After almost six decades, a new chapter begins for the Murnau Youth and Wind Orchestra: Manfred Braun, an experienced musician and conductor, takes over the musical direction.
Since November 2025, Manfred Braun has been wielding the baton at the Murnau Youth and Wind Orchestra ( JBO ), making him only the third conductor in the history of the traditional ensemble.
The JBO was founded in 1967 and has been a defining feature of cultural life in Murnau and the surrounding region for decades. Willy Höcherl led the orchestra for 27 years, developing it into a prominent musical institution. In 1994, Michael Schmidt took over the musical direction and led the ensemble with great success for another 31 years. Now, Manfred Braun is stepping into his shoes, bringing fresh impetus to the orchestra's future.
From trumpet student to conductor
“Music has been a part of my life since childhood,” says Braun. “I started playing the trumpet at the age of ten, and later added other wind instruments and the piano.” His passion steadily developed through village bands, other groups, and numerous musical projects. Over the course of his career, he has worked as a district conductor in the Augsburg area, collaborated with the Augsburg Youth Symphony Orchestra, the Chamber Opera, and many artists known from radio and television. He has also taught at schools and music schools.
He has been conducting for around 30 years now. He particularly appreciates the versatility of his profession: "You often accompany musicians from childhood and experience their entire musical development."
Preserving tradition, forging new paths
Manfred Braun became aware of the Murnau Youth and Wind Orchestra rather by chance. A job advertisement sparked his interest, and it quickly became clear that the long-established ensemble was an excellent fit for him.
He is particularly impressed by the high musical standard and the orchestra's renown far beyond the region. However, this consummate musician also sees how fragile the JBO currently is: the orchestra consists of around 35 musicians, many of whom are no longer young people. "If a few musicians are missing, things get tight," says Braun. The flagship orchestra thus rests on a precious, but delicate foundation.
New members are always welcome, and fostering young talent remains a central focus of the Murnau Youth and Wind Orchestra. Anyone who plays a wind instrument and enjoys making music together is warmly invited to become part of the orchestra community.
At the same time, Manfred Braun wants to introduce new elements and consciously develop the repertoire. In addition to classic brass band music, marches, and polkas, modern arrangements and current hits will also find their place in the program. "An orchestra has to move with the times and meet people where they are," he believes.
The summer concerts of the youth and wind orchestra 2026
Those interested can experience what this can sound like at the JBO's summer concerts in Murnau, Ohlstadt, and Benediktbeuern. Every Wednesday from 20 p.m., the orchestra invites you to enjoy lively brass band music under the open sky at the Marian Column. Admission is free.
Dates in Murnau:
June 24, 2026 , 20 p.m. – Summer concert at the Marian Column
July 1, 2026 , 20 p.m. – Summer concert at the Marian Column
July 8, 2026 , 20 p.m. – Summer concert at the Marian Column
July 10, 2026 , 18 p.m. – Open-air concert at the town hall to mark the opening of the Murnau folk festival
July 22, 2026 , 20 p.m. – Summer concert at the Marian Column
July 29, 2026 , 20 p.m. – Summer concert at the Marian Column
August 5, 2026 , 20 p.m. – Summer concert at the Marian Column
September 2, 2026 , 20 p.m. – Summer concert at the Marian Column
September 9, 2026 , 20 p.m. – Season finale (venue to be announced)