Orchestral Soloist

Conducting

Academy

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Registration for the 2026 Orchestral Soloist Program at the Berlin-Bechstein Summer Academy is currently closed. However, if you would like to be informed about our winter and summer dates for 2027, please feel free to subscribe here.
Registration for the Conducting Academy with Prof. Ulrich Windfuhr at the Berlin-Bechstein Summer Academy is currently closed. However, if you would like to be informed about new dates for his 2027 masterclass, please feel free to subscribe here.

Aug. 11-17, 2026 Berlin-Bechstein Summer Academy - Conducting Academy with

Prof. Ulrich Windfuhr

Berliner Symphoniker ● Ernst Reuter Saal

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Ernst Reuter Saal ● Schloss Britz





Aug. 11-17, 2026 Berlin-Bechstein Summer Academy - Orchestral Soloist



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Berliner Symphoniker

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Berlin Academy Chamber Orchestra

under the leadership of Concertmaster Prof. Tomasz Tomaszewski

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Neues Sinfonieorchester Berlin

Year-Round Opportunities

We offer exceptional opportunities for musicians and conductors aspiring to lead or perform with an orchestra, prepare for international competitions, or for composers seeking to premiere new works. Our orchestral program operates year-round, extending well beyond the Summer Academy. Simply let us know your preferred orchestra, repertoire, venue, and dates. We will do our best to bring your vision to life.

The Collaborating Orchestras

Berliner Symphoniker

(Berlin, Germany)

Conductor: TBA

The Berliner Symphoniker has been a key part of Berlin’s cultural scene since 1990. Based mainly in the Berliner Philharmonie, the orchestra performs widely across Berlin and beyond, including the Konzerthaus, the University of the Arts, and regional venues like Chorin Abbey. Led by renowned chief conductors, it offers a diverse repertoire from classical masterpieces to contemporary works, with a strong focus on education through school and family concerts. With international tours across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, the Berliner Symphoniker continues to bring high-quality symphonic music to audiences at home and abroad.

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Berlin Academy Chamber Orchestra

under the leadership of Concertmaster Prof. Tomasz Tomaszewski

(Berlin, Germany)

Prof. Tomasz Tomaszewski is a cornerstone of Berlin’s musical scene, renowned as both a premier soloist and visionary leader. Since 1982, he has served as First Concertmaster of the Deutsche Oper Berlin, collaborating with legendary conductors such as Daniel Barenboim and Sir Simon Rattle. He is also founder and director of the Kammersolisten der Deutschen Oper Berlin, leading top-tier Berlin musicians in internationally acclaimed chamber performances. As a professor at the Berlin University of the Arts (UdK), he bridges professional mastery and academic mentorship, guiding academy chamber initiatives and integrating emerging talent with seasoned players. His career exemplifies collaborative excellence and musical leadership.

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CosmoKultur - Armonia Ludus

(Vienna, Austria)

Conductor: Mikheil Menabde

Armonia Ludus is a highly specialized professional chamber orchestra and ensemble-in-residence for the CosmoKultur association, recognized for its focus on the intellectual and emotional depth of Musical Modernism. Led by acclaimed conductor Mikheil Menabde, the ensemble includes elite, hand-picked musicians from European cultural hubs such as Vienna and St. Gallen. They are known for mastering technically demanding contemporary repertoire, from the Second Viennese School to 21st-century premieres. By bridging classical tradition and modern innovation, Armonia Ludus delivers high-concept performances in world-class venues like the Brahms-Saal of the Vienna Musikverein.

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Vratsa Philharmonic Orchestra

(Sofia, Bulgaria)

Conductor: Ivan Iliev

Video Reference

The Vratsa Philharmonic Orchestra, also known as the Vratsa Symphony Orchestra, is a professional Bulgarian ensemble with roots stretching back to early 20th‑century musical traditions and gaining full philharmonic status in 1973. Based in Northwestern Bulgaria, it presents a vibrant season of symphonic concerts, opera, and oratorio performances, with programming ranging from Baroque and Classical masterworks to Romantic and contemporary works. The orchestra collaborates with leading guest soloists and conductors and participates in regional tours and international engagements. It is known for its dynamic repertoire, educational initiatives, and commitment to nurturing young talent, serving as an important cultural ambassador for Vratsa and Bulgaria’s musical heritage.

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Shumen Philharmonic

(Sofia, Bulgaria)

Conductor: Ivan Iliev

The Shumen Philharmonic Orchestra (officially Sinfonietta Shumen) is one of Bulgaria's most historic musical institutions, serving as the direct successor to the nation’s very first orchestra founded in 1848. Formally established as a state institution in 1954, the ensemble is celebrated for preserving Bulgarian national traditions while maintaining a sophisticated international presence through tours across Europe and Asia. Under the leadership of chief conductors like Kalina Vasileva and Lyubomir Denev-son, the orchestra performs a diverse repertoire ranging from classical symphonic masterpieces and operettas to contemporary Bulgarian premieres, consistently upholding its reputation as a vital "cradle" of Bulgarian orchestral culture.

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Oltenia Philharmonic Orchestra

(Craiova, Romania)

Conductor: Ivan Iliev

Established in 1904 and formalized by Royal Decree in 1947, the Oltenia Philharmonic Orchestra of Craiova is one of Romania’s leading cultural institutions. Comprising around 80 professional musicians, it performs a repertoire from Baroque to contemporary works, including symphonies, operas, and jazz arrangements. The orchestra has collaborated with world-renowned soloists and conductors, such as Igor Oistrakh and Katia Ricciarelli, and toured extensively across Europe, including Italy, France, and Germany. A cornerstone of the regional arts scene, it also hosts the annual Music Craiova International Festival and maintains a strong recording legacy with labels like Electrecord and V.D. Gallo.

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Orchestra Manhattan

(New York, USA)

Conductor: David Wroe

Orchestra Manhattan, including musicians from The New Jersey Festival Orchestra and conducted by Maestro David Wroe, is a premier professional symphony orchestra. It has grown to become one of New Jersey’s largest orchestras, performing across many cultural communities and appearing regularly at venues such as Carnegie Hall. The name reflects a celebration of musical diversity and experiences that expand classical performance boundaries. Programs include classical and contemporary works, often fusing fine arts and popular culture. In addition to a subscription season, popular concerts, and New Year’s Eve celebrations, the orchestra sponsors educational and music therapy programs throughout New Jersey.

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Ensemble Taiwan & Guests

(Taipei, Taiwan)

Conductor: Michael Chih Yuan Chang 

Founded in 2015, Ensemble Taiwan & Guests promotes social inclusion and artistic coexistence through charity concerts, international collaborations, and community outreach projects. Between 2014 and 2025, its performances raised over NT$2.5 million for social welfare organizations in Taiwan. Major projects include collaborations at the Berlin Philharmonie with artists connected to Kronberg Academy, interdisciplinary productions recognized by the Taoyuan Wind Festival, and international online performances praised by UK media. Recent projects also feature collaborations with European and Latin American artists.

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ARTISTIC & PROFESSIONAL BENEFITS



VIDEO RECORDING



A high-resolution professional video recording will be provided for the orchestral concert, suitable for competition, audition, and professional portfolio use.





PROMOTION & ARTIST MATERIALS

The concert will be promoted through an official event poster featuring all participating soloists. In addition, each participant will receive an individually designed artist poster featuring their portrait, repertoire, and orchestra. This will be used for artist profile promotion across our social media channels and may also be used for personal promotion, portfolio submissions, and professional presentation in future engagements.





CAREER DEVELOPMENT VALUE

This opportunity is designed to provide young artists with a professional-level orchestral performance experience in Berlin, supporting their development toward international competitions, conservatory applications, and early career positioning.

CONCERTO REPERTOIRE & ORCHESTRA CATEGORIES

Other instruments are welcome. Please refer to the list as a reference or contact us by email for confirmation.

Category 1: Concertos for Chamber Orchestra



Piano

* Bach: All Keyboard Concertos (BWV 1052–1065)

* Haydn: Keyboard Concerto No. 11 in D Major

* Mozart: All 27 Piano Concertos (especially Nos. 11, 12, and 13)

* Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Major

* Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat Major

* Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major (famously transparent)

* Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor

* Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor

* Mendelssohn: Piano Concerto No. 1 in G minor

* Mendelssohn: Piano Concerto No. 2 in D minor

* Shostakovich: Piano Concerto No. 1 (Piano, Trumpet, and Strings)



Violin

* Bach: Violin Concertos in A minor and E Major

* Bach: Double Violin Concerto in D minor

* Vivaldi: The Four Seasons (and all other violin concertos)

* Haydn: Violin Concertos in C, G, and A Major

* Mozart: All 5 Violin Concertos (K. 207, 211, 216, 218, 219)

* Beethoven: Violin Concerto in D Major

* Beethoven: Romances No. 1 and No. 2

* Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto in E minor

* Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto in D minor (Early work for strings)

* Schubert: Konzertstück in D Major



Viola

* Telemann: Viola Concerto in G Major

* Stamitz: Viola Concerto in D Major

* Hoffmeister: Viola Concerto in D Major

* Hummel: Potpourri (Fantasy) for Viola and Orchestra

* Hindemith: Trauermusik (Viola and Strings)

* Hindemith: Der Schwanendreher

* Mozart: Sinfonia Concertante for Violin and Viola (K. 364)



Cello

* C.P.E. Bach: Cello Concertos in A Major, A minor, and B-flat Major

* Haydn: Cello Concerto No. 1 in C Major

* Haydn: Cello Concerto No. 2 in D Major

* Boccherini: All 12 Cello Concertos

* Saint-Saëns: Cello Concerto No. 1 in A minor

* Tchaikovsky: Variations on a Rococo Theme (Original Version)



Category 2: Concertos for Full Symphony Orchestra

(also feasible with a medium-sized chamber orchestra)



Piano

* Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor (The first "Symphonic" one), No. 5 "Emperor"

* Grieg: Piano Concerto in A minor

* Liszt: Piano Concerto No. 1 and No. 2



Violin

* Wieniawski: Violin Concerto No. 1 in F-sharp minor, No. 2 in D minor

* Paganini: Violin Concertos No. 1 through 6

* Bruch: Violin Concerto No. 1 and Scottish Fantasy

* Dvořák: Violin Concerto in A minor

* Lalo: Symphonie Espagnole



Viola

* Schnittke: Viola Concerto



Cello

* Dvořák: Cello Concerto in B minor

* Elgar: Cello Concerto in E minor

* Shostakovich: Cello Concerto No. 1 and No. 2

* Lalo: Cello Concerto in D minor



Category 3: Concertos for Full Symphony Orchestra



Piano

* Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1 and No. 2

* Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1, 2, and 3

* Rachmaninoff: Piano Concertos No. 1, 2, 3, and 4

* Prokofiev: Piano Concerto No. 2, 3, and 5



Violin

* Brahms: Violin Concerto in D Major

* Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto in D Major

* Sibelius: Violin Concerto in D minor



Viola

* Bartók: Viola Concerto

* Berlioz: Harold in Italy (Viola and Large Orchestra)

* Walton: Viola Concerto



Cello

* Dvořák: Cello Concerto in B minor

* Strauss: Don Quixote

* Prokofiev: Sinfonia Concertante

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