»The idea of a united Europe is more important today than ever. With full dedication, we strive to keep the European vision alive through our cultural activities. Together with the Balthasar Neumann Ensembles, we stand for a future-orientated vision of Europe. Despite all adversities, we believe in a free, values-based Europe, where people meet each other with understanding, friendship, and tolerance, working together rather than against one another.«
Thomas Hengelbrock
»NOVA is highly relevant for the sector’s professionalisation and of young musicians in particular, with elements of innovation.«
European Union
Balthasar NOVA is a visionary European academy programme that accompanies outstanding young musicians on their journey to a successful, self-determined career as freelancers in the international music scene. The programme not only offers comprehensive, hands-on education in historically informed performance practice but also fosters critical awareness of the artist’s social responsibility. Through its European orientation and the involvement of participants from at least 20 European countries, this goal radiates internationally. The first of two NOVA editions, each lasting 18 months, started in March 2025.
The programme is structured in intense project weeks, tutoring and mentoring sessions as well as further on site and online activities. Nevertheless, it leaves enough flexibility to pursue independent projects, complete postgraduate studies, or network with other ensembles. In this way, a valuable bridge is created between the completion of studies and the start of a successful professional career. For onsite activities, each NOVI will receive a per diem that reflects the professional standards of the programme.
For the first time, a full curriculum academy programme of a high-quality European freelance orchestra for historically informed instrumental performance is co-financed with public funds. This confirms the high demand for holistic education from this side as well. Balthasar NOVA actively contributes to promoting European values such as cultural exchange, unity and peace. By educating and networking young musicians from across Europe, Balthasar NOVA makes a valuable contribution to the sustainability of the music sector.
Nine project periods form the main part of each NOVA edition. The participants rehearse and perform side by side with their tutors and deepen their theoretical knowledge in a variety of workshops. By combining education grounded in historical knowledge with future-facing formats, the NOVIs not only remain "historically informed”, but also learn how to place their artistic endeavors in a broader context and to critically question their relevance for society.
The NOVIs perform in concerts as independent NOVA orchestra and in chamber music formations. Nevertheless, sometimes the NOVIs become part of large-scale projects of the Balthasar Neumann Choir and Orchestra. Some of the project weeks are organized within the BECOMING! format of the Balthasar Neumann Academy and culminate in social concerts. The collaboration with the Cuban-European Youth Academy also strengthens the international dialogue and brings the participants into contact with other musical and working cultures. Like the projects of the Balthasar Neumann Choir and Orchestra, most of the NOVA courses and projects take place primarily at the ensembles’ five residencies. Open commented rehearsals, opportunities to meet the musicians and special concert introductions offer accessible opportunities for participation for the audience.
The NOVIs are entrusted with the organization of musical ‘salons’, bringing a format that was once fruitful for artistic and social discourse into the present day: a semi-public space for making music for an audience, trying out new things, discussing cultural issues or socio-political topics. Together with external experts, the participants discuss topics from the fields of society, politics or the environment and develop a holistic programme which is presented to the public afterwards. This offers the opportunity to try out new formats, creates space for audience development and allows the musicians to expand their skills in artistic communication.
Balthasar NOVA provides a 1:1 tutoring and mentoring programme to support the musical and personal development of the participants. Regular individual lessons and masterclasses with the NOVA tutors foster the NOVIs‘ instrumental abilities, expand their knowledge skills of period instrument playing and provide a fresh and innovative approach to classical music interpretation. Every NOVI has his or her tutor also as mentor for all issues related to the career as a musician, the instrument, artistic development and the life as a freelance musician in general.
To offer more than that and to obtain advice in specific fields that are typical parts of a professional career as a freelance musician, Balthasar NOVA also offers a topic related mentoring. Experienced personalities from the Balthasar Neumann Choir and Orchestra give advice on topics like cultural entrepreneurship, female empowerment, gender justice, financial planning and the Alexander Technique.
As part of monthly workshops, participants deal with topics such as dramaturgy, fundraising, marketing, social media, artificial intelligence, diversity and sustainability. If not part of an onsite project week, the workshops are held online so that international experts can be invited, and travel can be minimized. The workshops offer the opportunity for personal development and therefore invite the participants to get to the bottom of things, show the best version of theirselves, and widen their horizon. The NOVIs are furthermore supported in networking in the music scene and making important international contacts.
Social activities are an integral part of the Balthasar NOVA programme. With concerts in social institutions such as hospitals, youth psychiatric centers and retirement homes, the participants bring the music directly to the people and can experience its therapeutic dimension. With performances in educational institutions or together with youth choirs, the participants fascinate and inspire future generations and show the relevance of the music of past times for today.
All orchestral and chamber music rehearsals as part of the NOVA projects are open and listeners are always welcome. This creates an intensive exchange with the audience that raises awareness about cultural integration.
Meet our NOVA tutors and mentors and gain fascinating insights into a wide range of topics related to music and freelancing.
Meet the 25 participants of the first edition of Balthasar NOVA and find out what Europe means to them.
