Concert tours are always an adventure – especially when they are all about musical encounters and youthful joy of playing. As part of the Young Masters support program, the Young Masters Concert Band traveled to the European Youth Music Festival “RITMIKS” in Barcelona at the end of May 2025.

Music, the sea, young people, and a festival that brings them all together:
“It’s about connecting, celebrating diversity, and strengthening community.”

Over 170 ensembles from 18 countries performed on more than 50 stages across the city and its surroundings – and among them: the Young Masters Concert Band!
Our nine-member ensemble – featuring strings, percussion, saxophone, and flute – embraced every situation with relaxed flexibility. Three concerts. Three different venues. The Young Masters Concert Band took the audience on a journey through a colorful program including works by Haydn, Vivaldi, Saint-Saëns, Johann Strauss II, Gustav Peters, as well as Linus Köhring, Elton John, and Bill Withers.

At the piano, Teofil Mikov captivated with charm and energy – and also sang the solo part in “Ain’t No Sunshine”.
Fully committed, both musically and expressively, were his fellow musicians:
Alexandra Auer and Lauren Dunbar on violin,
Anna Rybina on viola,
Pia Ratzberger on cello,
Emilia Manzke on double bass,
Lora Krasteva on flute,
Goran Celanovic on saxophone, and
Florian Binder on percussion.

The young Spanish and international audience was thrilled by the ensemble’s strong stage presence (as were we back home in Vienna!) and rewarded the musicians with heartfelt applause.
¡Viva la música!

Hanns Stekel, Roland Herret – artistic direction
Lilian Genn – concept, presentation coaching
Tour coordination – Do Bogner, Karin Torky-Martin

Photo: Do Bogner, Karin Torky-Martin