The 21st edition of the Eurovision Young Musicians contest concluded on Saturday, August 17, 2024, with Austria taking home the prestigious title. Held at the Stormen Concert Hall in Bodø, Norway, the event showcased the immense talent of young classical musicians from across Europe.
Leonhard Baumgartner, a violinist representing Austria, was crowned the winner for his captivating performance of Henri Vieuxtemps’ Violin Concerto No. 5 in A minor. His masterful interpretation of the piece, marked by precision and emotional depth, impressed both the jury and the audience. Following Baumgartner’s victory, he said “This is very overwhelming. Thank you so much, I’m very thankful.”
Sweden’s Hugo Svedberg secured second place with a moving performance of Joseph Haydn’s Cello Concerto No. 1 in D major, while Germany’s Fabian Egger took third place for his rendition of Tango Fantasia for flute and orchestra, a composition by Jacob Gade and Toke Lund Christiansen.
The competition featured 11 participants, each representing their respective countries in front of a live audience and a panel of distinguished jurors. The event was hosted by Norway’s Silje Nordnes and Mona Berntsen, with the Norwegian Radio Orchestra, conducted by Eivind Aadland, providing accompaniment to the young performers.
This year’s contest saw the return of Armenia and Switzerland, both of which had been absent from recent editions. Croatia, however, withdrew from the competition without providing a reason, and Slovenia, which had intended to return, did not appear on the final list of participants.
The Eurovision Young Musicians 2024 was a celebration of Europe’s vibrant classical music scene, offering a platform for young talents to showcase their skills on an international stage. As the event drew to a close, the focus turned to the next generation of musicians, who will undoubtedly continue to carry the torch of classical music forward.
The event was broadcast live across Europe, with various national broadcasters providing commentary and insights. The excitement of the evening was felt by viewers in numerous countries, all of whom tuned in to witness the remarkable performances and the crowning of a new champion in European classical music.
As Austria celebrates Baumgartner’s victory, the anticipation for the next edition of the Eurovision Young Musicians contest begins to build, promising yet another opportunity for young talents to shine.
