The second Bach Academy of the European Music Trails will take place in Modena/Italy in July 2024. Interested instrumentalists can apply now.

15 period instrumentalists and 3 singers will be conducted by Mario Sollazzo from the 18th to the 25th of July, 2024 in Modena (Italy) followed by an additional concert in Saint-Donat (France) on the 27th of July 2024 during the Bach Festival. A second period of rehearsals and concerts will be held in Leipzig (Germany) from the 17th to the 24th of November, 2024.

Supported by the Creative Europe programme, this project is dedicated to students at German, French or Italian conservatories (or similar institutions).

The academy has 4 main goals:
– to offer student instrumentalists and singers an orchestral experience supervised by experienced professionals and to prepare them for their future career
– observe the legacy of J.S. Bach, his connections within Europe and to other European composers
– as well as to offer students connections between these composers’ compositions and the dances of their time by actual dance lessons
– to bring together passionate musicians from different European countries

Musical Programme:
Johann Sebastian Bach
Brandenburg Concerto nr. 2 BWV1047
Brandenburg Concerto nr. 4 BWV1049
Concerto for 3 violins, strings, and continuo BWV1064R
Concerto for flute, violin, harpsichord, strings, and continuo BWV 1044
A selection of vocal pieces for soprano, mezzo, and tenor

Tutors:
Priska Comploi – recorder/winds
Franziska Schoetensack – violin/strings
Augusto Gasbarri – cello/continuo
Mario Sollazzo – conducting, singers and continuo coaching
Nicolle Klinkeberg – dance

The Academy orchestra will be made up of:
3 student singers: soprano, tenor, mezzo
15 student musicians: 6 violins, 2 violas, 2 cellos, 1 violone/double bass, 1 flute, 1 oboe. 1 trumpet, 1 recorder
+
3 tutors and conductor/harpsicordist

Calendar:
18th to the 25th of July 2024: Residency in Modena (Italy) with orchestral rehearsals, dance lessons and instrumental practice. A final concert will be held on the 25th of July in Modena.
26th of July Trip to Saint-Donat, (France).
27th of July Concert in Saint-Donat, Bach Festival, (France).
17th to 24th of November 2024 second residency in Leipzig (Germany) including orchestra concert and musical participation at church service of Bach’s St. Nicolas, participation in pedagogical programme for school children, rehearsing as small ensembles under tutelage of section heads to finally perform short house concerts during the Night of Music at Home annual event.

Daily schedule in Modena:
-    collective baroque dance lessons for all members with Nicolle Klinkeberg (in connection with the Academy’s musical program)
-    instrumentalists: work in small groups under the direction of the section heads
-    singers: style and interpretation accompanied by harpsichord under the direction of Mario Sollazzo
-    tutti: collective rehearsals

Organisation
Participation in the Bach-Academy is free of charge. All travels & accommodation will be covered for all selected students. Meals or per diems will be provided during residencies and concerts.
Students must arrive well prepared on the entire music program for the beginning of the Academy (music scores will be sent in due time).

Application
Deadline 15th of January 2024.

Application for instrumentalists online only:
https://www.teatrocomunalemodena.it/bach-academy-2024-call-for-musicians/

All applications must be sent using the online form (link above) and providing the following:
-    a solo recording (sonata or orchestral excerpts, 3-6 min, with or without bass) from the Baroque repertoire (18th century).
-    an up-to-date CV
-    copy of a valid ID

This Call is opened to musicians who, at the time of application, fulfill the following
requirements:

• They are 18 years of age, or older;
• They are legal residents or valid Visa/Stay permit holders in the EU;
• They are enrolled in a conservatory/university of music or similar or have recently graduated from such an institution