SOUNDS OF CHANGE Open Call: Café Evropa
Orchestra Academy

18 – 25 June 2025 in Ossiach, Austria
followed by performances in Slovenia, Serbia and Portugal

We are thrilled to announce that applications for the Orchestra Academy of the Ljubljana International Orchestra (LIO) are now open!

This year’s orchestra academy stands as a centerpiece of the EU project, Sounds of Change, a Creative Europe programme, co-funded by the European Union.  Culminating in the world premiere of the chamber opera Café Evropa, the project partners have gone into an ambitious collaboration with acclaimed composer Christoph Renhart, who has masterfully crafted the opera’s music to accompany the evocative libretto Between Memories by Alexandre Honrado.

Café Evropa is a groundbreaking work that delves into enduring questions about Europe’s identity and existence. Through a unique blend of mythological narratives and the timeless wisdom of Europe’s great thinkers and poets, this opera offers an artistic exploration of the continent’s past, present, and future.

About the Orchestra Academy

The Orchestra Academy offers curious, passionate, and enthusiastic musicians an intensive programme where they can develop their personal potential and gain invaluable experience for the future.

The educational programme is put together by the Ljubljana International Orchestra’s chief conductor, Živa Ploj Peršuh, in close cooperation with internationally renowned musicians invited to participate in the programme as music professors. This is an invaluable experience and a unique opportunity for all, as it develops momentum and fosters passion for musical performance.

 

Participating musicians are provided with accommodation, meals, and travel expenses by the EU project, Sounds of Change. 

The Call is open for

Violin – Viola – Violoncello – Double bass (5 strings)
Flute – Oboe – Clarinet in B – Bass clarinet in B – Bassoon
Horn – Trumpet – Trombone
Percussion
Harp

Audition requirements

Video recording of 2 shorter compositions of your choice:
1 standard repertoire piece and
1 contemporary music piece from the 20th or 21st century (strongly encouraged).

Timeline of the Orchestra Academy

Orchestra Academy: 18 – 24 June 2025 (Austria)

World Premiere: 25 June 2025 (Austria)

Further performances: 27 – 30 June 2025 (Slovenia, Serbia and Portugal)

*We reserve the right to change the schedule and location of all project related activities.

The Artistic Team

Composer Christoph Renhart
Conductor Živa Ploj Peršuh
Librettist Alexandre Honrado
Stage director Aleksandar Nikolić
Dramaturg Tibor Pandur
Scenographer Atej Tutta
Costume designer
Senka Ranisavljević

We invite you to apply for the opportunity to join us for this transformative experience in the enchanting setting of the Carinthische Musikakademie in Ossiach, Austria. Selected participants will have the unique opportunity to work with esteemed professionals, preparing for a series of unforgettable performances in Austria, Slovenia, Serbia and Portugal.

 

Application deadline: 15 March 2025

The Carinthische Musikakademie, Ossiach, Austria

SOUNDS OF CHANGE / EUROPEAN COOPERATION PROJECT (CREATIVE EUROPE – CULTURE)

Sounds of Change is a project funded by the European Union through the Creative Europe programme that focuses mainly on generating opportunities for young musicians as well as artists from other disciplines.

Among other activities, Sounds of Change provides musicians with residencies, rehearsals and performances in an international context, workshops, master classes, seminars and training activities. Contexts that encourage exchanges among established artists and young artists, including the creation of different pieces, shows and productions, and the “Orchestral Academy”, an orchestra of young musicians that is convened every summer.

Sounds of Change aims to contribute to rethinking the Europe of the future in a sustainable environment that acknowledges the different identities and values that make up Europe. It is from this perspective that each of its projects and activities are created.

Innovation, multidisciplinary, staging work and the generation of professional experiences of international exchange are part of the spirit of Sounds of Change and this new Opera: Café Evropa.

Five partners are part of Sounds of Change: The Portuguese Philharmonic Orchestra (Portugal) as project leaders, together with the Serbian National Theatre (Serbia), Noletia (Spain), the Koblenz International Music Festival (Germany) and the Cultural Institution BSA (Slovenia).

More info about Sounds of Change:

www.soundsofchange.eu

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