Orchestra Academy

The Gürzenich Orchestra’s Orchestra Academy fosters young orchestral players and considers itself an international finishing school for talented instrumentalists who prepare here for a professional career after or toward the end of their studies.

Up to 15 exceptional young talents have the chance to experience the daily working life of a leading German symphony and opera orchestra for two years – an ideal transition from studies at a music academy to the musician’s profession.

Members of the Gürzenich Orchestra serve as mentors to the Academy members as they receive their training in daily orchestral life.

The Academy’s training programme includes rehearsals, concerts and opera performances (up to 15 services per month) as well as recordings and tours, regular instrumental and chamber music lessons, workshops and coachings focusing on performance anxiety and improvement of stage presence, audition training and chamber music concerts.

The training programme runs for two years.

German language proficiency on the A2 or B1 level is required.

The conditions include a monthly salary of €800 gross from the Gürzenich Orchestra, plus €200 monthly stipend and an annual lump sum for reeds and strings from the Orchestra Academy association.

During the training period, members’ instruments are insured by the Gürzenich Orchestra.