The Giuseppe Sinopoli Academy of the Staatskapelle Dresden

Since its earliest days the Staatskapelle has seen the nurturing of the next generation of musicians as one of its main tasks. In its founding charter of 1548 one can read the decree that: »at all times there will be one amongst the great personages who is especially scholarly and skilful, and he will be employed as a tutor to the boys«. Dresden’s College of Music was founded in the 19th century by a member of the Kapelle, while in 1923 music director Fritz Busch was instrumental in creating the »Orchestra School of the Staatskapelle«. It was at the urging of Giuseppe Sinopoli that the Staatskapelle revived this tradition in 1993 by founding an orchestra academy for young, gifted musicians. After passing an audition, these musicians receive a practical training which involves them participating, step by step, in the daily work of the orchestra. This not-for-profit »Orchestra Academy of the Staatskapelle« received a valuable boost in 2008 when Volkswagen’s Transparent Factory pledged its support. In the meantime numerous graduates of the Orchestra Academy have found positions with the Staatskapelle and in other top international orchestras.

In remembrance of Sinopoli and his tireless efforts in support of young musicians, the »Orchestra Academy of the Staatskapelle Dresden« was renamed the »Giuseppe Sinopoli Academy of the Staatskapelle Dresden« on 21st April 2011, the tenth anniversary of his death. The proceeds of a charity concert conducted in Dresden’s Lukaskirche by Christian Thielemann to mark this event were donated to the academy, and thus an important step was taken in securing the future of this institution. The hope is to enable coming generations of young musicians to enjoy a two-year course of instruction by experienced Kapelle musicians, which will – ideally – prepare them for a position with the Staatskapelle. It is only by handing down the living traditions of orchestral performance that the unique sound and splendour of the Staatskapelle can be maintained in the years to come.

The »Giuseppe Sinopoli Academy« relies solely on private donations and thus needs your continued support!

Current members

Lenka Matejáková, violin
Ekatarina Zubkova, viola
Sangwah Kim, violoncello
Johannes Raab, violoncello
Vieri-Marco Giovenzana, double bass
Michael Patzelt, double bass
Dóra Varga, flute
Elisabeth Grümmer, oboe
Lisa Liszta, clarinet
Mia Aselmeyer, french horn
Christian Wenzel, trumpet
Matthias Lampl, trombone
Lukas Dressel, tuba