WJMF 1985

From Tuesday, 9th to Saturday, 13th July 1985

In 1985, the Youth Music Zurich 11 which has its roots in Zurich North, had been founded 25 years before. Instead of a local anniversary celebration they invited young musicians from all over the world for a meeting in Zurich-Oerlikon. An independent organization committee had been established and which conducted the festival on its own account. To the winners of the concert, folklore and show competitions attractive cash prizes were distributed in a total of 62’000 Swiss francs. As the Zurich Lake Festival was staged on that same weekend, from Friday to Sunday, the city of Zurich was experiencing seven nights of festivities. At this “Festival of Nations” folk music groups and youth orchestras celebrated together.

WJMF 1992

From Tuesday, 14th to Saturday, 18th July 1992

The success of the first World Youth Music Festival inspired those responsible to appoint a new organizing committee and the festival was repeated seven years later.
The concept was only marginally changed. Instead of show and folklore competitions there was only a show competition held, at which seven groups participated. These very challenging performances for musicians and dancers were a delight for the audience. For the first time there was a marching band competition through Fraumünsterstrasse, which drew a large audience, such as the festival parade. For the winners, prize money of 63’000 Swiss francs were provided and distributed. The gala concert of the winning orchestras in the Tonhalle was recorded and broadcasted by Swiss television.

WJMF 1999

From Friday, 9th to Tuesday, 13th July 1999

It takes a tremendous effort to initiate and follow through an event of these dimensions. Thanks to enthusiastic women and men the preparations for a 3rd festival could be put in motion. To be mentioned with gratitude at this point is the active and financial support from the city authorities and employees of the city government, without which the festivals would be impracticable. The employees of the various committees were always welcoming their cooperation and help. Instead of prize money (cash prices) for the top-ranked orchestra, participation fees had been reduced and for the participants the accommodation in dormitories was offered for free. This time, Swiss television accompanied the festival every day. Afterwards, a two hour production was broadcasted, showing all facets of the festival and the participating orchestras as well as some great performances of concerts and competitions.

WJMF 2005

From Friday, 8th to Tuesday, 12th July 2005

The enormous number of participating bands almost blew the capacity of competition locations, accommodation and helpers. A huge enthusiasm about the festival was felt by the participants, the audience as well as the organizers. Like in all previous festivals, thanks to the great cooperation with the officials of Public Transportation Zurich (VBZ) a low-priced “festival ticket” could be offered to all participants and helpers, what solved transportation and parking problems very well. At the festival itself, three competition locations had been provided and in addition, the harmony class 3 was offered and evaluated. The gala concerts of the winning orchestras were divided in two evenings at two different locations: Ballroom Albisgüetli and Tonhalle Zurich. The marching competition was distinguished between marching with or without evolution for the first time. Also for the first time there were percussion and drum groups allowed to participate in the competitions. Therefore, a fourth location was provided in the school centre Birch.

WJMF 2012

From Friday, 6th to Tuesday, 10th July 2012

There were other locations and places to be used around Oerlikon: a second marquee opposite Theater 11, the Hallenstadion for the opening ceremony and the Messe Zurich for rehearsals and music competitions. Of course, the major events for spectators were held in the centre of Zurich: the festival parade in the Bahnhofstrasse, marching competition along Fraumünsterstrasse and in the marquee at the Münsterhof. Here was also the radio live broadcast held with Kurt Brogli and several youth music bands on Saturday afternoon. Probably due to the poor economy there was a marked decrease of the participating foreign music bands. Therefore, the show competition could not take place for lack of participants. In return, the show performances of several music bands as well as the choreography “Music” during the opening ceremony at the Hallenstadion were true highlights. The mentioned choreography “Music” had been distributed through Youtube in advance of the festival and all bands as well as the Swiss military band danced along.

WJMF 2017

Thursday 6th to Monday 10th of July 2017