Professional Training

Professional training is our chance to give back – or, rather – to give forward. MCO musicians are eager to share our passion and expertise with the next generation. Our chamber music approach and our characteristic collaborative music making are at the very core of our work with young musicians and youth orchestras.

To get in touch about our learning projects please contact Valentina Katharina Georgoulopoulos at +49 30 41 71 79 – 18 or by email at valentina@mahlerchamber.com

mco academy

Since 2009, the MCO Academy has offered an educational model that provides young musicians with a high quality orchestral experience and a unique platform for networking and international exchange. In addition to audition training, individual coaching and orchestral playing, the Academy also includes chamber music workshops which emphasize the MCO’s characteristic chamber music approach to music-making. Complemented by a mentoring programme, career talks and further activities, the Academy fosters creative and independent thinking and offers a comprehensive and modern approach for professional musicians of the 21st century.

youth orchestra collaborations

The MCO itself grew out of a youth orchestra – the Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra – so we are naturally proponents of youth orchestras. Our musicians regularly coach youth orchestras around the world. Among others, the MCO has worked with the Jove Orquestra Nacional de Catalunya (JONC), the Filarmónica Joven de Colombia, the Singapore National Youth Orchestra, and the Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra in Venezuela.

chamber music workshops

MCO Chamber Music Workshops take place at international music conservatories. During 2-3 days of individual coaching and chamber music rehearsals, students are exposed to the MCO’s specific approach to collaborative music making. Every workshop concludes with a concert in which students can present the pieces they have worked on. Workshops and lessons may be arranged with partner organisations at MCO tour locations. The MCO has had an annual collaboration with the Conservatorio G. Frescobaldi in Ferrara since 2011.

BOLZANO SESSIONS BOZEN

Every year since 2013, 15 MCO musicians are invited as Resident Tutors to the Gustav Mahler Academy in Bolzano/Bozen Italy, where they coach exceptional young musicians and transmit the MCO's unique style of playing to the next generation. Following two intense weeks of chamber music workshops and performance, plus individual lessons, the MCO performs symphonic repertoire side-by-side with these students at the Bolzano Festival Bozen.