Of course, that’s how it’s meant to be. These are individual, unrelated sessions, and you can come whenever it suits you.

The hall is open for us one hour before the session begins and can be used for warm-ups, etc. Then the session begins. We play a lot, rehearse a little here and there, but are primarily interested in the ‘big picture’ of the respective works. There is a generous break with complimentary refreshments for socialising, followed by another round of music-making.

After the session, we probably have a drink together… as the saying goes: ‘There’s not enough toasting going on!’

Registration is strongly recommended, especially for wind and percussion players, as the principle of ‘first come, first served’ applies: those who have registered for a particular part will be given priority. For parts that are not yet filled on the day itself (registrations for a session are publicly visible at all times) and for under-staffed string sections, you are welcome to turn up spontaneously.

NB: Paper sheet music will only be provided upon registration and corresponding order. For spontaneous appearances, we recommend using a tablet or making appropriate arrangements with colleagues. Printing on site at short notice is possible in certain cases, but cannot be guaranteed.

That is entirely up to you and your sense of responsibility as a musician. Of course, these sessions will be all the more fulfilling if you are already reasonably familiar with the music and have a reasonable command of your voice. At the same time, there is room for experimentation, and you should simply be able to come and play along.

We ask you to consider your abilities and intentions when registering: as a less experienced wind player without time for preparation, it would not be particularly sensible or fair to claim the solo part for yourself at the beginning of the registration process – it would be better to wait and see if it is still available shortly before the session, or to choose a 2nd, 3rd or 4th part. As a string player, the situation is of course different, as long as the maximum number of players (16/16/14/12/8) has not yet been reached.

If in doubt, please feel free to contact us and ask.

Generally, Joseph Sieber leads the sessions as conductor, together with experienced, professional section leaders at the first desks of the strings. The latter change from session to session and are listed with the information about the session.

There are instruments that are well suited to doubling certain original voices. However, it is difficult to make general statements in this regard, which is why we ask those affected to consult with the conductor in advance. You can find the relevant option on the registration form or otherwise via the contact email address.