YOUNG MASTERS from Vienna with “Voices from the Orient” in Switzerland

The paths of music are unfathomable, but rarely without reason. So in August 2026, it was not three wise men from the East, but three young musicians of the Young Masters Concert Band from Vienna who set off for Switzerland. They had been invited by Ensemble 25, under the direction of Hermann Ostendarp, to take part in a special intercultural music project centred on Marwan Abado, the Viennese master of the oud, and his artistic partners.

For Liam Eller (cello), Lukas Grum (flute) and Adam Benold (recorder & clarinet), the musical journey led to Wattwil, Zurich, Bern and St. Gallen. There, together with the other musicians, they were able to shape and experience impressive orchestral concerts, ensemble performances and school concerts.

The programme featured music from the Orient, combined with newly composed works by Hans Kitzbichler and Joe Iwazaki, which took both the audience and the young musicians into unfamiliar soundworlds.

A special intercultural project that made encounters possible through the power of music, sparked curiosity and perhaps even contributed a small piece of peace.

Photo credit: Paul Mittermayer