The young top-level jazz orchestra

For 37 years, the German Music Council has dedicated itself to promoting young German jazz musicians with the Bundesjazzorchester (Bujazzo). The Bujazzo is regarded as a valuable link between education and career and as a talent factory for the successful jazz musicians of tomorrow. Prof Niels Klein and Theresia Philipp are closely associated with the orchestra as artistic directors. Together with them and changing guest conductors, the young talents aged between 17 and 24 - almost all of whom are students at German and international music academies - regularly develop new programmes and present them in subsequent concerts at home and abroad. Well-known jazz greats such as Till Brönner, Roger Cicero, Tom Gaebel, Julia Hülsmann, Jakob Manz, Alma Naidu, Matthias Schriefl, Johanna Summer, Nils Wogram and Michael Wollny started their careers in the Bundesjazzorchester.

Further information

+ 5

Applications are now open for the next generation!

Interested musicians can apply until 3 November 2026

From now until 3 November 2026, interested jazz musicians can apply to join the next generation of the Bundesjazzorchester. From January 2027, all big band positions – trumpets, trombones, saxophones and the rhythm section – as well as the Bujazzo vocal ensemble will be filled.

The application process consists of two stages: first, applicants must apply online via an application form, which includes a video upload. After reviewing and assessing the applications submitted, the jury will decide who will be invited to an audition.

The auditions will take place from 6 to 8 January 2027 at the Cologne University of Music and Dance. Further information