Take your ensemble to the next level.
The Advanced Chamber Music Course at Orpheus Instituut is a high-level coaching programme for emerging chamber music ensembles seeking to strengthen their artistic identity, deepen their collaborative practice, and further develop their performance profile.
Designed for existing ensembles at the beginning of their professional trajectory, the programme offers intensive artistic guidance from internationally renowned chamber musicians. Whether you are preparing a new programme, refining your ensemble sound, exploring interpretative questions, or building a sustainable artistic practice, the course provides the time, expertise, and space to develop your work in depth.
What does the course offer?
Over the course of nine coaching sessions of two hours each, your ensemble works on a chamber music programme of its own choice. Throughout the programme, you receive artistic feedback, practical advice, and insights into the creative processes of distinguished chamber musicians with extensive international experience.
In addition to the coaching sessions, participating ensembles are welcome to make use of Orpheus Institute’s rehearsal facilities to further develop their programme and artistic collaboration.
The course concludes with a concert in Orpheus Institute’s concert hall, providing an opportunity to present your work to an audience and put newly acquired insights into practice.
Guest Professors
Five renowned musicians will guide the participating ensembles throughout the programme:
- Paul De Clerck (viola)
- Piet Kuijken (piano)
- Amy Norrington (cello)
- Tony Nys (viola)
- Piet Van Bockstal (oboe)
Each ensemble attends at least one session with each guest professor. The remaining four sessions are determined in consultation with the professors and Orpheus Institute, allowing for a trajectory tailored to the ensemble’s specific artistic needs.
Who can apply?
The Advanced Chamber Music Course is open to existing chamber music ensembles of up to seven musicians. Ensembles should apply as a group; the programme is not intended for the formation of new ensembles.
There are no restrictions regarding instrumentation or ensemble configuration. Participants may include advanced conservatoire students, conservatoire teachers, freelance musicians, and professional performers.
Application and Admission
Applications can be submitted throughout the year via the online registration form.
After submission, the application dossier is reviewed by the guest professors, who assess the artistic profile, experience, and ambitions of the ensemble.
If the professors consider additional information necessary, an audition may be organised. The audition consists of:
- a performance of approximately 15 minutes;
- an interview with the guest professors.
Ensembles that are accepted into the programme can start their coaching trajectory immediately after admission. The schedule for the sessions is determined in consultation with the guest professors and Orpheus Institute.
Participation Fee
The participation fee is €150 per ensemble member.
This fee includes:
- nine coaching sessions of two hours each (18 hours in total);
- access to Orpheus Institute’s rehearsal facilities;
- the opportunity to present a final concert at Orpheus Institute.
The schedule for the coaching sessions is determined at the start of the programme in consultation with the professors and Orpheus Institute.
Alumni Ensembles
Previous participants include Simoens Trio, Kirke Strijkkwartet, Hommages, Quatuor MP4, Revue Blanche, Trio Incantar, Pétillant’Semble, Simplexity, Trio Yusa, Pianoduo Symbiosis, Desguin Quartet, Collectif Arsys, Bram Van Weverberg & Nele Gilis, Due di Duo, and Four Aces Guitar Quartet.
Current ensembles
- Ensemble du Bout du Monde
- Woodwork Reed Quintet
- Checkhov Trio
- Duo Duende
- Duo Altiler
- Duo Chromatiek
- Luscofusco Quartet
- Tanma Trio
- Duo Eclat
- Canens Quartet