The International Lutosławski Youth Orchestra performed for the first time in 2013 in the worldwide celebration of the Year of Lutoslawski. Since then, in September every year, young people aged 18 -26 from both Poland and other European states meet together at the Mieczysław Karłowicz Philharmonic in Szczecin and discover the unusual and innovative creativity of the orchestra’s patron. During each edition of the International Lutosławski Youth Orchestra project, the participants measure themselves against the composer's music, presenting his works in the broader context of contemporary music.
To date nearly 300 young musicians from Poland and Europe have participated in four previous editions. Their concerts altogether have gathered audiences of ca. 4,000 people, who together with the orchestra have been learning about the music of one of the most outstanding Polish composers.
This year's edition will be an outstanding meeting with Witold Lutosławski and Gustav Mahler's unique composing styles.