Festivalensemble Stuttgart
A unique opportunity!
Come study, rehearse and perform music over a three week period with Helmuth Rilling.
Apply now to take part in the 2008 sessions!

Who can take part?
Applications are invited from musicians worldwide. Singers should be aged between 18 and 30 and orchestral musicians aged between 18 and 28. The course languages are German and/or English. Candidates should have a good working knowledge of either of these languages.

What works will be performed in 2008?
The following works will be studied and performed in 2008:
Johann Sebastian Bach
St. Matthew's Passion BWV 244
Franz Schubert
Symphony No. 7 ("Unfinished")
Mass in A-flat major
"Gesang der Geister über den Wassern" (mp3).
Moreover, choir singers and instrumentalists will have the opportunity to present themselves within smaller ensembles with a cappella music and different instrumental works.

Who will conduct the choir and orchestra?
Helmuth Rilling and internationally renowned music teachers and professors of the flute, oboe, clarinet/bassoon, brass, violin, viola, cello and double bass will work with the ensemble in group and general rehearsals. The preparation of the choir will be led by Klaus Breuninger in cooperation with the voice teachers.

What is the size of the choir and orchestra?
St. Matthew Passion BWV 244
orchestra 1: flute (2), oboe – with oboe d’amore und english horn (2), bassoon (1) strings (5.4.3.3.2)
orchestra 2: flute (2), oboe - with oboe d’amore (2), bassoon (1) strings (5.4.3.2.1) viola da gamba* and organ*
choir 1 und choir 2 (26 voices each)
soloists SATBB*
SCHUBERT Symphony No. 7
flute (2), oboe (2), clarinet (2), bassoon (2), french horn (2), trumpet (2), trombone (3), timpani, strings (10.8.6.5.3)
Gesang der Geister über den Wassern
low strings (viola, cello, double bass) male choir
Mass in A-flat major
flute (1), oboe (2), clarinet (2), bassoon (2), french horn (2), trumpet (2), trombone (3), timpani, strings (10.8.6.5.3)
mixed choir
soloists SATB*
* positions not available through auditions!

What are the dates and locations?
Rehearsals and concerts will take place from August 12 to September 1. You must be available for the whole time. The concerts of the Festivalensemble Stuttgart will be a major point of the Europäisches Musikfest Stuttgart. Additional concerts will take place within the Reichenau Monastery and at the Rheingau Music Festival.

How much does it cost?
Travel, accommodation, meals, course fee costs and per diems will be paid for by the Internationale Bachakademie Stuttgart for all members of the ensemble. A 15 Euro registration fee is charged for all applicants (application is free for musicians from Eastern Europe, Russia, Ukraine, Cuba and Africa).

The wonderful Salem Cooking!

How do I take part?
You can win a place through auditioning. Auditions take place in Europe, Canada and the USA from March 25 to April 8, 2008. Recorded auditions are also possible. Closing date for applications is March 8, 2008.

If I win a place, what are my committments?
After auditioning, successful candidates will be notified no later than April 30, 2008. You will be required to sign a contract with us confirming your availability for the whole period and to partake fully in all musical activities.

How were the previous years?
Click "retrospect" to read about the years 2001–2007.

The best and quickest way to communicate with us is via email.

Download prospectus:  english    deutsch