Since 1992 a jury authorized by Claudio Abbado makes its selection from the many candidates at auditions held in more than twenty-five European cities each year.

[2] At present there are more than 100 musicians in the orchestra and they come from various countries, including Germany, Austria, France, Hungary, Russia, Spain, Great Britain, Romania and Switzerland.

The members of the jury are prominent orchestral players who continue to assist the orchestra with its musical program during the rehearsal period.

Its high artistic level and international success have prompted many leading conductors and soloists to perform with the GMJO.

Many conductors have cooperated with Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester, among them Claudio Abbado, Mariss Jansons, Pierre Boulez and Bernard Haitink.