Grafenegg Academy

Each Summer Grafenegg Academy forms a closely-knit community of exceptionally talented young professional musicians, internationally renowned orchestral musicians as mentors and acclaimed personalities from the world of classical music who come together in an environment that is highly encouraging to intensive learning. The unique ambiance of the castle, park and nature, as well as the famous Lower Austrian hospitality offer a beautiful venue and a serene surrounding.

Within short time, the Grafenegg Academy, newly formed in 2021, gained a reputation in its young existence – in 2024 musicians from all continents applied. The strongest applicants – which prevail in a competitive application process – are invited to Grafenegg each summer to form the Grafenegg Academy Orchestra together: A temporary, strong and internationally top-class orchestra.

The mission of the Grafenegg Academy is to think holistically and to approach the profession of young musicians from different perspectives and to reflect this during the residency. It is important to respond to the diversity of the career paths of modern musicians. This is highlighted in various concert formats – but above all in the work that happens during the residency within the context of diverse rehearsal work, various formats, workshops, lectures, and much more.

The pool of artistic curators of the Grafenegg Academy, which has grown since 2021, can count musicians such as Håkan Hardenberger, Alina Ibragimova, Colin Currie, Ilan Volkov and Jonathan Bloxham among its ranks.

Grafenegg Academy’s approach focuses on the exchange of artistic ideas, advanced artistic development and freedom in playing together as well as the intensive, collaborative exploration of music. Free from the limitations of typical professional concert life, musicians at Grafenegg Academy have the opportunity to rehearse in great depth – under the guidance of outstanding artists —, to share ideas and experiences, to explore a rich diversity of musical works.

Grafenegg Academy will result in one concert day with an orchestra concert as well as ensemble performances of chamber music repertoire, in order to show the diverse work that has been done during the days in Grafenegg.

The Grafenegg Academy is led by Jörg Widmann as artistic curator - who is supported by a group of outstanding artists who act as mentors.

The German violinist Carolin Widmann accompanies the Grafenegg Academy as a soloist. 

Mentors of the Grafenegg Academy 2025 are musicians of leading international orchestras.