Joseph Keilberth Orchestra Academy (Scholarships)

The Joseph Keilberth Orchestra Academy in Bamberg offers a two-year scholarship program that prepares young emerging musicians from their studies or shortly after completing their musical training for a professional career in a symphony orchestra. The focus is on intensive practical experience within the professional ensemble of the Bamberg Symphony – including joint concert projects with renowned soloists and conductors, CD and radio productions, as well as national orchestra tours. Under the guidance of experienced section leaders, the academy members benefit from individual lessons, audition training, and workshops in mental training and body work. This way, the complex skill of performing together in a large orchestra is taught in a hands-on manner and continuously refined.

The program is aimed at talented musicians from Bavaria who aspire to a career as orchestral players. During the maximum 24-month “apprenticeship” period, multitasking skills are trained alongside musical excellence: simultaneously reading the score, responding to the conductor and ensemble, and lightning-fast ensemble playing. Another highlight is a joint chamber concert, in which the academy members independently develop and perform programs together with ensemble members. The Bamberger Symphoniker Foundation – Bavarian State Philharmonic ensures continuous artistic supervision as the funding body and enables this unique training initiative through state and municipal grants. The scholarship thus creates the ideal transition from university studies to professional orchestral music practice.