Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester (GMJO) |
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| Youth orchestra | |
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| Founded | 1986 |
| Location | Vienna |
| Principal conductor | Claudio Abbado |
The Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester (GMJO) is a special youth orchestra from Vienna, Austria. It was started in 1986 by a famous conductor named Claudio Abbado. The orchestra is named after Gustav Mahler, a well-known composer. The GMJO is also part of the European Federation of National Youth Orchestras, which connects youth orchestras across Europe.
Contents
The GMJO Story
How the Orchestra Started
In 1992, the GMJO made history. It became the first youth orchestra in Europe to welcome young musicians from countries that were once part of the "Eastern Bloc." These included places like Hungary and Czechoslovakia. They did this by holding open tryouts in these areas.
Choosing the Musicians
Since 1992, a special group of judges picks the musicians. These judges are chosen by Claudio Abbado himself. They hold tryouts in more than 25 cities across Europe every year. This helps them find the best young talent.
Who Plays in the Orchestra?
Today, the orchestra has over 100 musicians. They come from many different countries. Some of these include Germany, Austria, France, Hungary, Russia, Spain, Great Britain, Romania, and Switzerland. The judges who pick the musicians are also important players in other orchestras. They help the GMJO with their music during practice times.
Playing Big Music
The GMJO is a very large orchestra. For example, in 2005, more than 130 musicians went on their Easter Tour. This was enough players to perform Richard Strauss' Eine Alpensinfonie with all its instruments. This piece of music needs a lot of musicians!
What Music They Play
The GMJO plays many kinds of music. Their concerts include classical and modern pieces. They especially focus on big symphonies from the Romantic period. Because they play so well, many top conductors and soloists want to perform with them.
Famous Performances and Tours
In 2005, the Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester had a very successful Easter Tour. During this tour, they recorded Richard Strauss' Eine Alpensinfonie. This recording was led by Franz Welser-Möst. The orchestra has also played at famous music events. These include the Lucerne Festival, the Salzburg Festival, the Salzburg Easter Festival, and the Proms in London.
Life After GMJO
Many musicians who played in the GMJO now play in top orchestras across Europe. Some of them even hold leading positions in these orchestras. This shows how much the GMJO helps young musicians grow.
Great Conductors They've Worked With
Many famous conductors have led the Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester. These include Claudio Abbado, Mariss Jansons, Pierre Boulez, and Bernard Haitink.
Music Recordings
The GMJO has made several recordings of their performances:
- Iannis Xenakis: Keqrops, conducted by Claudio Abbado, released by Deutsche Grammophon in 1997.
- Anton Bruckner: Symphony No. 8, conducted by Franz Welser-Möst, released by EMI in 2002.
- Arnold Schoenberg: Pelleas und Melisande, and Richard Wagner: Prelude to Act 1 of Tristan und Isolde, conducted by Pierre Boulez, released by Deutsche Grammophon in 2003 (published 2012).
- Richard Strauss: Eine Alpensinfonie, conducted by Franz Welser-Möst, released by EMI in 2005.
- Anton Bruckner: Symphony No. 9, conducted by Herbert Blomstedt, released by Dirigent DIR-684 in 2010.
- Anton Bruckner: Symphony No. 7, conducted by Franz Welser-Möst, released by Orfeo in 2012.
See also
In Spanish: Joven Orquesta Gustav Mahler para niños
