BERGSAITEN – International Summer Academy in Neuberg an der Mürz
July 21st to 26th, 2025
Dear Musicians,
The International Summer Academy BERGSAITEN is opening its doors in this new format as part of the Neuberger Kulturtage, offering young instrumentalists a beautiful and inspiring environment in which to foster their motivation and musical development. ‘’ It is too beautiful here!’’ wrote Johannes Brahms about this area where he composed his Fourth Symphony, among other works.
Participants will have the opportunity to devote themselves to their individual musical issues, technical challenges, and interpretative approaches ,while also drawing energy from the powerful natural surroundings.
From the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz, I am delighted to welcome Maighréad McCrann (1st Concertmaster of the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra), Stefan Schilling (1st Solo Clarinetist of the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra), and the musicologist Dr. Harald Haslmayr, who will share his insights regarding the concert programmes. Like myself, all three hold professorships in Graz.
Joining us from Berlin is the esteemed violist Hartmut Rohde, (Professor of Viola at the Berlin University of the Arts) as well as Thomas Lange, the founder of The Art of Resonance. The fundamental principle of this approach is based on natural laws: “The richer the resonance of the sound, the more effortless and effective the musical movement.” This will be explored in workshops through numerous sound and movement exercises.
This year, in addition to working on solo repertoire, audition training and stage presence, we will place a special emphasis on key works of chamber music. Here, students will have the opportunity to make music ‘’side by side’’ with the faculty.
Neuberg is not only a place for shared learning and music-making but also a space for meaningful encounters ,discourse and new musical connections. Spontaneous chamber music sessions and numerous performance opportunities at unique concert venues will lend this week its distinctive character.
We look forward to many enriching encounters in Neuberg—filled with resonant strings and stunning mountains!
Julian Arp
(artistic director of the International Summer Academy BERGSAITEN)
