Are you a young instrumentalist aged 18 to 28? This annual course offers the chance to explore symphonic and chamber music while connecting with musicians from around the world. Work alongside top conductors, tackle challenging repertoire, and grow in a supportive and inspiring environment.

What sets EYMW apart is its flexible seating arrangements, giving everyone a chance to lead, play solos, or support their peers. This unique approach ensures equal opportunities for all participants, making it a truly enriching musical experience.

Get ready for an unforgettable summer with European Youth Music Week 2025!

European Youth Music Week

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Sunday 27 July – Sunday 3 August

Schlitz, Germany

Challenging and rewarding repertoire

We offer a challenging set of repertoire to all our participants to play in multiple ensembles. (Repertoire is subject to change)

Chamber Orchestra

Brahms
Tragic Overture

Arnold
Serenade for Small Orchestra

Mozart

Overture Clemenza di Tito

String Orchestra

Webern
Langsamer Satz

Wind, Brass & Percussion

Widdowson
New Piece

Gabrielli
Sonata for Wind Ensemble

Symphony Orchestra

Rachmaninov

Symphonic Dances

Bernstein

On the Waterfront Suite

Tchaikovsky

1812 Overture

Gabriella Ortiz

Kayaumari

What to expect during your time at EYMW

Get ready for an action-packed week at EYMW! Each day is a mix of musical and social activities designed to keep you on your toes. With regular breaks and delicious meals throughout the day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you'll stay energised and ready for a week packed with music, friends, and unforgettable experiences!

Challenging but varied rehearsals

Symphony Orchestra: You will be part of large-scale rehearsals where the entire group comes together to create powerful orchestral sounds. Feel the rush of being part of something big and exhilarating as you contribute to the symphony orchestra’s incredible sound.

Chamber Orchestra: You will focus your skills in a more intimate setting. This is your chance to think about detail and precision, developing your ensemble playing in a smaller group.

Sectional Rehearsals: There will be dedicated time and repertoire just for you and your section of the orchestra. These sessions allow you to concentrate on refining techniques within your instrumental family.

Chamber Ensembles: You’ll also have the chance to play in smaller groups, where every note counts and collaboration is key. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore a wide range of repertoire alongside others of a diverse range of nationalities within your ensemble.

Choir: If you love to sing, you can join our optional choir sessions too – another fun way to diversify your musical experience.

A young violinist smiling during an orchestra rehearsal at European Youth Music Week, reflecting the joy and community spirit of this summer music course

A double bass player smiling while rehearsing with the orchestra at European Youth Music Week, capturing the supportive and enriching atmosphere of this summer music experience.

Be social with international friends

At EYMW, making friends from around the world is just as important as the music.

Nightly Bar: Unwind and connect with fellow musicians at our onsite bar, serving both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. It’s the perfect spot to relax, chat, and build lasting friendships.

Day Trip: Experience the culture and excitement of Germany with a day trip to a nearby city. Explore new places and make memories with your new friends.

Karaoke Night: Let loose and have fun with our lively karaoke night. This event is all about laughter, bonding, singing and celebrating with our diverse group. This is always a highlight of the week.

Time to unwind: Whilst the course has a full musical timetable, there are breaks and time during the day to unwind with new friends, or explore the venue and surrounding town.

Three young participants relaxing and smiling together during European Youth Music Week, highlighting the friendships formed at this engaging summer course.

Attendees dressed up and enjoying a themed social event at European Youth Music Week, emphasizing the fun and community aspects beyond music.

Two participants chatting and laughing during a social gathering at European Youth Music Week, showcasing the vibrant and friendly atmosphere of the program.

Young musicians singing karaoke together at European Youth Music Week, demonstrating the lively and inclusive social activities that complement the musical experience.

Performances to be proud of

Towards the close of the course, participants perform in concerts to showcase the pieces that have been learned in all the rehearsals. This is an opportunity to share in the success of the course with friends from all over the world.

Chamber Music Concert: On Friday, all the chamber groups formed during the course will take the stage. You might play standard repertoire, participant compositions, or even some exciting improvisations. It's your time to show off your skills in a more intimate setting among friends.

Abschluss Concert: On Saturday, join the larger ensembles for a grand finale. This free evening concert open to the public will feature a variety of pieces we have prepared throughout the week. It’s the perfect way to celebrate our musical journey together.

Meet our conductors and course staff

Get ready to be inspired by Andrew Morley and Yury Ilinov—the incredible conductors leading EYMW—who will make your experience unforgettable, challenging you to reach new heights and have a blast doing it! Also meet the staff that support your activities and run things during your stay.

Andrew Morley (Musical Director)

Man in a dinner jacket and bow tie and some musical scores

Yury Ilinov (Conductor)

Nathan Southall (Course Director)

Gareth Widdowson (Deputy Course Director and Administrator)

Alex Tostdevine (Logistics and Chamber Music Coordinator)

Anton Borries (Operations Manager)

Berri Munn (Student Welfare Officer)

Andrew Morley (Musical Director)

Yury Ilinov (Conductor)

Nathan Southall (Course Director)

Gareth Widdowson (Deputy Course Director and Administrator)

Alex Tostdevine (Logistics and Chamber Music Coordinator)

A stunning venue

EYMW 2025 will be based in Schlitz in Hessen, Germany from Sunday 27 July to Sunday 3 August.

Venue

The stunning Landesmusikakademie Hessen in Schlitz, Germany will be our venue for the week, located at Gräfin-Anna-Straße 4, 36110 Schlitz. It offers a perfect setting for a week filled with music, learning and fun.

Accommodation

You'll stay right where all the action happens—at the venue's own accommodation giving you easy access to all rehearsals and activities. All meals will be provided at the venue's cafeteria, ensuring you have plenty of energy for rehearsals.

Check-in and -out

Check-in starts at 15:00 on Sunday 27 July and our first rehearsal kicks off at 19:30 the same evening. The course officially concludes after breakfast at 09:00 on Sunday 3 August. You are welcome to leave anytime after the final concert if you wish, adjusting your travel arrangements to suit your needs.

Travel to the course

By air: You can fly into any German airport and use use public transportation to get to Landesmusikakademie from there. We recommend Frankfurt Airport because it is closest.

By Train: Travel to Fulda train station, and from there you can catch a shuttle bus provided by the venue to get to Landesmusikakademie. Alternatively, you can catch the 591 Schlitz-Hurtzdorf-Eicherweg bus to Schlitz Landesmusikakademie.

Train tickets are available through Deutsche Bahn.

By Road: The address is Gräfin-Ana-Straße 4, 36110 Schlitz, Germany. There is parking available.

Explore more about EYMW

Explore more about European Youth Music Week with our stories and features below. (Coming soon!)

Application and fees

Secure your place at EYMW by making an application today! We'll review your application and if we have a place that matches your instrument and skills, we will make an invitation to join the the course.

Making payments

When we make an invitation for a place on the course we will explain how to make a payment.

Players are invited on a first-come first-served basis, and your place will only be confirmed when a non-refundable deposit of €150 (Euros) is received.

The remaining balance is then due by 31 May 2025.