Orchestral Academy

The Czech Philharmonic takes a keen interest in educating up-and-coming generations of young musicians, many of whom may, in the future, ascend to its ranks. That is why the Orchestral Academy was established in the 2012/2013 season.

The Academy provides the opportunity for young musicians to enhance their education, and to gain valuable experience with the Czech Republic’s leading orchestra. The Academy is especially suitable for graduates of music performance programmes at the secondary and/or university level. Applicants between the ages of 18 and 26, of any nationality, are welcomed.

The Academy’s emphasis is not only on orchestral playing, but also on development in the field of chamber music, gained through participation in concerts with the Czech Chamber Music Society and the Czech Philharmonic’s education programmes.

The integration of the energy and intelligence of young, gifted musicians into the Czech Philharmonic will undoubtedly contribute to the Orchestra’s continued success. In founding its own Orchestral Academy, the Czech Philharmonic acknowledges the long tradition of high-quality musical education in the Czech Republic, and looks forward to enriching this tradition by fostering new talent.

Members of the Orchestral Academy

MF

Michael Foršt

violin

MK

Michaela Kostková

violin

JK

Jakub Křivánek

violin

MP

Michaela Pondělíčková

violin

RS

Reika Sakamoto

violin

SSW

Solvejg Sulamith Wilding

violin

viola

viola

cello

cello

double bass

double bass

harp

flute

oboe

clarinet

bassoon

French horn

trumpet

trombone

tuba

timpani and percussion

SS

Suga Sanae

timpani and percussion

Information

Applications

Students between the ages of 18 and 26 (decisive is the age on the day of the audition) may apply to the Orchestral Academy.
New positions are available below in Auditions.

Auditions

There are no current auditions.

Duration of Academy Courses

Each student participates in Academy life for two concert seasons, each of which is approximately 10 months long, beginning in September and ending in June.

Individual Tuition

Alongside studying orchestral parts and preparing for rehearsals and concerts, students are instructed by the leading musicians of the Czech Philharmonic. Each student receives four hours of individual tuition every month.

Orchestral Training

Students undergo orchestral training during the 10 month duration of each concert season. Experience is gained through artistic participation in up to 80 orchestral activities (including rehearsals, concerts and recording sessions), comprising approximately 10 orchestral projects over the course of 10 weeks. Students will most frequently participate in rehearsals and concerts as part of the Czech Philharmonic’s regular subscription season in Prague.

Chamber Music Training and Educational Programmes

Students will collaborate with the Czech Chamber Music Society and the Czech Philharmonic’s educational programmes, within which five chamber orchestra performances in which every Academy student will perform.

Scholarship

Students of the Academy receive a scholarship (up to 44,000 CZK/concert season, depending on the number of orchestral activities at which the student participates).

Graduation

After completing the Academy’s two-year programme, each student will receive a certificate issued by the Czech Philharmonic, recording their graduation from the Orchestral Academy of the Czech Philharmonic.

Expenses

The Czech Philharmonic cannot provide Academy students with accommodation, or financial assistance for accommodation, or travel expenses. Students are not entitled to receive concert attire or instruments, or extra funding towards these items, from the Czech Philharmonic.