The official opening of the 13th edition began with a warm welcome from Przemysław Neumann, General and Artistic Director of the Szczecin Philharmonic, who also serves as ILYO’s conductor. The orchestra was also introduced to its team of tutors – experienced musicians from leading Polish and international ensembles who will run sectionals throughout the week. Among them:

• Vanessa Szigeti – violin (Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich)
• Federico Bresciani – viola (WDR Funkhausorchester Cologne)
• Yesong Lee – cello (Szczecin Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra)
• Ruslan Lutsyk – double bass (Philharmonia Zürich)
• Arkadiusz Adamski – woodwinds (Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra – NOSPR)
• Jakub Waszczeniuk – brass (Sinfonia Varsovia)
• Aleksandra Gołaj – percussion (NFM Wrocław Philharmonic)
• Juliusz Wesosłowski – harp (Szczecin Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra)

This year’s orchestra was selected from over 300 applicants – young classical musicians from 35 countries across six continents who auditioned in spring 2025. Ahead lies an intense week of rehearsals, culminating in two symphonic concerts where ILYO will share the stage with acclaimed pianist Aleksandra Świgut.

ILYO 2025 Concerts:

August 22 – Szczecin Philharmonic
August 24 – Gewandhaus, Leipzig