FAQ

What is the International Lutosławski Youth Orchestra?

The International Lutosławski Youth Orchestra (ILYO) is an international youth orchestra project for young classical musicians aged 18 to 30. Each year, a new orchestra lineup is selected through an open online audition process, bringing together talented musicians from all over the world.

When does ILYO take place?

The International Lutosławski Youth Orchestra 2026 is scehduled to begin on August 31 and end on September 6.
During the first days, participants work in instrumental sections led by experienced tutors from leading European and Polish orchestras. These sectional rehearsals focus on the repertoire prepared for the final concerts. Around the middle of the week, full orchestral rehearsals (tutti) with the conductor and soloist begin.

Where does the orchestra rehearse and perform?

The main organiser and artistic home of ILYO is the Szczecin Philharmonic, located in north-western Poland. The award-winning Philharmonic building offers fully professional working conditions, including modern rehearsal spaces and world-class concert halls.

Each year, the International Lutosławski Youth Orchestra performs at least one concert in the golden symphony hall of the Szczecin Philharmonic. Additional concerts take place in prestigious concert halls outside Szczecin. Full information about venues is published in the VENUES section of our website.

How long does ILYO last?

About a week. In 2026, the project will start on August 31st and end on September 6th. The preliminary project schedule is available at HERE

Is participation in ILYO free of charge?

Yes! Participation in the auditions and in the ILYO project itself is completely free of charge.

What about travel, accommodation, and meals?

The Szczecin Philharmonic provides all participants with:

• free accommodation
• meals (half board)

Participants are responsible for organising and financing their travel to Szczecin.

• If additional concerts outside Szczecin are scheduled, the organiser provides transport, accommodation, and meals for those performances, as well as return travel to Szczecin.

Participants are responsible for meeting all visa requirements. The Szczecin Philharmonic does not mediate in visa applications.

How can I join the International Lutosławski Youth Orchestra?

Participation in ILYO is possible through online auditions, which take place every spring. Exact application deadlines are announced in advance in the NEWS and AUDITIONS sections of our website and on our official social media channels (Instagram and Facebook). Note: only musicians aged 18-30 are eligible to apply and participate in the project.

What does the application process include?

To apply, you must:

• upload video recordings of the required repertoire
• prepare your short bio in English (max 2000 characters)

A detailed list of required pieces and orchestral excerpts for each instrument, along with sheet music, is available in the AUDITIONS section.

• Recordings may be submitted with or without piano accompaniment.
• All videos must be uploaded as non-public (private) recordings on YouTube, Google Drive, or a similar platform, and be accessible to anyone with the link.

Once everything is ready, click APPLICATION FORM on the home page (available only during the audition period), complete the application form, paste your video links, paste your short bio in English (max 2000 characters), and submit the form.

When will I receive confirmation?

You should receive an email confirming that your application has been received within 48 hours. If you do not receive confirmation, please contact us at contact@ilyo.pl.

Who can apply?

Applications are open to musicians who:

• play orchestral instruments specified in the LIST OF REQUIRED PIECES available our website
• are at least 18 years old and under 30 years of age on the project start date

ILYO is open to music school and university students, as well as graduates. Nationality and ethnicity do not matter – musicians from all over the world are welcome to apply.

Do I need to bring my own instrument?

Yes, it is recommended to bring your own instrument. In justified cases, we can assist with organising an instrument locally.
Please note: all participants must bring their own mutes.

Is English required?

Yes. A communicative level of English is required due to the international character of the orchestra, including musicians, tutors, and conductors from many different countries.

Can I upload recordings in separate links?

Yes. The application form includes space for two main links, as well as an additional field for extra links. You may upload as many video links as necessary.

Is piano accompaniment required?

No. Recordings may be submitted either with or without accompaniment – the choice is entirely yours.

I submitted my application but haven’t received confirmation. What should I do?

Please don’t worry. Confirmations are not sent automatically. Each application is checked manually to ensure all materials are accessible. We usually send confirmation within two working days. If you do not receive confirmation after that time, please contact us at contact@ilyo.pl.

Can I edit my application after submission?

No. However, if you notice an error, please contact us as soon as possible at contact@ilyo.pl.

Still have questions?

Write to us at contact@ilyo.pl. We do our best to respond as quickly as possible.
We also encourage you to follow our official social media channels:
Facebook: @InternationalLutoslawskiYouthOrchestra
Instagram: @ilyo_official
All current updates are published there, and we also reply to private messages.

See you in Szczecin!