6 celebrated alumni of the National Youth Orchestra of Germany

Apart from a prize at Germany's ARD Music Competition, it was his time in the National Youth Orchestra of Germany (BJO) that laid the foundation for the famous trumpeter's career. In command of music old and new, Friedrich has played on historic instruments with various ensembles and premiered a number of brand-new compositions.

The popular solo violist, chamber musician and president of Bonn's Beethoven House donated €5,000 ($5,580) to the National Youth Orchestra of Germany on its 50th anniversary — out of gratitude, saying "Without the German Music Council I wouldn't be where I am today." The Council is in charge of the BJO, of which Zimmermann has "the fondest memories."

One of the greatest violinists of our time was once concertmaster in the National Youth Orchestra of Germany. Tetzlaff founded his own string quartet in 1994 and tours with them every year, to the extent that his busy schedule with the world's top orchestras allows. Yet he remains true to the BJO and gives guest appearances with it too

He discovered his passion for the cello at age eight and debuted with the Berlin Philharmonic at 21. In between came his time with the BJO. Gerhard has performed over 70 different cello concertos and keeps expanding his repertory with newly-composed works. He's also acclaimed for his social awareness and imaginative projects that bring music to disadvantaged persons.

She's one of the most famous soloists — not just on the clarinet but altogether. This professor at the Lübeck Music Academy has chalked up concerts with an amazing over 300 orchestras. Still, her heart really beats for chamber music.

How many tenors in the world really master Richard Wagner's difficult roles? You can more or less count them on the fingers of one hand. Vogt is one, a pillar of the Bayreuth Festival and in-demand at opera houses worldwide. What only few know: He started out as a French horn player — and played in the National Youth Orchestra of Germany.