• Music professionals from across the world recognize and nominate talented young musicians.
• Nominated and self-nominating musicians are invited to apply individually for selection.
• Applicants submit a complete application and audition recording. Self-nominating students must submit an additional recommendation.
• All applications are reviewed by the Series’ expert Board of music professionals for final selection. Applicants are first accepted into the program and are then assigned to an ensemble upon instrumentation and balance requirements (the Series cannot guarantee that, if accepted, applicants will be placed into a specific ensemble).
• Each applicant receives a notification email to all address(es) listed on their application in early December. This email will specifies the student’s application results: Finalist (selected to perform), First Runner-up (waitlisted), or Deferred (not accepted and not waitlisted).

 

The Young Adult Honors Performance Series application requirements are as follows. Please see the application page for additional details.

• Complete Application Form
• Teacher Nomination or Recommendation
• Complete Performing Biography form
• Three- to five-minute audition recording
• Application deposit (the full deposit amount, minus a $15 US application fee is refunded if not selected; once a participant is accepted, his or her deposit becomes non-refundable)

Applications are not considered until all required pieces are received. If an applicant fails to submit required portions, their deposit is not refunded.

Parents, family members, and friends are welcome to join their Finalist by purchasing one of our Family Program packages or by purchasing individual tickets to the performance. This is a wonderful experience to share with family and friends.

Information on package options will be provided to Finalists once accepted and posted on this website. Additionally, information on how to purchase tickets to the performance will be provided to Finalists. Other than individual tickets to the Musikverein performance, all hotels, activities, touring and events are available only as a part of a package (cannot be purchased individually).

 
The safety and security of our student performers is our highest priority. Though all Finalists will be provided options to have family participate in a Family Program package, we recognize that many students may be traveling to Austria alone. We’re proud to say that the Honors Performance Series is produced and supported by organizations with nearly 50 years of experience providing student-focused event and travel logistics. Every program element is designed so that music professionals, parents, and performers can rest easy and students can focus on their main reason for being in Vienna – performing at their very best in the Musikverein. Program elements include:

• Program staff experienced and trained in working with young adults
• Accommodations in a highly rated Vienna hotel
• All rehearsal costs, including equipment and sheet music
• All production cost and services for the Musikverein performance
• All fees for shown activities—including sightseeing, celebration, and other activities
• Transportation for all activities during the program (arrival and departure transportation—flights, trains, etc.—to and from the Series hotel are the responsibility of participants)
• Exposure to and learning from a world-class conductor for the program duration
• Guides for activities outside the hotel (if desired) and program staff to assist participants in Vienna
• Five nights' lodging in a highly rated, centrally located hotel with staff onsite to ensure a good stay
• Staff available 24 hours to support participants
• Doctors on Call arrangement for U.S.-based medical support while on the program
• Extensive participant insurance while on the program

Additionally, selected participants are expected to act with utmost professionalism and maturity throughout the program. Finalists found to have violated the Series' behavior guidelines (as outlined in the Finalist Behavior Contract signed by all participants) will be dismissed without a refund.

 

The Honors Performance Series provides a hassle-free experience so that selected student performers can focus on their main reason for being in Vienna, Austria – performing at their very best in the Musikverein. The Series includes for all Finalists (tentative):

• All rehearsal costs, including equipment and sheet music
• All production cost and services for the Musikverein performance
• All fees for shown activities—including the Finalist Celebration, sightseeing, and other activities
• All ground transportation during the program, including transfers between the specified airport and hotels (arrival and departure transportation—flights, trains, etc.—are the responsibility of participants)
• Exposure to and learning from a world-class conductor for the program duration
• Ensemble conductor, city touring guides, and program staff
• Five nights' lodging in highly rated, student-friendly hotels (double occupancy) with staff onsite to ensure a good stay
• Hotel night security on each occupied floor to ensure restful nights for performers
• A 24-hour staffed emergency office in Vienna to handle the unexpected
• Doctors on Call arrangement for medical support while on the program
• Extensive traveler insurance while on the program

Transportation to and from Austria and meals (except breakfast) are NOT included in the program. A set payment plan and need-based scholarships are available.

 

 

Finalists are placed two-to-a-room with double beds in each room. In general, roommate selection is randomly assigned by gender. Meeting new people and making new friends is a key element of the Honors Performance Series, and roommates enhance the entire experience.

Finalists are not allowed to room with a family member, even if that family member has purchased a Full Access Family Program package. Occupancy other than two-to-a-room requires a room surcharge. Please contact us if you would like more information about this option.