International Call for Soloists & Ensembles 2026/27

Description

This International Call for Soloists & Ensembles 2026/27 invites young soloists and ensembles of all instruments to participate in a curated artistic development process led by composer and soloist David Moliner.

This is not a competition, but a structured platform for musicians seeking to define and develop a distinctive artistic voice within today’s musical landscape.The program combines musical tradition with contemporary artistic thinking, understood as a natural and continuous evolution of performance practice. The project culminates in a curated concert at the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg during the 2026/27 season (exact date to be confirmed).

Why apply

• Perform at the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg
• Work directly with David Moliner
• Receive individual artistic feedback and guidance
• Develop your artistic identity in a curated context
• Gain visibility within an international professional environment

Who can apply

• Soloists and ensembles of any instrument
• Advanced students and early-career professional musicians
• Open to international applicants

The program welcomes all instruments and artistic profiles.

Application (no fee)

Deadline: 30 June 2026

Applicants must submit:

• One recent video recording (max. 3 years old)
• Free repertoire choice
• No professional recording required

Selection is based on:

• clarity of artistic profile
• interpretative and musical individuality
• artistic coherence and development potential

Timeline

• Application deadline: 30 June 2026
• Pre-selection: 7 July 2026
• Online sessions: 13 July – 31 August 2026 (individual scheduling to be arranged)
• Final decision: 31 August 2026
• Concert: 2026/27 season (date to be fixed soon)

Structure

Phase 1 – Preliminary Selection (online)

Applications are reviewed based on submitted materials.

Phase 2 – Artistic Development Sessions (online)

A small number of shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in two mandatory online sessions with David Moliner.

In these sessions, participants will perform for David Moliner and receive individual artistic input and feedback on their interpretation, musical thinking, and artistic direction.

Conceived beyond a traditional masterclass format, this phase focuses on developing each musician’s artistic identity and potential through direct artistic exchange.

The sessions aim to:

• deepen interpretative decisions
• refine artistic identity
• connect repertoire with artistic profile
• develop a clearer artistic positioning within today’s professional context
• open perspectives towards future artistic collaboration and visibility
•  

Due to the very intense working nature of this phase, only a limited number of applicants can be invited.

Performance

Following the development sessions, up to two soloists or ensembles will be selected to participate in the final concert at the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg.

The selected artists will be presented by David Moliner and will perform within a program with him.

Beyond the concert, the selection reflects the intention to support these artists in their artistic development and professional trajectory, fostering visibility and future opportunities within the international musical context.

Travel and accommodation support may be available depending on funding conditions.

Artistic Approach

The program reflects an artistic position in which tradition and new musical thought are not treated as opposing categories, but as a continuous and coherent artistic language shaped by each individual musician.

The focus lies on artistic clarity, structural thinking, and interpretative responsibility.

At its core, the program is dedicated to the development of an individual artistic voice through direct artistic exchange, mutual listening, and long-term artistic perspective.

Final Remark

Beyond selection, the project aims to create artistic bridges between emerging musicians and established artistic practice, fostering exchange, trust, and long-term artistic connections.

The intention is to build a space in which artists can develop, share ideas, and grow through collaboration and mutual support.

It also reflects the commitment of David Moliner to actively support emerging ensembles and soloists beyond a single performance, contributing to their artistic development through continued dialogue, visibility, and professional connection.