ENSEMBLES 2025

Youth Symphony Orchestra of Warmia and Masuria at the Frédéric Chopin Music School in Olsztyn

The Orchestra, in its current form, was founded in early 2022 at the initiative of its conductor, Dr. Szymon Stec. From the very beginning, its mission has gone far beyond regular concert performances. The ensemble offers young musicians a space to grow, not only through the exploration of orchestral repertoire but also by introducing them to the ethos of collective music-making. The Orchestra emphasizes values such as cooperation, mutual respect, and responsibility, while nurturing technical proficiency, expressive skills, and artistic sensitivity. Under the artistic direction of Dr. Stec, the Orchestra takes on ambitious and diverse programs, drawing from a wide range of musical periods – from the classical canon to contemporary compositions. Rehearsals are conducted in a focused yet friendly atmosphere that fosters both discipline and enthusiasm. Students are encouraged to share their ideas, listen actively to one another, and experience the joy and satisfaction of creating something together. In addition to full ensemble rehearsals, musicians participate in regular sectional practices, allowing them to refine their individual skills and work on detail-oriented aspects of performance. Once per semester, they also engage in intensive Orchestral Workshops, where they receive further coaching, explore interpretative nuances, and deepen their artistic identity. Thanks to the collective dedication, talent, and passion of each member, the ensemble has quickly established a strong reputation. In just two years, the Orchestra has taken part in nearly twenty concerts, consistently receiving warm and enthusiastic feedback from audiences, educators, and cultural institutions. Among its notable achievements are two invitations to perform in the concert hall of the Warmian-Masurian Philharmonic – a recognition of the ensemble’s rising artistic level and professionalism. In 2024, the Orchestra was selected to participate in La Folle Journée de Varsovie (Crazy Days of Music) – a prestigious festival organized by the Centre for Artistic Education and the Sinfonia Varsovia Orchestra. Held at the Grand Theatre – National Opera in Warsaw, this event brought together outstanding youth ensembles from across the country. The performance of the Orchestra was met with great acclaim and rapturous applause from the audience, affirming the ensemble’s growing artistic maturity and expressive strength. Through a blend of vision, discipline, and creativity, the Orchestra continues to inspire both its members and its listeners, cultivating not only skilled musicians but also thoughtful and passionate artists ready to meet the challenges of the professional music world.

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