German National Youth Orchestra (Bundesjugendorchester)

When Germany's youngest musical elite take up the instruments, they inspire critics, soloists, conductors and audiences alike: Stirring energy and remarkable professionalism combine to create a unique sound that perhaps only the 14 to 19-year-old musicians of the Bundesjugendorchester can create worldwide.

The Bundesjugendorchester is Germany's youngest top orchestra for young musicians aged 14 to 19 and was founded in 1969 by the German Music Council. In addition to Sir Simon Rattle, conductors such as Herbert von Karajan, Kurt Masur, Gustavo Dudamel and Kirill Petrenko have been on the rostrum since the orchestra was founded; soloists have included Christian Tetzlaff, Tabea Zimmermann, Fazil Say and rock musicians Sting and Peter Maffay. Since 2013, the Berliner Philharmoniker has been supporting the Bundesjugendorchester as a sponsor orchestra through joint rehearsals, master classes and concerts.