International Youth Music Festival II. | Bratislava Music Agency

International Youth Music Festival II. 2024
July 22 - 25, 2024, Bratislava, 21 - 24 July 2025

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Ensembles

Lasallian Youth Orchestra

Philippines

The Lasallian Youth Orchestra (LYO) is the official orchestra of De La Salle University (DLSU). It is one of the premier performing arts groups under the DLSU Culture and Arts Office. Ever since the DLSU Pops Orchestra and the DLSU Chamber Ensemble merged in 2009 to form LYO, it has been among the Philippines’ most renowned youth music groups. Several soloists from LYO have competed in prestigious music competitions such as the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA) while other instrumentalists have played shows and concerts across the Philippines. Members from LYO have also joined and played for other music groups such as the Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra (MSJO) and the Asian Youth Orchestra (AYO). Thanks to its stellar production team, LYO holds annual concerts, offers performance requests for school organizations, and plays in shows outside the university. LYO aims to go beyond the traditional notion of an orchestra with its diverse repertoire of classical and contemporary pieces. Its talented student artists are dedicated to honing their craft and sharing their musical skills with the world. LYO’s next goal is to bring its breathtaking performances to the global stage. By joining international competitions and festivals, LYO will showcase the prowess of Filipino-Lasallian musicians to the rest of the world.

German De Ramos

Conductor / Leader

At the helm of the Lasallian Youth Orchestra (LYO) is Maestro German “Jheng” De Ramos Jr., a graduate from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Conservatory of Music under the tutelage of Professors Severino Ramirez and Dr. Adolfo Mendoza of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO). Maestro Jheng started his musical career at the age of 11 when he joined the Banda Uno of Pakil, Laguna. As a band member, he participated in several concerts and band competitions and became a soloist of their group. Then, at the age of 21, he became the youngest conductor in the history of their band. His gift for music has allowed him to perform in festivals and events across the world, including Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Prague, and the Czech Republic. As a conductor, he studied with Dr. Herminigildo Ranera of the UST Conservatory of Music and obtained his Master’s Degree in Theory Pedagogy at St. Paul University Manila. He took master classes in conducting under Maestro David Fanal, Helen Quach, Dr. Francisco Feliciano and Olivier Ochanine. He is a former member of the UST Symphony Orchestra, UST Symphonic Band, UST Rondalla Ensemble, UST Jazz Band, and the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO). He now serves as the Principal Conductor/ Music Director of Banda Uno Pakil, Laguna; the Music Director of the DLSU Integrated School Orchestra (ISO); and the Resident Conductor and Trainer of LYO. He has also studied a Doctor of Philosophy in Music at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, where he took some units.

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