Fifty Years of Music, Friendship and Adventure. A reflection from Alistair.
From my first Anglo-German Youth Music Week in 1985 to the 50th anniversary reunion in 2022, the names and places may have changed - but the spirit of EYM remains remarkably familiar.
My First Anglo-German Music Week
When I arrived in Oberwesel in 1985 for my first Anglo-German Youth Music Week, the course already had a rich history.
Founded in the 1970s by the red-bearded Bavarian violinist Dirk Ellée and the musician, teacher and philosopher Jeff Babb, it was born only thirty years after the end of the Second World War. Their vision was simple: bring young musicians from Britain and Germany together with a shared purpose – to play and enjoy a wide variety of challenging music.
I was the only English cellist and, while rehearsing Vaughan Williams and Hindemith, we found ourselves translating the English and German musical directions into Italian; music really was the common language.
A Week of Music
The shape of the week would be instantly recognisable to today's participants.
Days began with a full symphony orchestra before dividing into two chamber orchestras and then string and wind ensembles, with chamber music carrying on long into the evening.
The days were long and we were exhausted by the end of the chamber music concert, which extended late into the Friday evening: it was only a success if everyone had played in at least one ensemble.
The Saturday night Abschlusskonzert was followed by one last evening in the bar and then conversations through till sunrise.
Oberwesel, Stoke Rochford and the Adventures In Between
The week alternated between the Oberwesel Jugendgästehaus, high above the banks of the Rhine, and the magnificent Stoke Rochford Hall in Lincolnshire, each acquiring its own traditions.
Oberwesel meant late-night swims in the pool (provided someone was able to leave a window minimally ajar) and wine-tasting trips along the Rhine aboard Felix.
Stoke Rochford had its own midnight adventures with acres of parkland to explore and, occasionally, an impromptu Scottish ceilidh.
There were no sightseeing day trips, but there were unforgettable musical adventures instead: playing all four Brahms symphonies in a single day, or exploring Russian symphonies from Balakierev to Shostakovitch, or tackling an epic programme of Delius supported by the composer’s trust.
Creativity was never in short supply either: when a xylophone was needed, we suspended empty wine bottles from a frame and carefully tuned them with water.
The People Who Made it Special
Much of the magic came from the people who led it.
Jeff Babb could lay down his baton in the middle of a rehearsal and, for ten fascinating minutes, transport us into the world of the composer. Nobody complained; we pushed back our chairs and enjoyed the journey.
Dirk Ellée had a quieter charisma, full of warm humour, explaining in German what he wanted from us before translating into (sometimes absurdly literally) English.
Meanwhile, the course administrator (and horn player) Malcolm Goodman was always on hand to drive whichever of us managed to sprain an ankle playing football.
The Journey Was Part of the Course
The British contingent travelled together to Germany, often taking two days to reach Oberwesel, making the journey itself part of the adventure.
Friendships formed before the first rehearsal and deepened through the week.
People I met during those summers remain (some 30 years later), some of my oldest and dearest friends.
Fifty Years On: Oakham 2022
Returning for the 50th anniversary reunion at Oakham School in 2022, I didn't expect to recognise the course.
Jeff and Dirk had long since retired, Keith Horsfall had handed over the reins in 2019, and the Anglo-German Youth Music Week had become the European Youth Music Week.
I was curious as to what had changed, yet found a course I instantly recognised.
The names, venues and nationalities had evolved – and the choir was a nice addition – but the spirit was unmistakable: young musicians from across Europe were working at (lots of) new repertoire, finding shared humour, and making lifelong friends.
The Continuity That Matters
I was the oldest at the reunion – most of the others had their first course in the 21st century, rather than the 1980s – and my daughter, Lottie, was rehearsing in a different part of the campus as the youngest on that year's EYMW.
The continuity is perhaps EYM's greatest achievement and the greatest tribute to Jeff and Dirk, who got the formula and the spirit right from the outset.
Fifty years after its founding, its original purpose remains as relevant as ever: bringing young people together through music, creating friendships that outlast the concerts, and reminding us that the best orchestras are built not just on great playing, but on trust, curiosity and shared experiences.
Why come to EYMW?
If you're wondering whether to come to EYM, my advice is simple: book now.
You may only spend a week there, but the memories and friendships can last a lifetime.
Alistair Park
