Since 1994 the finest pre-professional youth orchestras of Europe have been working closely together and formed an association known as the European Federation of National Youth Orchestras (EFNYO).
With its 36 member organisations to date, EFNYO provides a platform for the exchange of expertise in music training, music performance, audience engagement, transnational mobility and intercultural dialogue between the leading national and international youth orchestras of Europe.
Assuming and sharing responsibility for skilling future generations of musicians, the Federation truly benefits from its unique position at the interface of higher music education and the music profession.
As an advocacy network, we enhance communication, cooperation and capacity-building between members and networking partners in Europe and overseas.
Mr. Ewout van Dingstee – EFNYO president & Executive and Artistic Director of NJON
EFNYO organises at least one General Assembly per year and working-group meetings for its members, musicians, and networking partners. Board members regularly participate in international conferences — the Association Européenne des Conservatoires, the European Music Council, Culture Action Europe, and conferences of European Orchestras Associations.
EFNYO cooperation projects involve activities to
1.Sustain and shape the future of symphonic music in Europe.
2.Nurture new youth-orchestra initiatives on a national and international level.
3.Highlight the excellence of European musical talent gathered in pre-professional youth orchestras.
4.Foster transnational mobility, professional and audience-building skills for pre-professional musicians.
5.Enhance the interest of young musicians and new audiences in musical diversity and contemporary music performance.
Cultural policy
We consider it our major duty to deal with cultural-political matters and policy changes relevant to both music education and the music profession. Our objectives are to guarantee a healthy environment for training new generations of musicians, and to ensure adequate economic and social structures for cultural organisations and audiences throughout the EU.
Training & MusXchange
Within the EFNYO programme MusXchange, we offer a wide range of training formats for musicians and managers. Symphony orchestras of any kind need to diversify in the ways they perform, communicate and engage with audiences — so we also offer training on entrepreneurial skills and career management to raise the competitiveness of young music professionals on the European labour market.
Our mission
A driving force for European symphonic music
EFNYO would not be where it is today without the support of the previous board and honorary members:
Arthur van Dijk (EFNYO founder and first president: 1994 – 2000, Nationaal Jeugd Orkest, Netherlands)
Richard Chester (EFNYO president: 2000 – 2005, National Youth Orchestras of Scotland) † 2020, in loving memory
Joanna Crooks (EFNYO vice-president: 1998 – 2005, National Youth Orchestra of Ireland)
Maria Karwowska (EFNYO board member: 2009 – 2012, The Polish Orchestra Sinfonia Iuventus)
