The Junge Deutsche Philharmonie aka the »Orchestra of the Future« – creative, lively and full of drive to shape the musical world of tomorrow! The orchestra brings together the best students from German-speaking music academies aged between 18 and 28 who are passionate about making music and creating visions for the future. It performs to the highest artistic standards, develops experimental concert formats for its own FREISPIEL festival and regularly tours the largest concert halls in Europe and around the world. Jonathan Nott has accompanied the Junge Deutsche Philharmonie as Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor since 2014.

The focus on contemporary music has been written into the orchestra’s DNA since it was founded 50 years ago. It wants to test boundaries, break traditional listening habits and fully savour the sound worlds of music. It takes the audience on a journey of discovery and ensures that the concert experience is memorable. In addition to contemporary music, the programme includes the great symphonic repertoire and historical performance practice.

As an orchestra of the future, the Junge Deutsche Philharmonie is one of the pioneers of democratically structured orchestras. Every member has the opportunity to play an active role in orchestra management in committees such as the board or the programme committee. The musicians pass on their passion for making music in music education projects. Horizon-broadening project days and rehearsals with experienced orchestral musicians prepare the young orchestra musicians for (professional) life. After all, the Junge Deutsche Philharmonie bridges the gap between studying and working and is an important seal of quality for many professional orchestras.

It is therefore no wonder that numerous former members can be found in the ranks of leading orchestras or hold professorships at music academies. The ensembles that have emerged from the Junge Deutsche Philharmonie also have a lasting influence on the cultural scene. These include the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen, the Ensemble Modern, the Ensemble Resonanz and the Freiburger Barockorchester.

The orchestra’s work has been honoured and recognised by the patronage of the Federal Commissioner for Culture and the Media Claudia Roth, the regular invitations by the Berliner Philharmoniker to the Berliner Philharmonie, the sponsorship with the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra since 2015 and, most recently, by winning the Binding Culture Prize 2020.