Ever since its founding in 1987 by Leonard Bernstein, the international Orchestral Academy of the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival has enjoyed a superb reputation world-wide. It forms the centrepiece of the educational work performed by the great classical music festival held in the north of Germany. However, with the concerts of its Festival Orchestra it does not only delight audiences in Schleswig-Holstein, but also on concert tours to Europe's musical centres. Since 2009 the Orchestral Academy is supported by NORDMETALL-Stiftung, who sets a high value on the professional education of young rising artists.

The Musical Work

Every year, an international youth orchestra is formed by the Orchestral Academy: Young musicians from all over the world are given the opportunity to study and perform great works from the orchestral literature with famous conductors. The works are first read in section rehearsals under the guidance of experienced teachers (e. g. from the Berlin Philharmonic, the Munich Philharmonic and the NDR Symphony Orchestra) and then studied intensively with the current conductor in two or three rehearsals a day with the entire orchestra.


Life in Summer

The official home of the Orchestral Academy is the state cultural center Salzau Castle 100 km to the north of Hamburg. The 19th- century building is located in the midst of an expansive park complex in Schleswig-Holstein's most beautiful vacation region, and offers ideal conditions for intensive work and diverse recreational activities. The big barn, which was refitted as a rehearsal and concert hall, is the center of all activity. Participants are lodged in small dormitories in the castle and nearby buildings. A kitchen team provides excellent food in the Academy's own restaurant. In Salzau, young people from around the world not only grow together as an orchestra, but they also form a social community. The experience of mutual understanding and the basic attitudes of respect and tolerance are lying close to the heart of the Orchestral Academy.

The Grant

For the Orchestral Academy 2010, excellent young musicians are again being encouraged to submit applications for participation. After a successful audition, each musician will receive a grant to cover travel, bed and board and tuition expenses. A jury will decide on acceptance into the Orchestral Academy. All participants will receive a stipend: Travel expenses*, bed and board and tuition will be paid for by the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival.

*Travel expenses will be paid from and to the place of study. The lowest rates for rail travel will be paid for travel from within Germany and from the immediate European surroundings. The Orchestral Academy will book flights on Lufthansa for travel from and to other countries.