Balthasar NOVA is a visionary European academy programme that accompanies outstanding young musicians on their journey to a successful, self-determined career as freelancers in the international music scene. The programme not only offers comprehensive, hands-on education in historically informed performance practice but also fosters critical awareness of the artist’s social responsibility. Through its European orientation and the involvement of participants from at least 20 European countries, this goal radiates internationally. The first of two NOVA editions, each lasting 18 months, started in March 2025.
The programme is structured in intense project weeks, tutoring and mentoring sessions as well as further on site and online activities. Nevertheless, it leaves enough flexibility to pursue independent projects, complete postgraduate studies, or network with other ensembles. In this way, a valuable bridge is created between the completion of studies and the start of a successful professional career. For onsite activities, each NOVI will receive a per diem that reflects the professional standards of the programme.
For the first time, a full curriculum academy programme of a high-quality European freelance orchestra for historically informed instrumental performance is co-financed with public funds, confirming the demand for holistic education from this side as well. Balthasar NOVA actively contributes to promoting European values such as cultural exchange, unity, and peace. By educating and networking young musicians from across Europe, Balthasar NOVA makes a valuable contribution to the sustainability of the music sector.
“The idea of a united Europe is more important today than ever. With full dedication, we strive to keep the European vision alive through our cultural activities. Together with the Balthasar Neumann Ensembles, we stand for a future-orientated vision of Europe. Despite all adversities, we believe in a free, values-based Europe, where people meet each other with understanding, friendship, and tolerance, working together rather than against one another.”
Thomas Hengelbrock
“NOVA is highly relevant for the sector's professionalisation and of young musicians in particular, with elements of innovation also explained to an excellent and detailed extent. The project’s European added value transpires from the entire fabric and framework of NOVA with a very clear potential to act as promoter and ambassador of European values.”
European Union
Violin: Lisanne Altrov-Margus, Anna Brandis (patrons: Annette & Wolf Römming), Émilie Chigoni, Paolo Martino Delmarco, Katarzyna Denkiewicz-Stawujak, Anna Freer, Kristina Marusic, Anna Perl, Sofi Stambolieva (patrons: Ingeborg & Bernd Kahnert)
Viola: Ilinca Forna, Oriane Lavignolle, Alkistis Misouli, Jaume Pueyo Solà
Violoncello: Clara Eglhuber (patrons: Christiane & Ernst-Herbert Pfleiderer), Ignacio García Núñez (patrons: Sabine & Klaus Engel), Karin Hannisdal
Double bass: Elena Squarzon
Flute: Miriam Kaczor
Oboe: Julia Real Babí (patron: Michael Sander)
Clarinet: Elia Bianucci
Bassoon: Hannah Voß
Horn: Jonathan van der Beek (patrons: Marlies & Horst Weitzmann)
Trumpet: Manuel Ferreira, Frances Lole
Timpani / Percussion: Martin Pinter
Austria
Australia
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Estonia
France
Germany
Great Britain
Greece
Ireland
Italy
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Serbia
Slovenia
Spain
The Netherlands
Switzerland
Nine project periods form the main part of each NOVA edition. The participants rehearse and perform side by side with their tutors and deepen their theoretical knowledge in a variety of workshops. Open commented rehearsals, opportunities to meet the musicians and special concert introductions offer accessible opportunities for participation for the audience. By combining education grounded in historical knowledge with future-facing formats, the NOVIs not only remain "historically informed”, but also learn how to place their artistic endeavors in a broader context and critically question their relevance for society.
The NOVIs are entrusted with the organization of musical ‘salons’, bringing a format that was once fruitful for artistic and social discourse into the present day: a semi-public space for making music for an audience, trying out new things, discussing cultural issues or socio-political topics. Together with external experts, the participants discuss topics from the fields of society, politics or the environment and develop a holistic programme which is presented to the public afterwards. This offers the opportunity to try out new formats, creates space for audience development and allows the musicians to expand their skills in artistic communication.
Balthasar NOVA provides a 1:1 tutoring and mentoring programme to support the musical and personal development of the participants. Regular individual lessons and masterclasses with the NOVA tutors foster the NOVIs‘ instrumental abilities, expand their knowledge and skills of period instrument playing and provide a fresh and innovative approach to classical music interpretation. Every NOVI has his or her tutor also as mentor for all issues related to the career as a musician, the instrument, artistic development and the life as a freelance musician in general.
The NOVA Tutors & Mentors are:
To offer more than that and to obtain advice in specific fields that are typical parts of a professional career as a freelance musician, Balthasar NOVA also offers a topic related mentoring. Experienced personalities from the Balthasar Neumann Choir and Orchestra give advice on topics like cultural entrepreneurship, female empowerment, gender justice, financial planning and Alexander Technique.
The topic related Mentors are:
As part of monthly workshops, participants deal with topics such as dramaturgy, fundraising, marketing, social media, artificial intelligence, diversity and sustainability. If not part of an onsite project week, the workshops are held online so that international experts can be invited, and travel can be minimized.
The NOVIs are furthermore supported in networking in the music scene and making important international contacts.
The digital learning platform NOVA.net will pass on in-depth knowledge as well as provide the opportunity for intensive exchange. The platform offers digital resources like masterclasses, research materials and concert videos, fostering equal opportunities for all NOVIs.
Balthasar NOVA is made possible by co-financing from the European Union as part of the Creative Europe programme.
Furthermore, the programme is supported by many other sponsors and partners, to whom we would like to express our heartfelt thanks. We are very pleased that the NOVIs have so many wonderful companions by their side on their exciting journey!
If you would also like to support the programme and its numerous activities and become part of the community of patrons of the Balthasar Neumann Family, please contact Dr. Constanze Müller. We will be pleased to inform you about the funding opportunities offered by the programme.
Social Activities
Social activities are an integral part of the Balthasar NOVA programme. With concerts in social institutions such as Alzheimer's centers, youth psychiatric centers and retirement homes, the participants bring the music directly to the people and can experience its therapeutic dimension. With performances in educational institutions or together with youth choirs, the participants fascinate and inspire future generations and show the relevance of the music of past times for today.
All orchestral and chamber music rehearsals as part of the NOVA projects are open and listeners are always welcome. This creates an intensive exchange with the audience that raises awareness about cultural integration.