MENTORING PROGRAM
Let’s Start at Adam and Eve!
Workshop for Composers
Featuring Ensemble Ars Nova
5–9 November 2025
Budapest, Hungary
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Peter Eötvös Contemporary Music Foundation announces a vocal-instrumental workshop for composers between 5–9 November 2025 in Budapest, Hungary.
After the great success of our chamber opera project Clavigo in 2024, the Foundation is excited to offer another exceptional opportunity to explore new music for voice and instruments in collaboration with Ars Nova Ensemble and the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel.
This year’s theme invites participants to explore and transform two witty and poignant texts by Mark Twain:
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/8525/8525-h/8525-h.htm
https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/1892/pg1892-images.html
Each applicant is asked to submit an excerpt of a 5-minute mini-chamber opera for two voices, which will be further developed during the workshop with the musicians, singers, and professors Ramon Lazkano, Benoît Sitzia, and Gregory Vajda.
The closing presentation of the masterclass will be a concert version of the mini-operas (not staged) alongside solo instrumental pieces by Peter Eötvös. However, the staging potential of the mini-operas will be discussed during the workshop.
Each composer will receive an audio recording of their work after the workshop.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Each applicant must submit at least a one-third of the completed musical score for a 5-minute mini-opera for two voices: soprano, baritone and chamber ensemble: Alto Saxophone (also Soprano Sax.), Trumpet in C, Violin, Cello.
The mini-operas must be written in English based on the Public Domain texts by Mark Twain. Creative adaptation of the original texts is possible and encouraged. We invite the applicants to be bold with the dramaturgical possibilities: to juxtapose, mix, or reinterpret the “diaries" to create their unique operatic vision within the framework of the project. Upon selection as active participant, and before the November masterclass, composers might be required to make necessary alterations in the vocal parts to fit the voice characters of our young professional singers delegated by the vocal program of the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel.
KEY INFO
Professors:
Gregory Vajda (Hungary/USA) – conductor, composer, program director
Guest Professors:
Ramon Lazkano (Spain – Basque /France) – composer
Benoît Sitzia (France) – composer, Artistic Director of Ars Nova Ensemble
Languages of the course: English, French, Spanish, Hungarian
APPLICATION MATERIAL FOR ACTIVE COMPOSERS
All applications must be submitted via the Foundation’s website:
🌐 www.eotvosmusicfoundation.org
SELECTION PROCESS
Up to 6 composers will be selected as active participants. Selection will be completed by end of August 2025. Selected participants will be contacted first; all others will be invited to join as observers.
Application deadline: 18 August 2025
Confirmation of active status: by 5 September 2025
Please confirm your participation promptly after selection so we may offer places to candidates on the waiting list if needed.
OBSERVER PARTICIPATION
Applicants not selected as active participants are welcome to attend the masterclass as observers, if desired. You may also apply only as an observer. Please select the appropriate option in the online application form.
Observers may attend all rehearsals, the public meeting, and the closing concert. Due to the special nature of this program, we highly recommend this unique opportunity.
COURSE FEES
(Both to be paid by 05 October 2025 via bank transfer)
Bank details:
Peter Eötvös Contemporary Music Foundation
Bank: K&H Bank Budapest
IBAN: HU76 1020 1006 6019 4912 0000 0000
BIC: OKHBHUHB
Partial attendance does not entitle participants to a reduced fee. We accept payment via bank transfer only.
The fee includes free admission to evening jazz concerts at Opus Jazz Club (within the Budapest Music Center), and access to public meetings and concerts organized by the Foundation.
Note: Travel, accommodation, and meals are not included. Participants are responsible for their own arrangements. We are happy to assist with finding accommodation nearby. Our hotel partner is Ibis Budapest Centrum, and we recommend their services.
COURSE SCHEDULE (DRAFT)
5 November
09:30 – Registration at Budapest Music Center
5–9 November
Rehearsals and sessions with Ars Nova Ensemble, Ramon Lazkano, Benoît Sitzia and Gregory Vajda
9 November
Dress rehearsal and concert presentation of the mini-operas at the concert hall of BMC
CERTIFICATES
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Special thanks to:
Budapest Music Center, French Ministry of Culture, Région Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Ville de Poitiers, La Vienne, SACEM, SPEDIDAM, Théâtre Auditorium Poitiers, Centre National de la Musique, Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel, and Ars Nova Ensemble.