All projects for childcare centres & schools

youngSTAR Festival

A band performs on a brightly lit stage with purple lighting in a modern concert hall before an audience. Musical instruments, including drums and guitars, are visible on stage. — youngSTAR Festival der Berliner Philharmoniker | Picture: Frederike van der Straeten

At our youngSTAR Festival, Berlin’s school ensembles take over the stages of the Philharmonie Berlin for four days, performing in front of capacity audiences. One Vokalhelden sing-along concert will end the school festival.

Berlin schoolchildren in the audience are invited to hear and applaud the ensembles in what is often their first performance at the Philharmonie Berlin. At the Vokalhelden concerts, all the children in the hall will be able to sing along.

youngSTAR Festival at a glance

Age recommendation: From 6 years old up to vocational school students
Duration: Approx. 70 minutes per concert
Admission: Free of charge

Participate as ensemble

Who can apply?
Ensemble leaders with their school ensemble – ensembles of any size, genre and age group are welcome.

How do I apply?
Via the application form on our website.

What information do we need from ensembles?
Name, number of members, age, instrumentation and line-up (max. 50 ensemble members), a short biography, a possible choice of pieces (max. 10-minute programme), your motivation, and photo and video material.

By when can ensemble leaders apply?
By 15 January 2027.

How are ensembles selected?
Ensembles are selected by an expert jury from the Berliner Philharmoniker. Ensemble leaders will be notified of the decision, along with further organisational information, by the end of February 2027.

What does taking part in the festival cost?
Participation in the festival is free of charge.

Please note:
Due to high demand, we unfortunately cannot accept every application. We will let you know whether taking part in the festival is possible.

Participate as audience

Registrations as an audience member will be possible from 15 February 2027 via the online form.

Who can register?
Interested school classes (of any year group) who would like to support and cheer on Berlin’s young musicians.

What information do we need from school classes?
Number of pupils, number of accompanying adults, wheelchair users, and the teacher’s contact details.

What does taking part in the festival cost?
Participation in the festival is free of charge.

Please note:
Due to high demand, we unfortunately cannot accept every registration. We will let you know as soon as possible whether taking part in the festival is possible.