The ECHO Rising Stars program identifies and supports exceptional emerging performers, hosting around 110 concerts and 70 special projects annually across ECHO halls. Our mission is to inject fresh energy into the global stage, engage diverse audiences, and drive social progress.

Nominations are initiated by the artistic teams of the concert halls, who scout artists already established in their national careers and poised to benefit from increased exposure across Europe. The selection process is coordinated by the ECHO office and is the result of collective discussions during the annual meeting of the artistic teams. 

Each of the 6 Rising Stars receives a bursary to commission a new piece, with at least 50% coming from female or gender-expansive composers as part of our Keychange pledge. Going beyond the stage, our initiative provides comprehensive growth through training opportunities. Sustainability is one of our priorities, with efforts to minimize our ecological footprint as we tour European ECHO halls.

Since its inception in 1995-96, the ECHO Rising Stars programme has supported over 150 exceptional artists. Past seasons have featured among others Patricia Kopatchinskaja, Jörg Widmann, Janine Jansen, Igor Levit, Renaud Capuçon, Khatia Buniatishvili, Benjamin Appl, Kian Soltani, Quarteto Casals, Belcea Quartet, Modigliani Quartet.