APPLICATION

The programme is addressed to interested parties up to the age of 28, who have completed studies in or are currently studying music, with experience in ensemble and orchestral playing, and with a great interest and first experiences in historical performance practice.

An application for the 2023 – 2025 scholarship programme is possible until 14 February 2023. The first round of the audition is going to take place online, the second round is going to take place in Cologne (Germany) on 19 April 2023.

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

You can download the call for applications for the 2023 – 2025 scholarship programme here.

FAQ

Frequent questions and answers about the scholarship programme:

What are the extent and timing of the programme?

The next scholarship starts on 1 September 2023 and ends on 31 August 2025. Scholarship holders participate in selected tours and opera productions of the Balthasar Neumann Ensemble. Furthermore, regular and individual workshops as well as individual lessons are offered (in total 2-3 days each month). Scholarship holders can take part in the programme and continue their university studies at the same time. It is not necessary to move to a different city.

What are the financial aspects of the programme?
Scholarship holders receive a monthly stipend of 900 Euro for a period of two years. Travel expenses and accommodation in single/double rooms are reimbursed for all projects and workshops.
Where do the projects and workshops take place?

The Balthasar Neumann Orchestra doesn’t have a fixed rehearsal venue. Rehearsal venues usually depend on the concert location. The monthly workshops and individual classes mostly take place in Hamburg or during the projects of the Balthasar Neumann Ensembles.

Who are the tutors for the individual classes/chamber music/workshops?

The scholarship holders receive individual lessons and chamber music lessons by Thomas Hengelbrock, members of the Balthasar Neumann Ensemble and external guest musicians. Guest lecturers from various backgrounds are invited for the additional workshops.
You can here find a list of the past and current workshops.

What instruments are needed for the programme?

The aim of the Balthasar Neumann Ensemble is to perform music on the basis of historically informed performance practice, while not limiting themselves exclusively to the field of early music. Works from the early Baroque to the modern period are performed on period instruments in keeping with the historical background and the date of their composition.
Every scholarship holder needs a baroque instrument and bow for the period the programme. Furthermore, a classical bow is useful. Gut strings are used in the tours and opera projects of the Balthasar Neumann Ensemble as well as in many of the lessons and workshops.
The projects of the Cuban-European Youth Academy usually require modern instruments.
If the scholarship holder doesn’t own a baroque instrument or a classical bow, the office can offer help to find one.

Frequent questions and answers about the audition:
Will travel expenses and accommodation be reimbursed?

Unfortunately travel expenses and accommodation for the audition cannot be reimbursed.

What repertoire has to be prepared?

Usually, every audition takes 15 minutes. First, the candidate presents one major standard work from the Baroque, Classical and Romantic period.The jury encourages applicants to explore outside the usual and standard repertoire choices and to perform their own cadenzas (not obligatory!).
Furthermore, selected orchestral excerpts have to be prepared. They will be communicated with the invitation for the audition.
Correpetition with harpsichord and piano will be provided. The candidates have to communicate the exact repertoire in advance and are moreover required to bring along scores for the pianists.
After the instrumental part, a conversation with the jury takes place.

Do I need a baroque instrument for the audition?
If possible, candidates should use a baroque instrument for the baroque work and the baroque orchestral excerpts. If candidates don’t have a baroque instrument, they should at least use a baroque bow.
In which pitch does the baroque work have to be played?
The baroque work can be played in 415’ as well as in modern tuning.

CONTACT

Franziska Luther
Balthasar Neumann Academy
+49 40 360 361 815
luther@kulturprojekte.com