Kurt Masur Academy Orchesterakademie der Dresdner Philharmonie
Since the academic year 2017/2018, the Kurt Masur Academy offers young, exceptionally talented professional musicians from Germany and abroad the opportunity to prepare for their future careers within a prestigious, top-tier orchestra and to experience the unique playing culture and sound ideal of the Dresden Philharmonic. Simultaneously, they enroll in the four-semester advanced "Master's Program in Music with a Focus on Orchestral Practice" at the Carl Maria von Weber University of Music Dresden.
Training
The Kurt Masur Academy students receive individual instrumental lessons at the Carl Maria von Weber University of Music Dresden, usually taught by musicians from the Dresden Philharmonic.
They participate in the intensive rehearsals and concerts of the Dresden Philharmonic, and, whenever possible, also in CD productions and international concert tours, performing up to 16 orchestral shifts per month.
They are mentored by a member of the relevant section of the Dresden Philharmonic.
The academy students work on chamber music pieces under the guidance of orchestra members and perform them in special concerts of the Kurt Masur Academy.
Whenever possible, audition training and workshops on music education, public speaking, contract law, copyright, and marketing complement the program.
Who can apply?
In principle, the advanced master's program with a focus on orchestral practice at the Kurt Masur Academy and the Dresden University of Music is open to students of all classical orchestral instruments.
Each year, positions for the upcoming season and academic year are advertised. Interested candidates may apply for these positions after the advertisement has been published.
About the Application
Links & Informations
Dresden Philharmonic - Kurt Masur Academy
The current brochure for the Kurt Masuar Academy can be found on the Dresden Philharmonic's website in the download section
All study documents from the HfM Dresden can be found on the page for the Master Orchestral Practice
Dresden Philharmonic
Sir Donald Runnicles is Chief Conductor of the Dresden Philharmonic since the 2025/26 season. As designated Chief Conductor of the Dresden Philharmonic, he will lead three projects in the 2024/25 season: Mahler and Haydn for the season opening, Beethoven at the turn of the year, and Britten's "War Requiem" on February 13, 2025, the 80th anniversary of the destruction of Dresden.
Over the course of his 45-year career, Sir Donald Runnicles has built his reputation on enduring relationships with leading symphony orchestras and opera houses. With his focus on depth rather than breadth, he has held leading artistic positions at the Deutsche Oper Berlin (since 2009), the San Francisco Opera (1992–2008), the Grand Teton Music Festival (since 2005), the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra (2009–2016), and the Orchestra of St. Luke's (2001–2007). Sir Donald was also Principal Guest Conductor of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for more than two decades (2001–2023) and is the first-ever Principal Guest Conductor of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra (since 2019). In February 2024, Runnicles was appointed Chief Conductor of the Dresden Philharmonic, a post he will assume with the 2025/26 season.
Further information
Dresden Philharmonic
Sir Donald Runnicles