AIMS Festival Orchestra 2027
American Institute of Musical Studies (AIMS in Graz)
Tuition-free six-week orchestral contract in Graz, Austria, for experienced instrumentalists, with free housing and partial board; players pay a deposit, administrative and health insurance fees plus their own travel.
The AIMS Festival Orchestra gives experienced instrumentalists the chance to perform with a professional-level orchestra under internationally acclaimed European conductors, in Graz, Austria, from 6 July to 15 August 2027. For many players it is preparation for professional auditions and a starting point for auditioning in Europe.
The programme includes five orchestral concerts in major Graz venues, with several repeated elsewhere in Austria. The repertoire is primarily operatic, with occasional symphonic works and excerpts with solo instrumental passages, and a recital series offers solo and chamber music opportunities. Players also take daily conversational German classes for musicians and join lectures, mock auditions and master classes.
What the contract includes: no tuition is charged. Orchestra members receive housing in suites of two or three single private bedrooms with shared bathroom, breakfast daily and lunch Monday to Friday, travel and meals for concerts outside Graz, and participation in classes and events. Transport of certain large instruments is provided from and to North American gateway cities.
What players pay: the programme is not cost-free. When the contract is signed, members pay an orchestra deposit ($450), an administrative fee ($75) and a health insurance fee ($85; $100 for citizens who need an Austrian entry visa, plus a $100 visa processing fee where applicable). Players pay for their own flights to and from Graz and need spending money for other meals, internet, laundry and local travel.
Who it is for: experienced instrumentalists from any country. Auditions are held live across the United States early in the calendar year, and video auditions are accepted; see the AIMS orchestra audition guide and required repertoire. The orchestra roster is posted on 15 March.
Repertoire and conductors for 2027 have not yet been announced. AIMS's published 2026 programme (for example Bartók's Concerto for Orchestra and Hindemith's Symphonic Metamorphosis, with conductors including Lukas Beikircher, Marzio Conti, Alfred Eschwé, Patrick Hahn and Marius Stieghorst) is shown for reference only and should not be taken as the 2027 line-up.
Dates: orchestra members arrive in Graz on Tuesday 6 July 2027 (AIMS advises departing the United States on Monday 5 July); the programme ends on 15 August 2027.
Entry requirements
Experienced instrumentalists from any country, admitted by audition (live in the US or by video recording); roster posted 15 March.
Accommodation
Housing in suites of two or three single private bedrooms with shared bathroom; breakfast daily and lunch Monday to Friday included.
Fees and funding
Tuition, housing and partial board are provided under the orchestra contract; deposit, administrative and health insurance fees and travel remain the player's responsibility.
Auditions for all AIMS programmes are held across the United States early in the calendar year, and recorded (video) auditions are accepted. Register for a live audition or submit a video audition via the AIMS audition page; no money beyond the $50 audition fee is due until after acceptance.