In January 2025, Theresia Philipp was appointed artistic director of the German National Youth Jazz Orchestra (BuJazzO) – sharing the role in a dual leadership with Niels Klein. Now the musical work begins: from August 16 to 23, 2025, the big band will rehearse for the first time under the direction of Philipp, who was born in Saxony and now lives in Cologne, in Rheinsberg. The program features music with collective energy and strong individual voices from across Germany – fitting for the 35th anniversary of German reunification. Concerts are planned in Rheinsberg, Frankfurt, and Gera.
The project “As We Go” centers on musical exchange, encounters, and openness. The music reflects diversity – not as a fixed concept, but as an organic process: sometimes political, sometimes deeply personal, always shaped by curiosity and spontaneity. Jazz offers the space to forge new paths from within tradition.
Philipp's personal journey influences the program: born in Saxony, now based in Cologne, and an active contributor to the national jazz scene for over a decade, she weaves her experiences into the compositions. 35 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, As We Go aims to show that reunification continues to shape our musical landscape. The BuJazzO, in both its line-up and leadership, brings together perspectives from East and West – proving how harmoniously they can sound together.
Concert dates:
22.08.2025 Rheinsberg, Schlosstheater
24.08.2025 Frankfurt, Jazz Montez
13.09.2025 Gera, Grundton D