Musical Encounters

The young musicians form mixed German-Israeli chamber music ensembles guided by experienced music teachers from both institutions.

Working in chamber music ensembles requires both musical and inter-personal attentiveness and sensibility. Playing chamber music involves creativity, discipline, and teamwork. It also teaches students how to give as well as to receive criticism.

In light of the program’s success in the previous year, the project will take place for a second time in 2009. The emphasis of this year’s encounter is an ensemble of 12 outstanding young cellists from Israel and Germany. The entire program includes a total of 20 young musicians who will perform musical pieces and adaptations by Israeli and German composers.

The concerts to take place in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Berlin are the culmination of the 2009 encounter. This is an opportunity for the musicians to display their joint accomplishments.

The Julius Stern Institute at the Berlin University of the Arts (UdK)

The Julius Stern Institute was established in 1850 and is the music conservatory of the Berlin University of the Arts. The renowned institute provides an extensive music education to a younger generation of musicians in Germany. Today there are 70 outstanding musicians ages 9-19 from all over Germany who receive extracurricular musical education from the institute. This program includes private lessons with university professors and participation in music ensembles and a chamber orchestra.