Learning from the professionals
The application phase for the "Weimar Master Classes" in July 2023 has begun
It's that time again: the University of Music FRANZ LISZT Weimar invites you to its traditional "Weimar Master Classes". For the 63rd time, masters of their field will come to the Weimar University of Music to teach aspiring talents from all over the world.
From 15 to 29 July, there will be rehearsals, polishing, rehearsals and performances. Online applications are possible at www.hfm-weimar.de/weimar-master-classes. The closing date for applications is 15 May.
Anyone between 18 and 35 years of age can apply for active participation. A total of ten guest professors will teach the international young musicians violin, viola, violoncello, piano, clarinet, horn and voice.
After a pre-selection process, around 100 young musicians are expected to take part in the courses. The intensive course work is supplemented by the orchestra studio with the Jena Philharmonic Orchestra. Selected course participants will have the opportunity to play as soloists with a multi-award-winning orchestra.
In addition, the participants give course concerts and have the opportunity to experience their teachers live in concert. All "Weimar Master Classes" are open to the public and can be attended with one-day tickets: The public is welcome not only at the concerts but also in the classes.
Tanja Becker-Bender is leading one of the first courses this year: she is coming to Weimar for a Master Class in violin. Becker-Bender is a professor at the Hamburg University of Music and Theatre and performs as a soloist with renowned orchestras worldwide.
Lukas Hagen will also teach young violinists - and also teaches chamber music. He plays in the legendary Hagen Quartet and is professor of violin and chamber music at the Mozarteum University in Salzburg.
Those who missed Hariolf Schlichtig's master class two years ago will now have another chance: the world-renowned chamber musician, soloist and teacher will teach viola.
Wen-Sinn Yang passes on his knowledge and skills on the violoncello. He is one of the most versatile cellists of our time and teaches as a professor at the Munich University of Music and Theatre. Valentin Erben is also coming to Weimar for a cello and chamber music course. With his Alban Berg Quartet, he left his mark on the international string quartet scene for almost 40 years. Until his retirement in 2013, Erben taught at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna.
Piano course applicants have the choice between a master class with Konstantin Scherbakov or Robert D. Levin. Levin also offers lessons in piano chamber music. The American pianist was Professor of Humanities at Harvard University near Boston from 1993 to 2014. Konstantin Scherbakov studied in Moscow and currently works as a professor at the Zurich University of the Arts.
Charles Neidich is also travelling to Weimar this summer. He is offering a course in clarinet. A passionate advocate of contemporary music, he is currently on the artist faculties of the Juilliard School, the Manhattan School of Music and the Mannes College of Music.
In the horn section, there will be a master class with Jörg Brückner, who holds a professorship in horn at the University of Music FRANZ LISZT Weimar. Brückner was principal horn of the Munich Philharmonic and is frequently engaged for performances with the Berlin Philharmonic.
This year, Christiane Iven will take over the master class in singing. She is a professor of singing at the Munich University of Music and Performing Arts. She also works as a coach and consultant in the fields of music, theatre and music education.
Course participants can also look forward to the orchestra studio with the Jena Philharmonic Orchestra. With its orchestra studio, the Weimar Master Classes offer unique solo rehearsal conditions for a selection of the best participants. The orchestra is conducted by Markus L. Frank.
Further information and registration: www.hfm-weimar.de/weimar-master-classes
[30 March 2023]