A new orchestral platform for performance and education
Connecting young musicians across Central Europe. Workshops, concerts and cross-border collaboration for the next generation of musicians from Poland, Czechia and Slovakia.
UPCOMING CONCERT
Experience the sound of tomorrow
Join us for an unforgettable performance
ABOUT US
Beskid Youth Orchestra is a dynamic international project bringing together young musicians from Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia in a unique, high-level artistic environment.
Built on intensive workshops, mentoring and real concert experience, BYO connects emerging talent with leading performers and educators from top European orchestras.
TIMELINE
Our journey together
🟢
12 May 2026
Applications open
(by email)
🟢
15 June 2026
Application deadline
(by midnight)
🟢
21 June 2026
Application results
🟢
26 July 2026
Arrival
🟢
31 July 2026
Final concert
🟢
01 August 2026
Departure
Ryan Martin Bradshaw – piano
Concert Programme
18:00, 31 July 2026 (Friday)
- Stanisław Moniuszko – “The Fairy Tale” (Bajka) Overture
- Robert Schumann – Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54
- Antonín Dvořák – Symphony no. 9 “From the New World” op. 95
soloist:
Ryan Martin Bradshaw
Application process
1. Applicants must be citizens of Poland, the Czech Republic, or Slovakia, and must be at least 18 years old on 26 July 2026 and no older than 28 on 31 July 2026.
2. Read the regulations, available here
3. Complete and sign the Application Form, available here
4. Download the orchestral excerpts for your instrument:
5. Record first video file between 5-10 minutes of music which will include 2 works of your choice. For Percussion – follow the specific instructions attached to the file with orchestral excerpts.
- 1. Fast, technical piece.
- 2. Slow, expressive piece.
6. Record second video file with orchestral excerpts for your instrument.
7. Applicants for English horn and piccolo should additionally record the relevant excerpt. Horn and trombone players should specify and prepare the appropriate excerpts (high/low horn; trombone/bass).
8. You must submit at least two video files (your chosen repertoire and orchestral excerpts), but you may submit additional recordings if you wish.
9. Upload your videos to YouTube, Google Drive, or a similar platform. Make sure the privacy settings allow anyone with the link to view them (for example, “Unlisted” on YouTube).
10 . By 23:59 on 15 June 2026, send an email to beskid.classics@gmail.com including:
- a short CV in English (max. 2000 characters)
- the completed and signed Application Form
- a link to the first video (two contrasting works)
- a link to the second video (orchestral excerpts)
11. If you do not receive a confirmation email within 72 hours of submitting your application, please contact us.
If you have any questions, please contact us by email.
Conductor & Artistic Director
Paweł Kotla
Paweł Kotla is a conductor with extensive international experience, educated in Warsaw, Siena, Oxford and Kraków. He has performed in major concert halls across Europe and worldwide, conducting ensembles such as the London Symphony Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo. A central focus of his work is with youth orchestras: as founder and artistic director of the I, CULTURE Orchestra, he led a landmark European tour during the Polish EU Presidency. He has also collaborated with the European Union Youth Orchestra (EUYO), conducting a historic concert at the European Parliament. Deeply committed to education, he regularly leads masterclasses and international projects, including the Beskid Youth Orchestra.
FACULTY
Meet the Tutors
Rafał Zambrzycki
National Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra
Robert Kopelman
Slovak Sinfonietta
Paul Silverthorne
Royal Academy of Music
Jan Kalinowski
Cracow Academy of Music
Tomáš Karpíšek
Czech Philharmonic
Douglas Mitchell
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
Jindřich Molinger
Janacek Philharmonic Ostrava
Libor Cabejšek
Slovak Sinfonietta
THE VENUE
Concert Hall in Jastrzębie-Zdrój
A masterpiece of modern architecture and acoustic precision. This state-of-the-art hall, located within the State Music School, offers the perfect environment for both intensive rehearsals and high-profile symphonic performances.
LOCATION
Jastrzębie – Zdrój
Experience the perfect harmony of history and modern artistry. Jastrzębie-Zdrój, with its lush greenery and serene atmosphere, provides the ideal backdrop for intensive musical growth and creative inspiration.
Institutional Support
Sponsors and partners