The Warmia and Masuria Youth Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Dr. Szymon Stec and affiliated with the State Secondary Music School in Olsztyn, has won first prize in the symphony orchestra category at the prestigious Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival in Vienna 2025. The orchestra earned First Prize with Outstanding Success, competing against ensembles from all over the world – including Shanghai, Belgium and the Netherlands, Spain, and Taiwan. This marks the first time in history that a Polish youth symphony orchestra has not only participated in this renowned European festival for youth orchestras and choirs – but has also claimed its top honor!
What’s more, this was also the first time a Polish youth symphony orchestra performed at the legendary Golden Hall of the Musikverein (on July 6, 2025). Following their victory, the orchestra was also invited to perform at the Vienna Konzerthaus (on July 8, 2025) during the Gala Concert of Laureates. Having a Polish youth orchestra on this stage was a tremendous distinction and a testament to the ensemble’s outstanding quality.
The orchestra gave a total of four festival concerts:
- the competition performance at the Musikverein,
- an open-air concert in Rathauspark celebrating the 200th anniversary of Johann Strauss II’s birth,
- a performance at the Das MuTh concert hall,
- and the gala concert at the Konzerthaus, featuring only ensembles awarded by the international jury.
The Polish ensemble made a strong impression on the jury, which included distinguished professors, conductors, and musicians from around the world. The judges particularly praised the orchestra’s maturity of interpretation, refined sound culture, and the level of preparation by Dr. Szymon Stec.
A special highlight of the program was the world premiere of Pieśń o nocy (Song of the Night) by Wojciech Terech, a young Polish composer from the Warmia and Masuria region. With this performance, the orchestra – comprising the most talented students and alumni of the State Secondary Music School in Olsztyn, as well as music university students – contributed to the international promotion of new Polish music.
The trip was made possible thanks to the support of the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage – Department of Artistic Education, the Warmia and Masuria Voivodeship, Biofeed, Lions Club Olsztyn, Stowarzyszenie Meloman, and Ostróda-Yacht.
School website: https://www.gov.pl/web/psmolsztyn
