ON THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF MONTPELLIER’S PARTICIPATION IN THE MUSICAL YOUTH EXCHANGE

Gala Concert Featuring Students from the Music Schools in the three sister cities

Stadthalle, Marguerre Hall, Neckarstaden 24, 69117 Heidelberg, free admission, donations welcome

For over 60 years, a musical youth exchange organized by the Stadtjugendring Heidelberg has been bringing together young people from the sister cities of Heidelberg, Cambridge, and Montpellier. What began in 1962 with a trip by young musicians to Cambridge for the “Holiday Orchestra” has now become an extraordinary annual partnership event. Every year, young people gather in one of the three cities on a rotating basis to perform together in an international orchestra. This year, we can look back on 40 years of participation by our sister city Montpellier and celebrate this special anniversary.

In 2026, Heidelberg will host the international youth orchestra. Under the direction of Olivier Vaisette (Montpellier), Georg Schmidt-Thomée (Heidelberg), and Charlie Westbrook (Cambridge), approximately 100 young musicians will prepare a challenging concert program. The gala concert’s theme is “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité”—a symbol of international exchange, cultural dialogue, and friendship.

With the support of the Franco-German Youth Office

TIME TO BE ANNOUNCED; DOORS OPEN ONE HOUR EARLIER