ORCHESTRA
This summer, join the Croatian Opera
Academy and perform in two fully staged
opera productions side by side with
seasoned professionals.
WHY COA?
The Croatian Opera Academy is more than a summer program, we're a gateway from study to stage.
- Accommodation included - no hidden housing costs.
- Small cohort (20–25 instrumentalists) allows for more individual attention.
- Experience orchestra life with daily rehearsals and mock auditions.
- Sectional rehearsals and chamber music masterclasses provide professional guidance and ensemble awareness.
Imagine stepping into your first opera production: not just in the pit, but in a community built to support your growth. Guided by professionals, and designed to help you find your place in the orchestra.
THE EXPERIENCE
ORCHESTRA LIFE
Daily rehearsals and mock auditions alongside professionals help you adjust quickly and gain real-world experience.
SECTIONAL REHEARSALS
Learn from experts in section-based classes designed to elevate your technique and operatic repertoire.
CHAMBER MUSIC MASTERCLASS
Explore repertoire in smaller groups, building collaboration skills that translate directly to orchestral life.
PROGRAM
DETAILS
4-5 Weeks
Program lasts for 4-5 dedicated weeks depending on the production and repertoire complexity.
500€ Tuition
Tuition fee (500€) includes accommodation. A limited number of merit-based scholarships are available for highly qualified applicants!
Accommodation Included
Included accommodation means your home away from home is ready from the moment you arrive.
2 Locations
The Academy takes place in Croatia across two locations, depending on production, Novi Marof and the historic city of Varaždin - both equipped with all necessary facilities.
4 Productions
The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflöte), Gianni Schicchi, Hänsel und Gretel or Le nozze di Figaro
ORCHESTRA MENTORS
MATIC KUDER
ClarinetMember of the Berliner Philharmoniker since 2021, previously a member of the Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra. Clarinet lecturer at the Akademie für Musik Berlin and the Berlin Institute of Musical Arts.
ANDREJ ŽUST
French HornMember of the Berliner Philharmoniker since 2011, previously a member of the Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra. French horn lecturer at the Barenboim-Said Akademie in Berlin.
DOMAGOJ HABEK
Double BassCo-principal double bassist of the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra.
ANDREA NIKOLIĆ
Violin and ViolaFounder of the Vienna-based WISE: Wien International Soloists Ensemble. Concertmaster at the Institute for Conducting of the MDW – University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. Violin and viola professor at the Vienna Music Centre and Academia Musica Vienna.
HOW TO APPLY?
RECORD THE AUDITION REPERTOIRE
We are accepting applications for Strings, Winds, Brass and Percussion. Please follow repertoire guidelines provided below before applying.
SUBMIT THE APPLICATION FORM
Explore repertoire in smaller groups, building collaboration skills that translate directly to orchestral life.
EARLY-BIRD DEADLINE: JANUARY 20, 2026
NO APPLICATION FEES FOR ORCHESTRAL MUSICIANS.
Audition Guidelines
- Applicants must be aged 18 or older at the time of the program. Applications will be accepted from musicians under the age of 18, provided they demonstrate great musical skills and abilities for their age.
- The audition repertoire should be submitted in one video. Cuts between movements/excerpts are allowed.
- The recording should not be older than one year.
- Piano accompaniment is not necessary.
Strings (Harp Included)
- Exposition of the first movement from a standard repertoire concerto.
- Three contrasting orchestral excerpts or an original piece for solo instrument.
Winds
- Exposition of the first movement from a standard repertoire concerto or sonata.
- Three contrasting orchestral excerpts or an original piece for solo instrument.
> When auditioning also for piccolo, english horn and bass clarinet: in addition to the above program, two contrasting orchestral excerpts specific to the auxiliary instrument.
Percussion
- Three standard orchestral excerpts, at least one of which for timpani.
Répétiteur
- Performance of an operatic aria as piano accompaniment with a singer OR performance of an operatic aria while marking the vocal part.
- Performance of the piano reduction of the following excerpt: Hänsel und Gretel: Act 2, Scene 1 from "Ein Männlein steht im Walde" up until "Gretel, ich weiss den Weg nicht mehr".