Any experience in period instrument playing?
Interested in ensemble playing as well as the large scale orchestra?
Keen on discovering the firmament of the musical sector?
Ready for a new artistic development?

If so, follow the next edition of

The visionary career training programme of the Balthasar Neumann Family

With Balthasar NOVA, we offer young professional musicians from all over Europe the opportunity to develop as independent musicians in a profound, resilient, and future- oriented way. NOVA is a career training programme, specialized in period instrument playing for musicians who share our perception of music as a source of storytelling. It is designed for musicians who want to know what they play and why. Programme participants will explore the meaning of each work through the lens of authentic and historically informed performance practice.

We, the Balthasar Neumann Family, formed by Thomas Hengelbrock, belong to the world’s leading historically informed ensembles. We create free spaces for radical interpretations and outstanding artistic experiences. To ensure that passion, knowledge and enthusiasm are carried forward to the next generation, we train gifted young musicians. With support from the European Union, we offer a long-term academy programme for period instrument playing: Balthasar NOVA.

WHAT IS PLANNED?

Projects and courses:

• 10. – 18.10.26: Château de Fontainebleau (France) // classic // chamber music
• 19. – 26.11.26: Hamburg (Germany) // baroque // opera rehearsals
• 09. – 18.01.27: Hamburg (Germany) // baroque // opera performances
• 07. – 14.02.27: tbc // classic // chamber music (winds)
• 11. – 19.04.27: Transatlantic Project tbc //  romantic // symphonic repertoire
• 20. – 26.06.27: tbc // baroque // orchestral repertoire
• 16. – 27.07.27: Wiesbaden (Germany) // classic // choir symphonic repertoire with the BNC
• 12. – 19.09.27: Hamburg (Germany) // romantic // chamber music
• 14. – 21.11.27: Baden-Baden (Germany) // baroque // orchestral repertoire
• 09. – 16.01.28: tbc // various // festival
• Additional projects will be announced soon.

Teaching and workshops:

From September 2026 until March 2028, monthly individual online teaching and online workshops are held whenever no course/project takes place. In addition, eight NOVA Salons will be planned and organized in individual agreement with the NOVIs and external experts. 

WHO ARE THE TUTORS AND MENTORS?

Tutors and Mentors are members of the Balthasar Neumann Orchestra and long-standing external tutors of the Balthasar Neumann Academy. All names will be announced until the start of the programme. The workshops will be held by external specialists of the respective fields, the NOVA Salons will be organized and developed by NOVIs together with external experts.

WHAT WILL BE PAID?

For onsite activities, 150,00 Euro per day plus accommodation and travel costs will be paid.
For transatlantic projects, 100,00 Euro per day plus accommodation and travel costs will be paid.

FOR WHOM IS THE CALL OPEN?

If you are  

• a young professional with outstanding musical qualities, joy of making music, and the courage to discover
• experienced in period instrument playing
• not older than 30 years (born 27/02/96 or later)
• playing a string instrument, traverso/flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn or trumpet and 
• European based (EU citizen, EU resident or student in an EU country) or based in a country which is part of the Creative Europe Programme (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Ukraine)

you are warmly invited to apply.

HOW ARE THE AUDITIONS HELD?

Round 1 will be held online (video); round 2 will be held in an on site course format for all invited applicants on two days between 5^th and 8^th May 2026 in Dortmund.

The application is possible via muvac before February 27th with:

• a link to the video(s) with the required repertoire
• a motivation letter (of about half a written page)
• your CV, referring also your experience in period instrument playing
• your full contact (name, address, email, mobile number, birthday, address/university/etc. to show in which way you are European based)

Detailed information regarding the repertoire for the live rounds can be found here.

FAQ

Requirements

• What does “experienced in period instrument playing” mean?
  • You have first experience in period instrument playing and a deep interest in it – or – you are a student / have finished your master in period instrument playing. NOVA will assist you to do the first step into professionalization of period instrument playing.
• I am a student living in Europe, but I am not a European citizen. Can I still apply?
  • Yes, you can apply if you will have a valid working or student permit until 03/28.
• I am not available for one or more of the programme periods above. Can I apply? 
  • Yes, you can apply, but please mention clearly in your application which periods are not possible for you and why!
• What if I get a position during the programme?
  • Since NOVA is a career training programme for students in the end of their studies/after their studies, it is understandable if you get a position during the programme. In this case, we will discuss together what options are available and how to proceed.

Video

• I don’t have access to high-quality recording equipment. Will this affect the chances of my online application?
  • As long as your musical skills and your instrument can be heard, this will not affect your chances. Please make sure to present yourself in the best possible way.
• Does my video application needs to be accompanied?
  • Accompaniment is wished but not obligatory.
• Can each piece in my application be recorded in a separate take or does the whole audition video need to be recorded in one setting?
  • If you have to change the instrument, it is possible to start a new take. If you present several pieces on the same instrument, please send this in one uncut video. Please make no extra take for orchestral parts if they are played on the same instrument as a presented concert/sonata.

Audition process

• How do you make your decision?
  • A jury, composed by members of the Balthasar Neumann Orchestra and the tutor’s team of Balthasar NOVA, will make the selection for the audition rounds.
• When do I get the information if I can attend the live round?
  • The information will be sent out before end of March 2026.
• When/where is the live round organized?
  • If you are invited to attend the live round, it will take place on two days with orchestral playing and chamber music rehearsals between 5^th and 8^th May 2026 in Dortmund.
• I am not free on the dates of the live auditions. Does that mean that I can’t apply?
  • You can apply, but please let us know your reasons and mention it at the very beginning.
• Do I get travel / accommodation costs for the audition reimbursed?
  • Unfortunately, your expenses for the audition cannot be reimbursed.
• When do I get the information if I am part of the programme or not?
  • The results of the live rounds are sent out shortly after the live auditions.

Instruments

• Can I apply if I do not have my own period instrument?
  • Yes, you can apply, but you need to organize an instrument for the audition process as well as for the programme.
• Which kind of instruments do I need for the programme?
  • You need baroque/classical/romantic instruments depending on the different projects and courses. String players also need period instruments; only gut strings and a period bow are not sufficient for the programme (different than for the audition).