66th Weimar Master Classes 2026
Two weeks of international master classes at the FRANZ LISZT University of Music Weimar with public concerts and a finale with the Jena Philharmonic Orchestra
About Weimar Master Classes
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One of Europe's Oldest Master Class Academies
The Weimar Master Classes at the FRANZ LISZT University of Music Weimar have been one of Europe's oldest and most internationally renowned summer master class academies since 1961. In 2026, the 66th edition runs from July 24 to August 8. For two weeks, the university on Platz der Demokratie becomes a focal point for sound: guest professors from the USA, Asia, and Europe meet advanced students and young professionals who have applied for the courses.
Course Offerings 2026 — From Bach to Composition
The course list includes Violin (Nora Chastain, Tanja Becker-Bender), Cello (Wen-Sinn Yang, Troels Svane), Piano (Lilya Zilberstein, Imre Rohmann), Flute (Anna Garzuly-Wahlgren), Tuba & Wind Chamber Music (Dirk Hirthe), Composition (Villa Massimo Prize Winner 2025), and an Orchestra Studio. Over 50 years of cooperation with the Jena Philharmonic Orchestra make the Master Classes unique — as the orchestra accompanies the best participants in the grand finale concert.
Public Concerts and Final Finale
The Master Classes are not just internal: numerous public recitals and concerts in the university's halls are free or accessible for a small admission fee. The highlight is the Final Concert with the Jena Philharmonic Orchestra on August 8, 2026 — a tradition that has marked the end of the courses for over 50 years. The selected soloists — often winners of internal competitions — often make their professional debut here.
Weimar — City of Music and Culture
Weimar, in the Weimarer Land district (state of Thuringia), is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the FRANZ LISZT University of Music, one of Germany's most traditional music universities. During the Master Classes, the city is permeated with music — students practice in university rooms, the Bauhaus University, and in the historic venues of the city of classical music. In summer, the combination of Goethe's and Schiller's city + music is a tourist highlight.
Weimar Master Classes — edition 2026
2026 Edition — Weimar's Sound Epicenter
The 66th season adheres to the proven structure: two weeks of intensive individual work between guest professors and students, complemented by public recitals and concerts. In 2026, violinists Nora Chastain and Tanja Becker-Bender, cellists Wen-Sinn Yang and Troels Svane, pianists Lilya Zilberstein and Imre Rohmann, among others, will teach. The Jena Philharmonic Orchestra has been a partner orchestra for over 50 years — it accompanies the final concert on August 8, 2026.
Programme Weimar Master Classes 2026
Course Offerings 2026
- Violin: Nora Chastain (HfM Zurich), Tanja Becker-Bender
- Cello: Wen-Sinn Yang (HMTM Munich), Troels Svane (HMT Lübeck)
- Piano: Lilya Zilberstein, Imre Rohmann
- Flute: Anna Garzuly-Wahlgren
- Tuba & Wind Chamber Music: Dirk Hirthe (Registration until June 12)
- Composition with the current Villa Massimo Prize Winner
- Orchestra Studio for advanced string and wind players
Public Concerts and Recitals
- Daily course recitals (July 24 to August 7) in the university halls
- Competition rounds with a jury of course leaders
- Final Concert with the Jena Philharmonic Orchestra on August 8, 2026 — Soloists from the courses
Detailed concert program and schedule available from July on hfm-weimar.de.
Highlights Weimar Master Classes 2026
- 66th edition, two weeks of master classes
- Guest professors: Nora Chastain, Tanja Becker-Bender, Wen-Sinn Yang, Troels Svane, Lilya Zilberstein, Imre Rohmann, among others
- Final concert with the Jena Philharmonic Orchestra on August 8, 2026
- Partnership with the Jena Philharmonic Orchestra for over 50 years
- Daily public recitals
- Application deadline: May 15, 2026
Prices Weimar Master Classes 2026
Active participation: Course fees vary by instrument; scholarships for selected applicants. Audit status (auditing) possible. Public concerts and recitals: mostly free admission or small admission fee for the benefit of the university. All details on hfm-weimar.de.
Practical information — Weimar Master Classes
Date 2026
July 24 to August 8, 2026.
Location
FRANZ LISZT University of Music Weimar, Platz der Demokratie 2-3, 99423 Weimar (Main Building).
Registration
Application deadline: May 15, 2026. Tuba & Wind Chamber Music until June 12, 2026. Online registration via the respective course page on hfm-weimar.de. Correspondence to Weimar Master Classes, Postfach 2552, 99406 Weimar, [email protected].
Getting There
Train: ICE Weimar Main Station. Car: A4 exit Weimar or Apolda.
Concerts
Public recitals and concerts daily; full concert program and ticket prices on hfm-weimar.de.
Accommodation
Hotels and guesthouses in Weimar (early booking recommended due to peak tourist season).
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Weimar Master Classes
Hochschule für Musik FRANZ LISZT Weimar
Platz der Demokratie 2-3, 99423 Weimar