A dynamic orchestra of gifted musicians aged 18 to 30
Created by The Grasshopper Music Trust in response to demand from young adult musicians for an orchestra that was more vibrant, imaginative and outward-looking in presenting the classical repertoire.
We refresh the concert experience for both players and audiences, presenting great orchestral works in their wider cultural context.
The result is greater diversity - both onstage and in the audience.
MAGIC MOUNTAINS
September 22nd, 2026
Cadogan Hall
19:30
Odyssey Festival Orchestra
Peter Ash
Alban Berg: Three Orchestral Pieces
Richard Strauss: An Alpine Symphony
It is 1915. The 30 year-old Viennese composer Alban Berg is conscripted into the army of the Austro-Hungarian Empire to fight in World War One. That same year, he also completes his first major orchestral work. As novelist Thomas Mann chronicles the demise of this old world in his novel The Magic Mountain, Berg strives to find a new musical language to express the violent spirit of this change. The 50 year-old Richard Strauss however takes a different attitude entirely. He retreats into his Alpine home to compose his final tone poem, a vivid but nostalgic musical evocation of a dramatic childhood walk in the Alps.
Passionate about performing and aged 18-30? Head to our auditions page to find out how you can get involved.
Odyssey Festival Orchestra has ambitious goals. You can help us achieve them.
Join the audience and see us perform at our next concert.
“There are no other orchestras like this that mix professionals and students in this age range. Without Odyssey, I would have no regular playing opportunities at a high standard and could also not afford to participate without a bursary”.
- Odyssey Member, Aged 22
