Insula Orchestra launches academy

Paris-based period instrument ensemble Insula Orchestra has launched a new historically informed professional academy. Insula Camerata is a new scheme for young musicians playing on period instruments and is now inviting applications.

The scheme is open to young instrumentalists who have graduated from European conservatories or recognised international schools and are now beginning their professional careers. Experience with period instruments is required, and Camerata participants will be selected by an international jury at auditions in Paris, New York and two other European cities yet to be announced.

Insula Camerata is set to include 32 musicians – 20 string players (violin, viola, cello, double bass) and 12 wind players (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet) – who will gain experience with the Insula Orchestra over two seasons (2025-2026 and 2026-2027). Participating young musicians will have the opportunity to play with the musicians of Insula Orchestra, as well as to perform concerts as Insula Camerata at La Seine Musicale in Boulogne-Billancourt and on tour.

The two-year programme will include a double-orchestra cycle centred on Ludwig van Beethoven, featuring performances and recordings of Symphonies No. 3, 5, 7, and 9. As well as concerts and recording projects, participants will engage with Insula Orchestra’s ‘cultural mediation practices’, and collaboration with partner institutions.

The initiative, which is supported by philanthropist Aline Foriel-Destezet and international airport operator Groupe ADP, will offer each participant mentoring from the section leader of their instrument and remuneration for rehearsals, concerts, and recordings (according to the French collective bargaining agreement for performing arts and cultural companies).