Youth Arts Festival
The Youth Arts Festival is a comprehensive series of events dedicated to creating meaningful musical and cultural experiences. Through concerts, performances, competitions, workshops and cultural activities, young musicians from different countries and backgrounds have the opportunity to share their music, learn from one another and build lasting connections. Held primarily in Germany and Austria, the festival brings international ensembles together in renowned concert halls and creates a vibrant environment for musical exchange, friendship and inspiration. With the support of conductors and music educators from around the world, the festival celebrates the power of music to connect people and cultures.
Upcoming Events in 2027
Music Worldwide – The 13th International Youth Arts Festival 2027
ONE WORLD, CONNECTED BY MUSIC
Voices and Visions for a Schared Future
VIENNA, AUSTRIA/30 January – 1 February 2027
Starting with the 2027 edition, the Youth Arts Festival introduces ONE WORLD, CONNECTED BY MUSIC as a festival theme. In a changing world facing growing challenges, we believe that young people need opportunities not only to share music and cultures, but also to reflect on the world we share and the future we want to create. Through music and art, we believe we can inspire connection, care and hope for our shared future.
Join us in Vienna for an unforgettable experience of music and international encounters!
Registration is now open!
For Choirs & Instrumental Ensembles
Email: event@volkskulturkreis.de
Vienna – City of Music, where cultures meet …
Experience concerts, historic venues and the unique inspiring international musical atmosphere.
FESTIVAL EXPERIENCES & HIGHLIGHTS
PERFORM · LEARN · CONNECT · COMPETE · INSPIRE · DISCOVER · CELEBRATE
Festival Concerts
Performance opportunities in the City of Music — share your music with an international audience.
International Music Exchange
Meet and perform alongside youth ensembles from different countries and cultures.
Choir & Instrumental Categories
Opportunities for both vocal and instrumental groups.
Workshops & Masterclasses
Learn from experienced conductors, musicians and music educators.
Music for our shared world
One piece. One message. One shared future. As part of the festival theme, groups are invited to share music inspired by nature, our planet, peace or the future we share. (Music for our shared world is a festival initiative, not a competition category.)
Music & Culture in Vienna
Discover Vienna’s unique musical and cultural heritage.
Friendship and Connections Beyond Music
Create international friendships and connections that continue beyond the festival.
PERFORM IN ICONIC VIENNA VENUES
Concerts & Competition
MuTh – Concert Hall, Stage and Programme
Ehrbar Saal
Festival Concerts
Minoritenkirche
Peterskirche
Workshops & Masterclasses
MDW – University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna
Musikquartier
Music & Cultural Experiences
House of Music
House of Strauss
Gala Ceremony
Musikverein – Golden Hall
Venues and programme elements are subject to final confirmation.
FESTIVAL & COMPETITION
Groups may participate as Festival Participants or compete in selected categories.
Competition Categories
· Youth Choirs
· Children’s Choirs
· Mixed Choirs
· Youth Orchestras
· Instrumental Ensembles
MORE THAN A COMPETITION
A celebration of music, friendship, shared values and international youth exchange.
We believe that young musicians should not only compete, but also listen, learn and create together.
The festival provides opportunities for young people from different cultures to meet through music, share their traditions, discover new perspectives and build friendships that go beyond the festival.
Under the theme ONE WORLD. CONNECTED BY MUSIC, we invite young musicians to take one step further — to share their voices and visions, reflect on the world we share, and imagine a more sustainable future together. Participating group is invited to bring one special piece of music inspired by nature, our planet, peace or the future we share.
It may be a song, an instrumental work or a traditional piece from your culture.
May all voices of care for our shared world come together in Vienna, echoing through its concert halls and into the open air.
Different countries. Different cultures. One shared future.
CHOOSE YOUR FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE
Festival Package: Concert performance + cultural programme + international exchange
For groups looking for a complete festival experience combining music, culture and international encounters.
Festival & Competition: Festival activities + competition + masterclasses + concert performance
For groups wishing to combine performance and international exchange with the opportunity to participate in the competition.
Performance Only: Concert performance + selected festival activities
For groups primarily interested in an international concert experience and cultural exchange.
FESTIVAL PROGRAMME
Day 0 – Welcome to Vienna
Arrival • Welcome Dinner
Day 1 – Music & Exchange
Opening Ceremony • Workshops • Rehearsals • Festival Concert
Day 2 – Performance & Competition
Competition / Concert Performance • International Exchange • Cultural Programme
Day 3 – Closing Event
Awards Ceremony • Festival Evening
Day 4 – Farewell Vienna
Departure
Day 0 and Day 4 are arrival and departure days. The core festival programme takes place over three days. Programme subject to change.
Music Worldwide – The 13th International Youth Arts Festival
ONE WORLD. CONNECTED BY MUSIC
VIENNA, AUSTRIA
30 January – 1 February 2027 | 3-Day Core Festival Program
ORGANIZED BY
Internationaler Volkskulturkreis e. V., Germany
Request the Festival Information Pack (Enquiries • Direct Contact)
Festival Mentors & Jury Members
