The Bundesjugendorchester - a musical institution
The Bundesjugendorchester (BJO), founded in 1969 by the German Music Council, is a central institution for the promotion of music. Young musicians between the ages of 14 and 19 inspire audiences with their talent, skills and passion for music. With concerts worldwide the BJO acts as a cultural ambassador for Germany.
Many of the more than 2,500 former members now work as orchestral musicians, lecturers or professors. Eighteen former members play with the Berliner Philharmoniker alone. International soloists such as Sabine Meyer (clarinet) and Tabea Zimmermann (viola) gained their first experience in the National Youth Orchestra.
Many of the more than 2,500 former members now work as orchestral musicians, lecturers or professors. Eighteen former members play with the Berliner Philharmoniker alone. International soloists such as Sabine Meyer (clarinet) and Tabea Zimmermann (viola) gained their first experience in the National Youth Orchestra.
© Selina Pfruener
Full concentration on the music:
Members of the Bundesjugendorchester
The musicians of the Bundesjugendorchester work on orchestral works and pieces of music with great professionalism, energy and dedication. What they have achieved is simply remarkable. I am delighted that we are supporting the National Youth Orchestra.
Meet the Bundesjugendorchester
Deka and the Bundesjugendorchester
Since 2018, Deka has been supporting the BJO and facilitating musical education at the highest level. It enables young people whose families need financial support to take part in concert tours and supports the orchestra in the purchase of instruments, which are given to the young members.
The partnership complements the long-standing tradition of the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe, which has been supporting “Jugend musiziert”, the most important competition for young classical musicians in Germany, since 1969.
The partnership complements the long-standing tradition of the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe, which has been supporting “Jugend musiziert”, the most important competition for young classical musicians in Germany, since 1969.
© Mutesouvenir / Kai Bienert
A springboard for excellent young musicians: the partnership between Deka and the Bundesjugendorchester.
© Photo: Laure Bernard
In 2025, the exceptional Japanese pianist Hayato Sumino received the Leonard Bernstein Award.
The Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival
Since 1986, the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival (SHMF) has been held every summer at various venues in Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg, southern Denmark and northern Lower Saxony. With around 200 concerts, the SHMF brings music directly to the people in over 90 places: magnificent manor houses, historic stables, picturesque churches, imposing shipyards and industrial plants are brought to life with music.
The SHMF is one of the largest classical music festivals in Europe. This festival summer, Istanbul is the city focus. Further information and the full program can be found on the SHMF website. Its sponsorship is a joint effort by institutions of the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe, including Deka since 2020.
A highlight for young, internationally acclaimed musicians is the Leonard Bernstein Award, which is presented by the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe since 2002. In 2026, French trumpeter Lucienne Renaudin Vary will receive the Leonard Bernstein Award from the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe. The multi-award-winning musician captivates audiences with her technical brilliance, stylistic versatility, and extraordinary expressiveness.
The SHMF is one of the largest classical music festivals in Europe. This festival summer, Istanbul is the city focus. Further information and the full program can be found on the SHMF website. Its sponsorship is a joint effort by institutions of the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe, including Deka since 2020.
A highlight for young, internationally acclaimed musicians is the Leonard Bernstein Award, which is presented by the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe since 2002. In 2026, French trumpeter Lucienne Renaudin Vary will receive the Leonard Bernstein Award from the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe. The multi-award-winning musician captivates audiences with her technical brilliance, stylistic versatility, and extraordinary expressiveness.