Between 10 and 16 August 2026, we once again warmly welcome musicians aged 14 and above who are interested in the historically informed and stylistically authentic performance of vocal, orchestral, and chamber music repertoire from earlier periods. In keeping with our traditions, the main goal of the course is to develop, as far as possible, an “authentic” orchestral sound, as well as vocal ensembles and consorts. This year, in addition to Baroque works, we will also explore earlier periods: with some tutors we will venture into the musical worlds of the Renaissance, and even the Middle Ages. As a new feature this summer, and subject to a sufficient number of applicants, we will also be offering a historical dance course.
As another new addition, with the help of Liana Sadler, a specialist in Renaissance and medieval flutes, course participants will have the opportunity this year to explore the world of Renaissance flutes and their repertoire. The main topics include instrument history, historical solmisation, mensural notation, and medieval and Renaissance consort playing. The repertoire may be drawn from across the entire 16th century, and participants will have the chance to experiment with smaller, improvised ornaments (and, for more advanced students, even the improvisation of richer, more virtuosic ornamentation). Naturally, applications with Baroque flute repertoire are also welcome, and for those interested in repertoire and instruments from before the 16th century, there will be opportunities to try these as well.
For string players, alongside Baroque works, Renaissance violin consort repertoire and collaboration with singers offer excellent chamber music opportunities. Fanni Edőcs and Nóra Szabó, in addition to teaching the traditional harpsichord repertoire and continuo playing, will also provide insight into the world of early Renaissance and medieval music. In a collective workshop, Nóra would like to open the doors to medieval music together with interested participants, addressing the following topics: What do we do with a codex? How do we navigate hundreds of pages of parchment manuscripts? How do we read the music, and how do we fit text to it? Over the course of the week, participants will gain insight into an even older, newly discovered musical world alongside the traditional early music repertoire, and will be able to challenge themselves as musicians in new contexts. Both chamber and solo repertoire will be explored in the workshop, which is open to singers and instrumentalists alike.
Our vocal teachers, Zsuzsi Tóth and Barnabás Hegyi, approach the study of earlier music with their customary openness. We are delighted that Asako Ueda, who led last year’s highly successful lute course, will be visiting us again this year. In addition, Baroque oboe (and recorder) instruction will be offered under the guidance of Nele Vertommen. This year’s course once again offers singers the unique opportunity to work together with instrumentalists in performing early madrigal repertoire and other chamber music formations.
A limited number of historical instruments will be available during the course!
Location:
Zsolt Nándor Katolikus Zeneiskola AMI
2500, Hungary, Esztergom, Gesztenye fasor 1.
Teachers:
Illés Szabolcs – Baroque violin, strings, chamber music, orchestra
Fanni Edőcs – harpsichord, basso continuo, chamber music
Anna Lachegyi (NL) – cello, viola da gamba, chamber music, continuo
Zsuzsi Tóth (B) – voice, chamber music
Barnabás Hegyi – voice, continuo, chamber music
Nele Vertommen (NL) – oboe, (recorder)
Liana Sadler (CH) – medieval, Renaissance and Baroque flute
Asako Ueda (NL) – lute, basso continuo, chamber music
Fanni Edőcs – harpsichord, basso continuo, chamber music, medieval music
Nóra Szabó (CH) – medieval workshop, harpsichord, basso continuo, chamber music
Ágota Aranyos – historical dance
During the course, classes and lectures will be conducted in the following languages:
Hungarian, English, German, French
Detailed information about our teachers can be found on the website below.
The closing event of the Summer Academy will be a three-day Baroque Mini Festival, organized by the Szentendre Theatre and held in Szentendre between 14 and 16 August, in which both course participants and teachers may perform.
Participation fee 50.000 HUF
(including the 20,000 HUF application fee)
The fee includes:
- orchestral rehearsals (at least 3 hours per day)
- participation in chamber ensembles and chamber music coaching
- individual instrumental lessons
- the opportunity for active familiarisation with historical string instruments
- individual and chamber continuo lessons
- free admission to the concerts and lectures of the course
- a dance course for singers and instrumentalists
Chamber groups, instrumental and vocal ensembles may also apply with a minimum of 3 participants.
For them, the participation fee is 25,000 HUF per person for the full duration of the course, covering group lessons.
Daily pass for passive participants: 10,000 HUF
Accommodation:
At the school: 6,000 HUF per day (4,000 HUF for participants under 18).
In case of full capacity, dormitory accommodation in the city is also available at a similar price.
Applications can be submitted by completing and sending the online application form
You can apply by filling in and sending the online application form and by paying the application fee of 20.000 HUF to the following account of our association by the application deadline. The application fee will be credited to the course participants’ participation fee, but no refund will be requested in case of withdrawal. Applications can be accepted only upon payment of the application fee. Please transfer the balance of the course fee to the same account number before the start of the course. When transferring the money, please indicate the name of the participant and “IX Early Music Summer Academy” in the remarks field.
Application:
https://forms.gle/D84bYMbi6xP7JXaj8
Account number:
CSODAFORRÁS BAROKK ZENEI EGYESÜLET
MagNet Bank: HU55 1620 0151-1854 3119 0000 0000
Deadline of applications: 30th of June 2026.
Supported by
Csodaforrás Alternatív Régizenei Egyesület 