Festivalensemble Stuttgart
A unique opportunity!
Come study, rehearse and perform music over a four week period with Helmuth Rilling.
Apply now to take part in the 2009 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 2009?
The following works will be studied and performed:
Georg Friedrich Händel
Messiah HWV 56
Sven-David Sandström
Messiah

Who will conduct the choir and orchestra?
Helmuth Rilling and internationally renowned music teachers and professors for woodwinds, brass and strings will work with the ensemble in group and tutti rehearsals. The preparation of the choir will be Kathy Romey’s responsibility with assistance of 5 voice coaches.

What is the size of the choir and orchestra?
G. F. Händel, Messiah
oboe (2), bassoon, trumpet (2), timpani, strings (6.6.4.4.2), continuo*
mixed choir (60 voices), soloists SATB*
S.-D. Sandström, Messiah
flute (2), oboe (2), clarinet (2), bassoon (2), french horn (2), trumpet (2), trombone (2), timpani, percussion (2), strings (6.6.4.4.2)
mixed choir (60 voices), soloists SATB*
* positions not available through auditions!

What are the dates and locations?
Rehearsals and concerts will take place from August 12 to September 6 – with an obligatory “post-production” session on September 7. You must be available for the whole time. The rehearsal phase will take place in the “Salem International College” in Überlingen, near Lake Constance. The FES will play concerts in Überlingen, at the Rheingau Music Festival, in Berlin, Homburg (Saar) and Stuttgart. Sandström’s MESSIAH will be recorded for a later CD production at the concert in Stuttgart on September 6, 2009.

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 are either invited by the FES or you can win a place by sending in a recorded audition. Regulations for recorded auditions can be found here.

If I win a place, what are my committments?
After hearing your recorded audition successful candidates will be notified no later than March 31, 2009. 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 2001–2008.

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

For the 2009 Festivalensemble there is no prospectus available.