FAQ

Everything you need to know about the International Youth Orchestra but are afraid to ask.

ILYO in practice

The International Lutosławski Youth Orchestra is an annual program of orchestral workshops for young musicians aged 18 to 30. The line-up of ILYO is therefore renewed every year.

These workshops usually take place in the second half of August or at the turn of August and September and last about a week. During the first days, project participants work in instrumental sections led by experienced instrumentalists from leading European and Polish orchestras. During these masterclasses, participants work on pieces that they will perform during the final concert(s). Around the middle of the week, rehearsals of the whole ensemble with the conductor and the soloist begin.

Home of ILYO

The main organizer of the project and the home of ILYO is the Mieczysław Karłowicz Philharmonic in Szczecin. The building of the Philharmonic has been awarded many times in architectural competitions and offers fully professional working conditions for musicians, from rehearsal rooms to concert halls – learn more about Szczecin Phil.

How can I join ILYO?

It has never been as easy as it is now. In 2023, we simplified the recruitment procedures.
All you need to do is create an account on our website, fill out the application form, attach your current CV and recordings of the required pieces. Sheet music and the complete list of pieces for all instruments will be published on our website on March 1st, on the opening day of recruitment. You can apply to ILYO until May 15, 11.59 pm CET.

Who can apply?

Musicians who play orchestral instruments between 18 and 30. This means that only those persons who are at least 18 years of age and under 30 years of age on the project start date can apply to ILYO. ILYO is therefore a program available to school and university students as well as graduates of music schools and universities. Nationality or ethnicity doesn't matter. Musicians from all over the world can apply.

Is it necessary to have your own instrument?

Of course, it is recommended to use your own instrument, but in justified cases we help in organizing the instrument on site. NOTE: you must bring your own mutes.

And what about travel to and accommodation in Szczecin?

Szczecin Philharmonic provides all participants of the project with free accommodation and meals (half board). Organizing and financing the journey to Szczecin is the responsibility of the project participants.
The only exception are concerts that ILYO plays outside of Szczecin. If such are organized, then the Szczecin Philharmonic also provides transport, meals and accommodation at the venue of the additional concert and return to Szczecin.

It is the responsibility of the participants to meet all visa requirements (if applicable). The Philharmonic in Szczecin does not mediate in obtaining visas or other travel documents.

English is a must

We require at least communicative knowledge of English. This is necessary due to the international line-up of the orchestra, conductor and tutors, each of whom often comes from a different country.

Can I upload the recordings of each piece, including orchestral excerpts, in separate links?

Yes! In the recruitment form you will find space for two links, but if you click the + button the space for another one will appear. You can send as many links as you want.

Is the piano accompaniment required?

NO! We accept both options, i.e. with or without accompaniment. The decision is yours.

I have not received the activation email to my account

Check if the email did not end up in your spam box, sometimes it happens. If it is not there, write to us at info.ilyo@filharmonia.szczecin.pl

I have sent the form, but I have not received an e-mail confirmation that you received it

Relax. We do not send e-mail confirmations automatically. First, we check whether everything has been saved in our system correctly. We try to do this as soon as possible and we usually send the confirmation within 2 working days of receiving your recruitment form.
If you do not receive an e-mail confirming your application after this date, please contact us at info.ilyo@filharmonia.szczecin.pl

Is it possible to edit an already submitted form?

Yes! If you want to replace links to videos, your CV file or update your contact details, you can do it. Just remember to edit your recruitment form before the deadline.
Here is an instruction how to do it:

• click on the "recruitment form" on our website
• log in
• then go to "my applications" and select "ILYO2023"
• your form, which you have already sent to us, will be displayed. Edit the details and send it again.

Have more questions?

Please write to us at info.ilyo@filharmonia.szczecin.pl
We do our best to reply to all your messages as soon as possible.
We also invite you to follow our official social media profiles: on Facebook @InternationalLutoslawskiYouthOrchestra and on Instagram @ilyo official
We publish all current information there and respond to private messages.

See you in Szczecin!