How it all began
HOW IT CAME TO BE…
2013
FIRST EXPERIENCES THROUGH EXPERIMENTATION
The journey began with various conducting exercises integrated into music lessons for seventh-grade students, led by Dr. Alexander Saier at the Freie Schule Anne-Sophie in Berlin-Zehlendorf.
These initial experiments provided invaluable insights into how conducting could be used as a pedagogical tool to teach nonverbal communication, leadership, and musical understanding. This hands-on approach laid the groundwork for what would later become the JUGEND DIRIGIERT program.
2014
HEADING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
One of the first permanent conducting classes was established under Prof. Gern Schulz, followed by the creation of a second permanent conducting class under Dr. Alexander Saier. Additionally, a non-profit support association was founded for the HSO Berlin, which was then still known as the “Junge Philharmonie
Berlin.” These milestones marked significant steps in building a structured framework for nurturing young talent and fostering a vibrant orchestral culture.
2015
BECOMING MORE OFFICIAL
Initial discussions were held with the Herbert von Karajan Academy and the Berlin Philharmonic, marking a step toward greater recognition and collaboration.
The third permanent conducting class was established, and Dr. Alexander Saier reorganized the Junge Philharmonie (now known as the HSO Berlin) from a projectbased ensemble into a full symphony orchestra. The first rehearsals of the “new” Junge Philharmonie Berlin followed. Then, November 1, 2015, the first major concert took place in Berlin-Zehlendorf, whe children had the unique opportunity to conduct the orchestra themselves. The event, performed to a sold-out audience, was a resounding success.
2016
A YEAR FILLED WITH MANY CONCERTS
Second Concert: The Junge Philharmonie performed under the direction of Musashi Baba at the Embassy of Azerbaijan.
Third Concert: The orchestra, led by the top five conducting students from a classes, gave a memorable performance at the Berlin Konzerthaus on World Children’s Day.
Fourth Concert: In collaboration with the Johanneskirche Schlachtensee, 12 young conductors took the stage to lead the Junge Philharmonie in a special concert.
These events demonstrated the growing success of the program and showcased the remarkable talents of its young participants.
2017
MAKING GREAT STRIDES
JUGEND DIRIGIERT and the Junge Philharmonie continued their progress with fi outstanding concerts. The non-profit organization Berliner helfen e.V. a Prodesign Marketing GmbH stepped in as generous supporters of this extraordinary initiative.
With their backing, JUGEND DIRIGIERT gained broader recognition, reaching larger audiences and performing on even more stages. These milestones marked a significant leap forward, solidifying the project’s place in the cultural and educational landscape.
2018
AMBITIOUS PLANS…
The start of the new year was marked by ambitious goals. New concert dates were scheduled, and additional conducting courses were planned throughout Berlin to expand the program’s reach. However, the search for additional sponsors needed to be intensified in 2018 to ensure the continued growth and success of JUGEND DIRIGIERT.
2019
HONORED TO…
…perform one of their biggest concerts at the Berlin Philharmonie, featuring true Berliner Philharmoniker members as guest musicians in the orchestra. This milestone marked a turning point as the “Junge Philharmonie” officialy became the “Hauptstadt-Sinfonieorchester”, embracing a new identity that reflected its growing reputation and ambitions.
2020
THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
The global health crisis forced the organizers of JUGEND DIRIGIERT to put group lessons and concerts “on hold.”
This pause brought immense sadness to the young participants, who deeply missed the joy of making music together and performing. Despite the challenges, the program’s spirit endured, laying the groundwork for a strong comeback.
2021
SMALLER CONCERTS EMERGE FROM THE PANDEMIC SLUMBER
A brief flicker of hope arose as smaller concerts signaled a potential end to the COVID-19 crisis. However, the disappointment returned in the fall, as many planned concerts were canceled again due to ongoing restrictions. Only small, hygiene-compliant projects involving students and musicians were able to take place, fortunately keeping the spirit of JUGEND DIRIGIERT alive during challenging times.
2022
BACK WITH NEW CONCEPTS
JUGEND DIRIGIERT actively supported Ukrainian musicians and their families displaced by the war, organizing numerous benefit concerts to provide aid and raise awareness.
This initiative not only highlighted the program’s adaptability and compassion but also reaffirmed its commitment to using music as a force for unity and hope in times of crisis.
2023
Ukraine
The “Conducting for TOMORROW” project, supported by the PwC Foundation, was launched and integrated young refugees into its workshops and preparations. With the help of the Zajadcz Foundation, ILB Brandenburg, and the N&B Foundation, nearly 2,000 children experienced the unifying power of music through school concerts.
Conducting fosters emotional connections by teaching people to interpret each other’s body language. In this way, music acts as a universal language that transcends borders and is understood worldwide.
2024
CONDUCTING FOR TOMORROW
The “Conducting for TOMORROW” program, in collaboration with the PwC Foundation, entered its second phase and expanded to multiple federal states. With support from the Zajadacz Foundation, the N&B Foundation, the Software AG Foundation, and once again the ILB Brandenburg, nearly 4,000 young people from rural areas have now been involved in conducting projects through flash mobs These initiatives aim to foster dialogue and counteract extremist and antisemitic tendencies, using music as a tool for understanding and connection.