These master classes are designed to provide an important experience often lacking in the formation of young artists: the rehearsing and performing as soloist with orchestra. The course is intended primarily for singers and pianists preparing for competitions or for opera engagements. To be performed are concerti, opera arias and orchestral song cycles. Participants are also offered the opportunity to perform and receive instruction in solo works.

Study begins in Vienna with rehearsals with piano, followed by two rehearsals and one performance with the Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra in the Unesco World Heritage City of Olomouc in the Czech Republic. Additional rehearsals will be made available in the nearby Cultural Heritage City of Kromeriz.

Olomouc, a Moravian city with approx. 100.000 inhabitants, is in the Czech Republic. It is approximately 270 km east of Prague and 200 km northeast of Vienna and is (similarly to Prague and Brno) rich in historical objects of interest. Archbishop Rudolf, Beethoven’s friend, pupil and patron, was a resident of the city. Olomouc is one of the few places in which Beethoven spent extended periods of time after his move to Vienna from Bonn. The young Gustav Mahler was 1882/1883 Kapellmeister for the City Opera; the Moravian Philharmonic was at that time both opera and concert orchestra. Since 1948 the Philharmonic is an independent state orchestra.

All performances will be recorded and participants will receive professional quality CD’s of their concerts.