Summer Concert - 50 Years of Hessian Youth Symphony Orchestra

Johannes Brahms: Academic Festival Overture op. 80
Alexander Arutjunjan: Trumpet Concerto
Béla Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra

Simon Höfele, trumpet
Landesjugendsinfonieorchester Hessen
Nicolás Pasquet, conductor

For many years, the members of the Hessian Youth Symphony Orchestra (LJSO) have impressively demonstrated that classical music captivates young people. With great dedication and musical maturity, they work through three intensive rehearsal periods each year to master significant works of symphonic literature and bring them to the stage with palpable passion. Since its founding 50 years ago, the ensemble has shaped generations of young musicians and remains an important part of musical talent development in Hesse.

On the occasion of its 50th anniversary in 2026, longtime chief conductor Nicolás Pasquet returns to lead the summer programme artistically. One of the orchestra's most successful alumni, trumpeter Simon Höfele, appears as soloist.

This year's summer programme brings together three contrasting compositions: Johannes Brahms' festive "Academic Festival Overture", Alexander Arutjunjan's virtuosic Trumpet Concerto, and Béla Bartók's colourful "Concerto for Orchestra". While Brahms' work opens with festive vitality, the Trumpet Concerto challenges the soloist with its folkloric influences and technical refinements. Bartók's composition finally forms the evening's climax, and with its diverse timbres and complex structures, it places the entire orchestra at the centre of attention - a work perfectly suited to an orchestral anniversary.