CALL FOR MUSICIANS
Each Summer Grafenegg Academy forms a closely-knit community of exceptionally talented young professional musicians, internationally renowned orchestral musicians as mentors and acclaimed personalities from the world of classical music who come together in an environment that is highly encouraging to intensive learning. The unique ambiance of the castle, park and nature, as well as the famous Lower Austrian hospitality offer a beautiful Summer home and a serene surrounding.
Within short time, the Grafenegg Academy, newly formed in 2021, gained a reputation in its young existence – in 2023 musicians from all continents applied. The strongest applicants - which prevail in a competitive application process - are invited to Grafenegg each summer to form the Grafenegg Academy Orchestra together: A temporary, strong and internationally top-class orchestra.
The mission of the Grafenegg Academy is to think holistically and to approach the profession of young musicians from different perspectives and to reflect this during the residency. It is important to respond to the diversity of the career paths of modern musicians. This is highlighted in various concert formats - but above all in the work that happens during the residency within the context of diverse rehearsal work, various formats, workshops, lectures, and much more.
The pool of artistic curators of the Grafenegg Academy, which has grown since 2021, can count musicians such as Håkan Hardenberger, Alina Ibragimova and Colin Currie among its ranks.
Grafenegg Academy’s approach is new, creative and ambitious: it focuses on the exchange of artistic ideas, advanced artistic development and freedom in playing together as well as the intensive, collaborative exploration of music. Free from the limitations of typical professional concert life, musicians at Grafenegg Academy have the opportunity to rehearse in great depth — under the guidance of outstanding artists —, to share ideas and experiences, to explore a rich diversity of musical works.
Grafenegg Academy will result in several concert days with orchestra concerts as well as ensemble performances of chamber music repertoire, in order to show the diverse work that has been done during the days in Grafenegg.
ARTISTIC CURATOR & CONDUCTOR
The Grafenegg Academy is led by Artistic Curator Ilan Volkov, joined by a group of outstanding guest artists and mentors.
SOLOIST & GUEST ARTIST
Colin Currie continues to accompany the Academy, serving as guest artist and soloist.
Mentors of the Grafenegg Academy 2024 are musicians of leading international orchestras.
SCHEDULE 2024
The schedule will include daily rehearsals, Music Lab lectures and workshops, round table discussions, open rehearsals and other social gatherings. In this context, a special focus of the Grafenegg Academy 2024 will be the topic of «improvisation».
11 July: Arrival day
12 – 21 July: Residence
20 July: Late Night Concert
21 July: Prélude Concert
21 July: Orchestra Concert
22 July: Departure day
Grafenegg Academy fellows should arrive on Thursday, 11 July. The date of return travel home will be Monday 22 July.
Note: Each position in the Grafenegg Academy is fully funded by Grafenegg. Travel expenses will be partially reimbursed after submitting an «Application for Travel Allowance». More information can be found under «How to apply for Travel Allowance».
Participants can only submit an «Application for Travel Allowance» after they have received a fixed confirmation for their participation in the Grafenegg Academy.
APPLICATION DETAILS
WHO IS IT FOR?
- Professional musicians and promising advanced music students (finished bachelor’s degree)
- Age limit: 35 years
- Course language: English
Successful applicants will be highly talented young professional musicians at the start of their careers with a keen interest in further musical training that goes beyond the technical and merely athletic aspects of performing music. Curiosity, openness to new ideas, and an ambition to be a leader in tomorrow's musical landscape are all desirable qualities for those wishing to apply.
Selected participants are expected to be in residence for the full ten days of Grafenegg Academy and to be available to rehearse any day of the week—studying and rehearsing works in great depth with primary concern for the music and playing together itself.
To qualify for application, applicants should be professional musicians or graduates of a music university (finished bachelor’s degree) aged 35 years or younger, and play one of the following instruments:
Violin (1st and 2nd)– 22 places available
Viola – 8 places available
Cello – 6 places available
Double bass – 4 places available
Flute ( + Picc.) – 3 places available
Oboe ( + EH) – 3 places available
Clarinet ( + E♭ + Bhn + Bass ) – 3 places available
Bassoon ( + Double Bsn.) – 3 places available
French Horn – 4 places available
Trumpet – 3 places available
Trombone (+ Btbn.) – 3 places available
Tuba – 1 place available
Percussion – 3 places available
Harp – 1 place available
Key instruments – 1 place available
Please find details to all positions on MUVAC.
APPLICATION AND SELECTION
There is no fee to apply for the Grafenegg Academy.
Interested musicians should upload a completed application by Wednesday, 17 January 2024 on MUVAC.
Completed applications require the following:
- Curriculum vitae in English (maximum of two pages)
- List of up to 20 contemporary works already performed
- Audition videos:
- A piece of own choice (duration max. eight minutes)
- Performance of a compulsory piece (Details can be found at the respective vacancy on MUVAC)
Please note that the recording must not be edited in any way. Before submitting a video audition application, make sure you read the «Guidelines for Recording an Audition Video». - A letter of motivation in English about why you want to participate in the Grafenegg Academy, answering the following questions:
- Why do you want to participate in the Grafenegg Academy?
- What interests you most about the Grafenegg Academy?
- What have been exciting or unusual projects you have participated in recently? - A letter of recommendation from a professional orchestra or a promoter of classical music concerts
Please note, that all documents must be uploaded via MUVAC. Only complete applications will be considered.
The Artistic Team headed by the Artistic Curator will decide on participation upon receipt of the application package and recordings. Successful candidates will be contacted by Wednesday, 28 February 2024 with further information.
Should applicants find, after making an application, that they are no longer able to attend the Grafenegg Academy during the specified dates, we ask them to please let us know as soon as possible, and definitely before Wednesday, 14 February 2024.
INFORMATION & APPLICATION MANAGEMENT
You can find further information on the application for the Grafenegg Academy 2024 here >
For additional information or questions please feel free to contact us:
Fateme Beytollahi | Orchestra Manager
Matias Alzola | Artistic Administration
E: academy@grafenegg.com
T: +43 2735 5500 510
Akkordeon stop
