young European Big Band Jazz
Gala Concert
Under the patronage of the European Parliament
Saturday, 12 September, 8 pm, Mannheim
Program
European Anthem
(Theme from Ludwig van Beethoven’s 9th Symphony)
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Young European Big Band Jazz conducted by Thomas Siffling
Interpretations*
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Welcome
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Young European Symphony Orchestra conducted by Jan Paul Reinke
Peter I. Tschaikowski
Violinkonzert D-Dur, op.35
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Interval
After interval
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Ludwig van Beethoven
Sinfonie Nr. 8, F-Dur, op. 93
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Thomas Siffling
World premiere – Composition for symphony orchestra and big band jazz
* The Big Band Jazz programme
… takes you on a journey through the stylistic diversity of the genre – from the classics of the swing era to contemporary soundscapes. Works by Duke Ellington, Cole Porter and Neal Hefti are juxtaposed with compositions by modern composers such as Gordon Goodwin, Chick Corea and Michel Camilo.
Thomas Siffling
Anticipation
Arr. Chris Perschke
Sammy Nestico
Basie – Straight Ahead
Peter Herbolzheimer
Blues in Latin
Duke Ellington
C Jam Blues
Arr. Dave Wolpe
Gordon Goodwin
Count Bubba
Neal Hefti
Cute
Cole Porter
Easy to Love
Arr. Sammy Nestico
Duke Ellington
In a Mellow Tone
Arr. Oliver Nelson
Sammy Nestico
It’s Oh, So Nice
Neal Hefti
Li’l Darlin’
Jason Marshall
Ms. Garvey, Ms. Garvey!!
Michel Camilo
One More Once
Arr. Ed Gent / D. Bacon
Chick Corea
Spain
Arr. Paul Jennings
W. C. Handy
St. Louis Blues
Arr. Sammy Nestico
Sammy Nestico
The Queen Bee
Bert Joris
Walking Tiptoe
Works (Symphony Orchestra)
Pjotr Iljitsch Tschaikowsky
Violinkonzert D-Dur, op. 35 (1878)
Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto is one of the most popular and technically demanding works in the concert repertoire. Composed in 1878 during a period of creative elation in Switzerland, it was initially rejected as ‘unplayable’ – and did not enjoy its triumphant success until 1881 in Vienna. The first movement unfolds a broad, lyrical theme of rousing energy; the intimate Canzonetta in the second movement evokes Russian melancholy, before the finale thrills the audience with folk-inspired verve and virtuoso fireworks. A concerto that challenges the soloist just as much as it enchants the audience.
Ludwig van Beethoven
Sinfonie Nr. 8, F-Dur, op. 93 (1812)
Die Achte ist Beethovens charmanteste, witzigste – und vielleicht am meisten unterschätzte Sinfonie. Entstanden 1812, unmittelbar nach der monumentalen Siebten, überrascht sie mit kompakter Form, sprühender Laune und feiner Ironie. Beethoven selbst soll sie für „viel besser“ als die Siebte gehalten haben. Besonders der zweite Satz – ein mechanisch tickendes Allegretto – gilt als musikalisches Porträt des Metronoms, das Beethovens Freund Johann Nepomuk Mälzel gerade erfunden hatte. Die Achte ist keine große Geste, sondern ein geistreicher Kommentar Beethovens auf seine eigene Zeit – und auf die Erwartungen seines Publikums.
as well as interpretations (big band jazz) of ...
Duke Ellington
In a Mellow Tone (Arr. Oliver Nelson)
is one of the classics of the big band repertoire – a piece of seemingly effortless elegance. Composed in 1939, the piece thrives on its relaxed swing and a harmonic sophistication that goes far beyond its catchy surface. In Oliver Nelson’s arrangement, the piece gains additional sonic depth: dense brass sections, subtle dynamic nuances and scope for soloists to shine characterise this version. Thus, Ellington’s unmistakable sound is combined with a more modern orchestral approach – casual, stylish and timeless.
Cole Porter
Easy to love (Arr. Sammy Nestico)
is one of the great standards of the American songbook. Originally composed in 1936 for a Broadway musical, the song captivates with its elegant melody and the characteristic blend of sophistication and lightness that defines Porter’s style. In Sammy Nestico’s arrangement, the song becomes a big-band number of classic smoothness: warm brass sections, clear structures and a relaxed swing cast the melody in a new light. A piece of timeless appeal – stylish, accessible and full of charm.
Gordon Goodwin
Count Bubba
Gordon Goodwin playfully pays homage to the swing tradition – whilst at the same time bringing it into the present day. The piece is a tribute to the characteristic big-band sound of the swing era: driving, precise and full of energy. At the same time, Goodwin expands the language of this tradition with modern harmonic twists, complex rhythms and virtuoso passages for the entire ensemble. The result is a piece that feels both familiar and highly contemporary – a powerful example of just how vibrant big-band jazz can be today.
Chick Corea
Spain
Chick Corea’s Spain is one of the best-known works of modern jazz. Composed in 1971, the piece combines elements of jazz with Spanish-influenced rhythms and harmonies – an example of the genre’s stylistic expansion towards fusion and Latin jazz. The introduction is already famous for its reference to Joaquín Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez, before the piece transitions into an energetic, rhythmically complex main theme. is one of the best-known works of modern jazz.
The Big Band version reveals a rich, full sound: virtuoso wind sections, driving rhythms and scope for solo improvisation characterise the piece. The work embodies a style of jazz that draws on tradition whilst breaking new ground – colourful, dynamic and still as powerful as ever.
Artists
Jan-Paul Reinke
Conductor & Artistic Director of the EYOA (Young European Symphony Orchestra)
Reinke studied orchestral and opera conducting at the Cologne University of Music and Dance and was awarded the Richard Wagner Scholarship. He gained valuable experience as assistant to Prof. Stephan Wehr and has conducted, amongst others, the university orchestras of Cologne and Stuttgart, the Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra, the Niederrhein Symphony Orchestra and the Orchestra of the National Theatre Mannheim. For several years now, he has also been working regularly with the Kurpfälzisches Kammerorchester.
In addition to his work with the EYOA, Reinke is particularly committed to promoting young talent. He conducts the Mannheim Youth Symphony Orchestra (JSOM), with which he won the German Youth Orchestra Prize in 2022. He is also a lecturer in orchestral conducting at the Freiburg University of Music and is the musical director of the Stamitz Orchestra Mannheim.
With the EYOA, Reinke is pursuing a clear vision: His aim is not merely to bring together Europe’s ‘child prodigies’, but musicians who wish to develop collectively, who have a vision of Europe and who engage with the future of our continent. His conducting is characterised by precision, energy and artistic depth – qualities that make him a sought-after conductor.
“I believe that in the world we live in today, genuine interaction is more important than ever. Values such as freedom, acceptance and an understanding of different cultural backgrounds can only be experienced through direct exchange – and here, in particular, through the unifying power of music. Europe only has a future if we talk to one another.”
Jan Paul Reinke. EYOA Condictor
Thomas Siffling
Musical Director of the Young European Big Band Jazz Ensemble
Thomas Siffling is one of the most successful jazz musicians of his generation in the German-speaking world. He studied jazz trumpet in Mannheim and Stuttgart, received numerous awards—including the Jazz Prize of the State of Baden-Württemberg—and toured with support from the Goethe-Institut through India, Sri Lanka, Canada, Haiti, and Italy.
As a composer, he wrote several ballet scores for the Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe and the National Theatre Mannheim. He led the SAP Big Band for 20 years and has been directing the International Rotary Big Band since 2019.
With the Ella & Louis Live Jazz Club in the Rosengarten Mannheim, Siffling has established one of Germany’s most renowned jazz clubs. Awarded the nationwide program prize “Applaus” and ranked by Downbeat Magazine among the top 100 jazz clubs worldwide, he captivates his audience here—live, passionately, and charmingly. Since 2024, a second club has also been operating in the Holzhausenschlösschen in Frankfurt.
Ensembles
Our two ensembles bring together exceptional young musicians from across Europe. This year, 48 talented musicians from a total of 13 European nations were selected for our Young European Symphony Orchestra, whilst the Young European Big Band Jazz comprises 19 talented musicians from 8 countries – the best of their generation. Through intensive rehearsals, these have developed into ensembles that combine musical excellence with the energy and diversity of a young Europe.
Ensemble – Young European Symphony Orchestra
Violin I
Alves Matilde Portugal
Demirtas Rüya Türkey
Jakubiec Marta Poland
Marchiș Ada Romania
Nicolenco Alina Moldavien
Ohloff Emilia Germany
Salgado Leonor Portugal
Villafáfila Laura Spain
Wroniszewska Maria Poland
Wu Iona Ireland
Violin II
Campos Esteve Blai Spain
Cirne Leonor Portugal
Fonseca Camila Portugal
Garcelán Bellón Sergio Spain
Gheza Pietro Giosuè Italy
Guzman Pacheco Alicia Spain
Rizo Sofia Spain
Wroniszewska Hanna Poland
Viola
Cobo Martinez Bruno Spain
Embley Joy Swiss
López Cogollos Lara Spain
Madeira Ana Portugal
Mantu Sophia Ireland
Portela Ana Portugal
Yay Demirkan Türkey
Cello
Cid Débora Portugal
López Ortiz Héctor Spain
Mantellassi Edoardo Italy
Ogończyk-Mąkowsk Antonina Poland
Silva Daniela Portugal
Double Bass
Moreno Hernâdez Daniel Spain
Myśliński Franciszek Poland
Vidal Sales Maria Spain
Flute
Orpez Celia Spain
Vujanic Iva Serbia
Oboe
Burkali Julia Ungarn
Paiva Simão Portugal
Clarinet
Lämmle, Maximilian, Austria
Stecher, Magdalena, Austria
Bassoon
Balboa Pérez Lucia Spain
Suprunov Ivan Portugal
Horn
Amado Arnal Pablo Spain
Ferreira David Portugal
Garcia i Brisa Hèctor Spain
Marques Gustavo Portugal
Trumpet
Benlloch Bosch Josep Spain
Hafner Lukas Italy
Pauken
Perna Katia Italy
Ensemble – Young European Big Band Jazz
Trumpet
Droiska Nora, Latvia
García i López Martí ,Spain
Pereira Santiago, Portugal
Sbragia Franceschini Bruno, Italy
Wojnarski Brunon, Poland
Posaune
Ballester Angel, Spain
Marti Candela David ,Spain
Pachler Emanuel, Austria
Smolander Juhani, Finland
Soria Alai, Spain
Saxofon
Blanco Aurora ,Spain
Coronado Luis, Spain
Garcia Lleó, Spain
Giner Selam ,Spain
Reillo Ximo, Spain
E-Gitarre
Manicone Federico, Italy
Double Bass
Cataini Alejo, Spain
Piano
Roig Joan, Spain
Drums
Dates & tickets
Gala Concert
Saturday, 12 September 2026
8 pm
Musensaal Rosengarten
Mannheim
Individual ticket prices: €65 / €55 / €45
School pupils & students: €15
Supporters & Sponsors
