The Saarburger Serenaden, an International Music Festival and School, is set in the romantic city of Saarburg, embedded into vineyards and forests, with the monuments of its millennial history such as the cascade, a unique natural spactacle in the centre of the city, with the water falling down the rock cascades for 20 meters, driving the mill wheels in the basin; with its enchamnting “Little Venice” with rows of houses at the Leuk rivulet built on mighty stakes of oak wood, the picturesque Old Town with the multicoloured houses of the fishers and mariners and last but not least the bell foundry, where the traditional handcraft of bell casting was practiced until 2002, and is conceived as a program which should promote better understanding between various peoples of the world through the music-making. It should stimulate musical and human exchange, provide a podium for the talented young musicians and music lovers, create a peaceful non-competitive environment, in which a desire to express oneself through the music would happily unfold.

We are very grateful to the Community of Saarburg, which kindly agreed to host the Festival and is committed to providing the best possible environment for a unique and rich experiences in international setting.

The focal point of the program is Chamber music with solo opportunities reserved exclusively for an outstanding students. Students who are interested only in solo playing are not encouraged to apply.

A special feature of the program is a commitment to introduce neglected and rarely performed works.

A special “Music appreciation division” of the program will encourage and welcome those music lovers who would be interested in observing the activities of the Festival and The Music School in combination with intensive sightseeing in Saarburg and other European metropolis.

The participants will be in residence in Saarburg for 2 weeks each summer, working and performing intensively under the guidance of an internationally experienced faculty and staff.

The program will consist of:

· individual lessons (for all participants)

· individual coachings (for singers only) not this year

· chamber music coachings (for all participants)

· opera ensemble coachings (for singers only) not this year

· stagecraft classes (for singers only) not this year

. German comprehension class (for all interested) not this year

· French, Italian, German (obligatory for singers, all interested are invited) not this year

. Russian diction (optional and individual for singers upon request ) not this year

. Solo opportunities (for selected superior level participants as determined by the Artistic director)

· Opportunity to perform chamber music (for all participants)

(the focal point remains chamber music)

We have chosen the name “Saarburger Serenaden” to reflect an incredibly romantic environment. We would like to extend our warmest welcome to the musicians of various cultures, ethnic and musical backgrounds, gender and age. We sincerely hope that the time spent in Saarburg will be productive, enjoyable and memorable for all of us.