CISM International Orchestra 2027

Be Inspired – Be Connected – Be CISM

Location
Malta
Project period
13 – 18 April 2027
Final concert
17 April 2027
Application deadline
10 January 2027

The International Confederation of Music Societies (CISM) invites amateur musicians from all over Europe to apply for the CISM International Orchestra 2027, a unique international symphonic wind orchestra project bringing together musicians from different countries, cultures and musical traditions.

The project will take place in Malta in April 2027 and will conclude with a special concert on 17 April 2027, organised as part of the official programme of the CISM General Assembly 2027.

Maximum 26 musicians will be selected through this international open call.

01

What Is the CISM International Orchestra?

Music has the power to connect people beyond borders.

The CISM International Orchestra is designed as a meeting point for talented and motivated amateur musicians from across Europe. For several days, selected participants will rehearse, learn, exchange experiences and make music together in an international environment.

The aim of the project is not only to prepare a high-quality concert, but also to create new connections between musicians and music organisations throughout Europe.

Participants will work intensively with experienced conductor, prepare an artistically diverse symphonic wind orchestra programme and perform together at the final international concert.

02

Where & When?

Location: Malta
Project period: 13 – 18 April 2027
Final concert: 17 April 2027

The concert will form part of the official programme accompanying the CISM General Assembly, taking place in Malta from 16 to 18 April 2027.

The exact arrival date, rehearsal schedule and venue will be communicated to selected musicians.

03

Who Can Apply?

The Open Call is aimed at:

  • amateur musicians aged 18 and above,

  • musicians from all Europe,

  • musicians actively performing in wind orchestras, concert bands, music societies, school or community ensembles,

  • musicians with an appropriate level of instrumental experience,

  • musicians motivated to work in an international orchestral environment,

  • musicians interested in cultural exchange and cooperation with colleagues from other European countries.

Musicians connected to CISM member organisations are especially welcome, but the project aims to reach the broader European amateur wind music community.

04

Why Join the CISM International Orchestra?

As a member of the orchestra, you will have the opportunity to:

  • perform in an international symphonic wind orchestra,

  • work with experienced conductors and mentors,

  • rehearse and perform challenging and inspiring repertoire,

  • meet musicians from different European countries,

  • exchange musical experiences and ideas,

  • represent your country and musical community,

  • build new international contacts and friendships,

  • become part of the wider CISM musical network,

  • perform at an international concert connected with the CISM General Assembly.

Above all, the project offers the experience of creating one orchestra from musicians who may have never met before – united by music.

05

Selection of Musicians

Maximum 26 musicians will be selected for the CISM International Orchestra 2027.

Selection will be based on a video audition.

Candidates will be asked to submit:

  • basic personal information,

  • information about their musical background and current orchestra or ensemble,

  • a video recording demonstrating their instrumental abilities.

The selection committee will aim to create a musically balanced international orchestra, while also ensuring representation from different European countries whenever possible.

06

Application

Application opens: 30 October 2026
Application deadline: 10 January 2027

Application will be submitted online.

Selection results: candidates will be informed by mid-January 2027.

Selected musicians will then receive detailed information regarding repertoire, rehearsal materials, travel, accommodation and the complete project schedule.

07

Rehearsals & Concert

Selected participants will take part in an intensive rehearsal residency in Malta.

During the project, musicians will:

  • participate in sectional and full-orchestra rehearsals,

  • work with the artistic team and conductors,

  • prepare a demanding and diverse concert programme,

  • take part in international networking and exchange activities,

  • perform at the official CISM International Orchestra Concert on 17 April 2027.

The repertoire and artistic team will be announced separately.

08

Travel, Accommodation & Participation

Dates: 13–18 April 2027 (5 nights)

Accommodation and meals

Accommodation will be provided at the Salesian Live-in Centre in Sliema, which can accommodate up to 29 participants. The centre offers one 10-bed dormitory and two 8-bed dormitories. Shared facilities include a common area with dining space and a kitchen, three bathrooms and a meeting room.

The following rates apply per person, per night:

  • Accommodation only: EUR 30

  • Accommodation with breakfast: EUR 35

  • Half board: EUR 45

  • Full board: EUR 55

Bed linen and towels are available for an additional EUR 10 per person for the entire stay.

Travel and local transport

Participants are responsible for arranging and covering the cost of their travel to and from Malta, airport transfers and local transport. Public transport can be used for journeys during the stay.

Participation fee

Selected musicians are required to pay a participation fee of EUR 150 to confirm their commitment to the project.

Total cost per person – full-board option

For the period from 13 to 18 April 2027, the total cost is:

  • Five nights with full board: EUR 275

  • Bed linen and towels for the entire stay: EUR 10

  • Participation fee: EUR 150

Total: EUR 435 per person

Travel, airport transfers and local transport are not included in this total.

09

An International Orchestra – A European Meeting Point

The CISM International Orchestra is more than a concert project.

It is an opportunity to demonstrate what amateur music-making in Europe represents today: quality, commitment, friendship, cultural diversity and cooperation across borders.

Musicians from different countries will arrive in Malta as individuals and leave having created something together.

One orchestra.
Many countries.
One shared musical experience.

Be Inspired. Be Connected. Be CISM.

10

Organisation

The project is organised under the auspices of the International Confederation of Music Societies – CISM in cooperation with CISM partners and local partners in Malta.

Application Form

Be Inspired – Be Connected – Be CISM

The online application form opens on 30 October 2026.