Conductor Ivan Melyemans will lead the inaugural World Youth Wind Band in Kerkrade in August.

The ensemble will be made up of players aged 18 to 25 from around the world for a week of intensive rehearsals and performances from August 17th to 24th. Applications to be part of the band opened on March 7th.

The project will tackle demanding repertoire, culminating in three concerts across the province of Limburg.

Unique opportunity

A spokesperson told 4BR: "This is a unique opportunity for participants to develop both musically and socially. Ivan Meylemans is known for his ability to shape an orchestra into a cohesive ensemble in a short time, sharing his expertise in an inspiring and dynamic way.

The previous World Youth Brass Band project once again highlighted the urgent need for such initiatives. With the decline of high-quality music education in the Netherlands, the discontinuation of the LBM Youth Orchestra in Limburg, and the National Youth Wind Orchestra, WMC sees a growing necessity to provide a platform for young talent."

WMC prelude

4BR was informed that the project will also serve as a prelude to the 2026 WMC Festival, where, for the first time, a Junior Division will be introduced in the Wind Band and Brass Band categories.

To find out more go to: www.wmc.nl