80 YEARS OF GLOBAL HARMONY: THE JMI UNITY 80 ORCHESTRA DEBUTS IN DEBRECEN

On July 14th, Debrecen, Hungary, was filled with the sounds of hope, unity and youthful brilliance as the JMI Unity 80 Orchestra took the stage at the University of Debrecen’s Frans Liszt Hall for their debut performance. The JMI Unity 80 brought together 30 exceptional young classical musicians for a remarkable concert under the baton of Austrian conductor Patrick Hahn in celebration of 80 years of JM International’s mission to make a difference through music.

Marking eight decades of JMI is more than a tribute to the past; it’s a powerful reminder of the role music plays in connecting young people across borders, generations, and cultures. Since 1945, JMI has grown into the world’s largest youth music network, reaching millions across 70+ countries. This anniversary event was a call to action, to continue amplifying young voices, nurturing creativity, and using music as a force for unity, peace, and social change.

Led by Austrian conductor Patrick Hahn, supported by Zoltán Bolyky (Hungary), the orchestra went through an intensive week of rehearsals, where these young musicians rehearsed, learned from each other and formed bonds that crossed borders and languages, united by their dedication to their craft and their belief in music’s ability to build bridges.

On July 14th, the JM Unity 80 delivered an unforgettable performance featuring works by Haydn, Shostakovich, Ravel and Bartók, each piece highlighting the diverse talent and shared passion of this unique international ensemble with a special nod to the celebration of 80 years of JM International.

The 30 musicians who made JMI history were:

These amazing young artists provided the audience with a wealth of joyous moments to remember for a lifetime. The rolling applause at the end of the concert expressed just how powerful and relevant this message of unity through music remains today. In times when the world faces growing division, polarisation, and uncertainty, from geopolitical conflict to shrinking support for the arts, projects like the JMI Unity 80 Orchestra serve as a vital reminder of our shared humanity.

In addition to the concert, the past week in Debrecen featured JMI’s Global + Annual General Assembly, as well as a Play it Loud! EQ Youth Meetup that brought together youth leaders from different demographics from across the network. These events turned Debrecen into a vibrant meeting point for international exchange, collaboration, and celebration. The occasion was made even more special by JM Hungary, which proudly marked its 60th anniversary this year.

To everyone who joined us in Debrecen, thank you for being part of this celebration of youth, talent and peace. Here’s to the next 80 years of connecting the world through music! All of this was made possible through the collaboration of JM International and its Classical Committee, JM Hungary, and support from the European Union.