Short guide - ILYO without secrets
All you need to know about International Lutosławski Youth Orchestra! We have gathered the most important information for you in one place. Check out our handy package of knowledge about what, where and how.

Who are we?


The International Lutosławski Youth Orchestra is a professional educational program for young musicians, which gives an opportunity for them to gain experience and skills of playing in an orchestra. This is the tenth occasion that the Mieczysław Karłowicz Philharmonic in Szczecin has organised this project. We invite young, talented instrumentalists to our beautiful city for these unique musical workshops across borders.
This year's edition of ILYO will start on August 10 and lasts until August 19.

5 reasons to join ILYO


1. Learning under the watchful eye of the best

By joining ILYO, you will work both under the supervision of an experienced conductor, this year it is going to be hosted by Ayyub Guliyev – director of the National Opera in Baku (Azerbaijan), and in instrumental sections under the supervision of outstanding musicians – tutors, who on a daily basis play in ensembles such as Berliner Philharmoniker, Concertgebouw Amsterdam or Canadian Brass.
In addition, you will also learn to work with a soloist. This year, it is the renowned cellist Marcin Zdunik.

2. World scenes

ILYO is your chance for an orchestral debut at the highest level. This year, the International Lutosławski Youth Orchestra workshops will end with two final concerts in front of a real audience:
  • August 17 – the main hall of Konzerthaus Berlin (as part of the Young Euro Classic Festival)
  • August 19 – the golden hall of Szczecin Philharmonic

3. Totally free

Participation in the ILYO workshops is completely free. We take care of all expenses related to your accommodation in Szczecin and Berlin. We also provide transport to and from the German capital.
All you have to do is travel to Szczecin for the time of the workshops.

4. Experience

ILYO is not only a chance to gain valuable experience in playing in a symphony orchestra but also to face and encounter an ambitious repertoire, which includes 20th-century works.

Few of the youth orchestras in the world will give you this opportunity.

5. A unique place

Szczecin Philharmonic, which is also the organiser of the entire project, is the home of ILYO. Therefore, you will be working in exactly the same rehearsal rooms as the musicians of our Symphony Orchestra.

The building of our Philharmonic is a laureate of the prestigious Mies van der Rohe Award. This extraordinary distinction is also an expression of recognition for our concert halls' (symphonic and chamber) outstanding acoustic qualities, and modern and comfortable working conditions for musicians, guaranteed by our unique location.

Who are we looking for?


Gifted, ambitious and talented young musicians (18-30 years old), ready for a real orchestral adventure.

To create our orchestra, we need young masters of the following instruments:
  • Violin
  • Viola
  • Cello
  • Double bass
  • Flute
  • Trombone
  • Percussion
  • Oboe
  • Clarinet
  • Bassoon
  • French horn
  • Trumpet
  • Tuba

How to join ILYO?


There are 2 stages of recruitment:

  • Stage 1: Complete the registration form on our website. Provide your contact details and write a few words about yourself. This stage starts on  April 25 . CLICK HERE
  • Step 2: Send us your videos. Upload your videos as pirivate on YouTube and share the links with us using the Send your videos form. We provide the sheet music for the required pieces for free download on our website. This stage starts on  May 23 .

The deadline for submitting all applications is  June 30 .

We will announce the recruitment results no later than on  July 11 .

We are waiting for you!

12-05-2022, 12:24:32