It is always a special part of the school holidays that the young people of the LJO spend together: during this time, the young musicians work on great symphonic works of orchestral literature and subsequently captivate the audience.

This summer, under the direction of Michael Hofstetter, they will devote themselves to works by Jacques Offenbach. As a soloist, the Catalan cellist Roger Moréllo Ros will be featured. In front of the Bitburg City Hall, we will roll out the red carpet for them. "It is often forgotten that Offenbach was one of the greatest cello virtuosos before he gained fame as the creator of French opéra-bouffe," writes musicologist Jean-Christoph Keck.

The State Youth Orchestra of Rhineland-Palatinate is focusing on the Cello Concerto in G Major by the composer during this year's summer working phase. The 100 musicians of the renowned youth orchestra are on average 16 years old, have qualified through an audition, and now have the chance to develop within the ensemble. For many former members, the LJO was an outstanding starting point for a professional career; they studied music, now work in professional orchestras, at music or university schools, or concert as soloists.

The collaboration with the LJO is also appreciated by the Catalan cellist Roger Morelló Ros, who will interpret Offenbach's concerto as a soloist that evening in Bitburg. He is a winner of over 30 scholarships and competition prizes, regularly appearing at festivals, and covers a wide spectrum of cello literature from Baroque to contemporary music. Under the musical direction of the renowned conductor Michael Hofstetter – who was born in Munich and has been nominated multiple times as conductor of the year in the annual critics' survey – the concert will also feature: an arrangement by pianist and composer Richard van Schoor for brass and percussion based on themes by Offenbach – a commissioned composition of the LJO support circle e.V. – as well as Symphony No. 4 by Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy. It is known as the "Italian Symphony," because the concluding seven-part Rondo in A Minor is titled "Saltarello," the name of an Italian spring dance in fast six-eight time. Mendelssohn drew upon original Neapolitan folk melodies for this movement.

State Youth Orchestra of Rhineland-Palatinate
Roger Moréllo Ros – cello
Michael Hofstetter – musical direction

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Tickets for the event are available in advance at all sales points of Ticket - Regional, e.g. at the Tourist Information, Römermauer 6, Bitburg, Tel.: 06561-94340