© Angelika Luft

Landesjugendorchester Sachsen

Since 1992, the Landesjugendorchester Sachsen (LJO Sachsen, Saxony State Youth Orchestra) has been the place to go for ambitious young musicians from Saxony, many of whom are at the beginning of their professional musical careers. The 14- to 26-year-olds are the talented young generation of the Free State's classical music scene and many are winners of the "Jugend musiziert" competition. During rehearsals, they learn what it means to be able to rely on others, to listen and to respond to each other as well as to be inspired.

In two rehearsal phases per year, programmes covering all stylistic areas are rehearsed to a professional standard, alternating between the respective artistic director – Tobias Engeli since 2021 – and constantly changing guest conductors. The individual voice groups work with lecturers from renowned Saxon orchestras such as the Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden, the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig and the Robert Schumann Philharmonic Orchestra Chemnitz. This gives the young talents an insight into the working methods and routines of a professional musician. Those who are considering a career in music benefit particularly from these experiences.

But it is not only on a musical level that the young people develop; personally, too, the projects are always a challenge, helping them grow. Fundamental interpersonal values are required here. They learn to appreciate the achievements of others, to show discipline and motivation, to commit themselves fully to a cause, and to see themselves and each individual as part of something bigger.

The energy this creates is almost tangible at the concerts. The LJO Saxony has not only thrilled audiences in Germany, but also in Poland, Russia, Hungary, Italy, Great Britain, Cyprus, the USA, South Africa, China, Karelia and Peru. Several CD recordings have succeeded in bringing this experience beyond the stages of concert halls.

Thanks to its health partner AOK PLUS – the health insurance fund for Saxony and Thuringia – the LJO has been able to continuously integrate the important topics of musician health and prevention into its rehearsal work since 2011, supported by a competent team. This makes it a pioneer ensemble in Germany.

concerts featuring Landesjugendorchester Sachsen