Orchestra life
Daily rehearsals and mock auditions alongside professionals help you adjust quickly and gain real-world experience.
For instrumentalists · 2027
Orchestra
This summer, join the Croatian Opera Academy and perform in two fully staged opera productions, side by side with seasoned professionals.
July 19 to August 22, 2027
Why COA?
More than a summer program: a gateway from study to stage
- 01
Accommodation included: no hidden housing costs.
- 02
Small cohort of 20 to 25 instrumentalists means more individual attention.
- 03
Experience orchestra life with daily rehearsals and mock auditions.
- 04
Sectionals 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
Built like a real season
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
At a glance
- Duration
- 4 to 5 weeks
Program lasts for 4 to 5 dedicated weeks depending on the production and repertoire complexity.
- Tuition
- 500 €
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.
- Locations
- Varaždin & Novi Marof
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.
- Productions
- 4 operas
Don Giovanni, Le nozze di Figaro, Die Zauberflöte or Hänsel und Gretel.
Faculty
Orchestra mentors
Matic Kuder
Clarinet
Member 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 horn
Member 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 bass
Co-principal double bassist of the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra.
Andrea Nikolić
Violin & viola
Founder 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
Two steps, no fees
There are no application fees for orchestral musicians.
1
Record the audition repertoire
We accept strings, winds, brass and percussion. Follow the repertoire guidelines for your instrument before recording.
See audition guidelines2
Submit the application form
Explore repertoire in smaller groups, building collaboration skills that translate directly to orchestral life.
Open application formRepertoire
What to record for your audition
- Applicants must be 18 or older at the time of the program. Younger musicians who show great skill for their age are also welcome to apply.
- Submit the audition repertoire in one video. Cuts between movements or excerpts are allowed.
- The recording should not be older than one year.
- Piano accompaniment is not necessary.
Strings (harp included)
- 1Exposition of the first movement of a standard-repertoire concerto.
- 2Three contrasting orchestral excerpts, or an original piece for solo instrument.
Winds
- 1Exposition of the first movement of a standard-repertoire concerto or sonata.
- 2Three contrasting orchestral excerpts or an original piece for solo instrument.
- 3Also auditioning on piccolo, English horn or bass clarinet? In addition to the above, add two contrasting orchestral excerpts specific to the auxiliary instrument.
Percussion
- 1Three standard orchestral excerpts, at least one of them for timpani.
Répétiteur
- 1An operatic aria as piano accompaniment with a singer, or an operatic aria while marking the vocal part.
- 2Piano reduction of Hänsel und Gretel, Act 2, Scene 1: from "Ein Männlein steht im Walde" to "Gretel, ich weiss den Weg nicht mehr".
Your first opera experience is closer than you think.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Application fees are waived for orchestral musicians.
Apply now