Eurovision Young Musicians

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Frequently asked Questions about the EYM

What is the Eurovision Young Musicians (EYM)?
The Eurovision Young Musicians (EYM) is an international competition, organized by the European Broadcasting Union's Eurovision TV Department, which is held every two years and is dedicated to young talents in classical music aged not over 19. As in 2008, this year’s Final, marking the competition's 15th edition, is being held at the Town Hall Square (Rathausplatz) in Vienna. The Final is the opening ceremony of the Wiener Festwochen, the Vienna music festival, and is also produced by ORF, the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation.

Who are the organisers of the competition?
The competition is organised by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and produced by its Austrian Member ORF (Austrian Broadcasting Corporation), together with the Wiener Festwochen.

What kind of music will be played?
Classical music. Like the 2008 contest, the 2010 EYM is open to all musical instruments that have a solo performance concerto written for them.

What orchestra will be performing?
The Radio Symphony Orchestra Vienna, conducted by Cornelius Meister.

How are the winners selected?
Candidates from all over Europe will first gather in Vienna to compete in the Semi-Final in the famous Theater an der Wien. This year, 15 candidates representing 15 countries have been short-listed at a national level to represent their countries at the Semi-Final. The 7 best performers will qualify for the Final on Friday 14 May which will be broadcast live over the Eurovision network.

Who decides on the Finalists and winners?
Out of the 15 candidates taking part in the 2008 EYM Semi-Final, a jury of experts will select the 7 Finalists who will perform in the Final on 14 May. A jury of world renowned figures from classical music will determine the three winners of this year’s edition of the EYM. As was the case in 2008, this year will see another Audience Award. For the Final, the audience in Austria (both in the Rathausplatz and television viewers of ORF2), will be able to vote by SMS , determining their favourite musician/s of the year.

How many countries participate?
The number changes every year. The competition began with six participants in 1982. This year, there will be candidates from fifteen countries.

How do young musicians get to participate in the competition?
The selection is made by the participating broadcasters (EBU Members). To apply as a candidate, the musician must contact the public service broadcaster (the EBU Member) in his/her country. Only EBU Members may participate. For a complete list of EBU Members per country, please visit the EBU website.

What is the prize?
The first, second and third place winners will receive a trophy as well as a cash prize. The design of the trophy will be based on the design of the EYM Lyre logo.

When is the show?
The Semi-Final will take place in Vienna on 8 and 9 May. There will be coverage on the official EYM website and possibly broadcast deferred by the participating broadcasters (see below). The Final will take place on 14 May between 21:20 and approximately 23:00 CET and will be broadcast live or deferred by the participating broadcasters and a few others.

Who are the participating broadcasters?
The participating broadcasters are: ORF Austria, BTRC Belarus, CT Czech Republic, CYBC Cyprus, ARD/WDR Germany, BBC United Kingdom, ERT Greece, HRT Croatia, NPS the Netherlands, NRK Norway, TVP Poland, TVR Romania, RTR/KTVC Russia, SVT Sweden and RTVSLO Slovenia

Who will present the show?
The host of the show is Christian Wagner-Trenkwitz.

Who will be performing in the interval?
You can find more information about the interval acts here

Can I attend the live show?
Yes, the Town Hall Square (Rathausplatz), is easily accessible to everyone free of charge

Can the audience vote for its favourite young musician?
During the Final, the audience in Austria will be able to vote for its preferred performance and Finalist via SMS (not by land line). The number will be displayed on the TV screen (ORF2) and on the giant screens in the square in Vienna.

How can I get more information about the event?
More information is available on www.youngmusicians.tv as well as by e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

For press only:

How can press interview candidates?
Please contact the Head of Delegation directly or the dedicated Guide.

Will the press be invited to attend the Semi-Final performances?
Places are limited in the Semi-Final hall at the Theater an der Wien and therefore attendance is controlled. The Semi-Final will take place on 8 and 9 May. To avoid disturbing the candidates, entering and leaving the hall will only be allowed before and after each session. Four candidates will play in each session.Kindly coordinate with us if you wish to be present in any of the four sessions.

Where can the press watch the Final?
Press is invited to attend the live performance at the Vienna City Hall Square (Rathausplatz) free of charge. Please contact Karen Mazolli, EBU Communications, Tel: 0041 22 717 2415, E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

How do I obtain a press pass?
Press passes will be distributed at the press conference on Tuesday 6 May.

How can press interview candidates?
Please contact the Head of Delegation directly or the dedicated Guide.

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