We have put together the most frequently asked questions regarding the Talent Tour. If you have any further question, please email to auditions@bmef.eu.
Download our FAQs.
Conditions and Timeline
What are the conditions for participating in the Talent Tour?
All applicants for the Baltic Sea Philharmonic must be between the ages of 18 and 28. Applicants must hold a passport from one of the following ten Baltic Sea countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Russia or Sweden, and must be enrolled in a music academy anywhere in the world. Alternatively, applicants can be international students enrolled in a music academy in one of the ten countries of the Baltic Sea region (regardless of their nationality – Erasmus students and international students from non-European countries are all welcome).
What are the dates of the Talent Tour?
Our Talent Tour 2020 dates in June 2020 have been cancelled. New dates are pending and will be announced as soon as they are scheduled
Is there an administration fee for the Talent Tour?
No, the Baltic Sea Philharmonic Talent Tour is free of charge.
What is the deadline for applications?
Currently the application process is closed.
I successfully registered for the Talent Tour. When will I receive further instructions including my audition time?
All applicants will be informed by email shortly after applications have closed.
I received an audition date, but unfortunately, I am unable to attend. What should I do?
As there are many people involved in the Talent Tour, please let us know as soon as possible if you cannot attend or will be delayed. Applicants who do not appear at their allotted time without prior notice (7 days in advance) will not be invited again to future Baltic Sea Philharmonic Talent Tours.
I would like to audition with another instrument as well, is that possible?
Yes, of course. If you wish to audition with a second instrument, please choose the corresponding option in our online application form.
What happens if I am not invited to the Talent Tour?
Each year, a large number of musicians apply to be a part of Baltic Sea Philharmonic. In some cases, we need to select who will be invited and who will not. Unfortunately, we are unable to invite you if you do not match the terms and conditions to become a musician of the Baltic Sea Philharmonic. In case you should not be invited to the Talent Tour, please feel free to come and listen to the auditions even if you are not auditioning yourself, as our Talent Tour will be held as open auditions.
Preparation for the Talent Tour
What kind of piece should I choose for the first-round audition?
The repertoire for the first round is a solo piece of your own choice that is 5 to 10 minutes long. We will not provide a pianist; however, accompanied pieces or concerto movements can be performed solo. In addition, you may be asked to prepare a short excerpt from our tour repertoire that will be sent out before the auditions.
What do I need to rehearse for the second round of the Talent Tour, the joint orchestra rehearsal? When and where do I get the scores?
Musicians who successfully complete the first-round audition in selected cities will be invited to play in a joint orchestra rehearsal of the Baltic Sea Philharmonic as tutti musicians.
Info for accessing the repertoire for the joint orchestra rehearsal will be sent to you after we have invited you to audition.
I am not sure if I have the right musical level. Should I apply for the Talent Tour, nonetheless?
The Talent Tours of Baltic Sea Philharmonic are very competitive. You should only apply if you are at an advanced level of musical education. Orchestra experience is also essential. If you have any doubts, please discuss this with your music teacher. But as our Talent Tour will be held as open auditions, please feel free to come and listen to the auditions even if you are not participating yourself.
Will you assist in travel booking to the Talent Tour?
All applicants need to make their own travel arrangements for the Talent Tour. Therefore, we kindly advise you to make flexible travel arrangements or to wait until you know the specific date and time of your audition. Please also note that applicants will not be reimbursed for their travel expenses to the Talent Days.
Is it possible to be reimbursed for transport or accommodation costs?
Applicants will not be reimbursed for their travel expenses to and from the Talent Tour.
I would like to audition but cannot afford the travel. Can you support me?
In cases of special needs, a contribution may be arranged at the discretion of management. Please send an email with an explanation (do not forget your name, audition venue and instrument) prior to the application deadlines to auditions@bmef.eu.
Procedure of the Talent Days
Will I audition alone or in a group?
In general, applying musicians will be auditioning for the panel of the Baltic Sea Philharmonic principal musicians and conductor Kristjan Järvi alone. Depending on the location and number of applicants, you might also audition in groups. Musicians who successfully complete the first round will be invited to play in a joint orchestra rehearsal.
Will there be an audience at the Talent Tour?
We aim to hold the Talent Tour as open auditions. All interested music students are invited to listen to the auditions even if they are not auditioning themselves to experience how Kristjan Järvi and our principals work together with the musicians. However, please note that we will ensure that the audience does not interrupt your audition and you can fully concentrate on your playing.
Who is on the panel?
Our principal musicians of the Baltic Sea Philharmonic and conductor Kristjan Järvi will conduct the Talent Tour. The principals are musicians who not only have extraordinary playing skills but have also been part of the Baltic Sea Philharmonic for years and are the leaders of their respective music section. With their experience, talent and personality, they are the right ‘Talent Scouts’ and will know if you are going to fit well into the Baltic Sea Philharmonic.
What documents are required for the Talent Tour?
Please bring your ID card to the Talent Day as proof of residence. In case you do not hold a passport from one of the ten states around the Baltic Sea (Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Russia or Sweden), please also bring proof that you are currently studying in one of the ten countries, for example your Student ID.
In addition to your ID, of course please do forget your own sheet music and your instrument(s).
Will there be warm-up rooms at the location of the Talent Tour?
We will try to provide a room for a short warm up at each location.
When should I arrive onsite?
Please plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your audition time. Make sure you allow yourself extra travel time and look out for any possible traffic or weather delays.
Talent Tour Results
When will the results of the Talent Tour be announced?
You will be informed by email shortly after they tour whether you have been selected as a possible member of the Baltic Sea Philharmonic.
What happens if I am not successful?
Please do not despair. We assume high participation numbers and a selection has to be made. We encourage you to try again in our next Talent Tour.
If I have been selected during the Talent Tour, will I be invited for all projects after that?
Successful applicants may be invited to all or some of the Baltic Sea Philharmonic tours, depending on repertoire requirements. Unfortunately, we can never guarantee whether a concrete invitation can be sent for each individual tour.
Technical Support
The online application is not working. Where can I get assistance?
If the registration process is not working, please send an email to auditions@bmef.eu or call +49 30 297 702 90.
