Greeting from the Patron, Mayor of the City of Nuremberg, Prof. Dr. Julia Lehner 
Ladies and gentlemen, dear visitors, dear friends of the International Summer Academy Pommersfelden,
Founded in 1958, the International Summer Academy of the Collegium Musicum can look back on an exceptionally long and successful history. This is by no means something to be taken for granted, as it requires great effort to sustain such an event—dedicated to the advancement of musical excellence—over the years in a way that continually attracts audiences and remains a success time and again. The Schönborn-Wiesentheid family deserves the highest gratitude for their passionate and enduring commitment to the cause of music.
A defining feature of the Summer Academy at Weißenstein Castle has always been its outstanding musical quality. Preserving this standard has certainly not been easy in light of the many social changes and upheavals over time. Moreover, recent global developments and the resulting existential uncertainties that affect us both as a society and as individuals pose serious challenges for the organizers of the Summer Academy.
It is reassuring, however, that music possesses a profoundly peaceful power that connects people across all differences and borders. It must therefore remain our goal to continue bringing this power to life and making it accessible to as many people as possible. The program of the 69th International Summer Academy will undoubtedly live up to this noble aspiration in every respect.
My heartfelt thanks go to everyone involved in the organization and realization of this event. I wish the many young musicians every success, and the undoubtedly numerous visitors much joy and enjoyment!
Yours sincerely,
Prof. Dr. Julia Lehner
Mayor of the City of Nuremberg
Collegium Musicum – Schloss Pommersfelden
Christian Thielemann, Klaus Thunemann, Marie-Luise Neunecker, Hans-Jörg Schellenberger, Roswitha Staege, Rainer Kussmaul, Othmar Mága, Lutz Herbig, Imogen Cooper…! All these world-famous musicians have taken part in the Summer Academy Collegium Musicum Schloss Pommersfelden, either as students, teachers, or conductors. They all have contributed to the summer academy’s recognized place on the music scene. It is known as the third oldest event of its kind in Europe. Since its inauguration in 1958 by Dr. Karl Count of Schönborn-Wiesentheid, the International Summer Academy has enjoyed an outstanding reputation worldwide.
Every year, young musicians aged 18 to 28 are invited to apply for participation. The selected applicants receive classes as well as room and board. The association covers the costs of their stay. Schloss Weissenstein in Pommersfelden has been turned into a museum, and its owners, the Count and Countess of Schönborn-Wiesentheid, open its doors for the entire duration of the Summer Academy.
The “Music Academy-Orchestra”
At the beginning of the summer academy, a practice session for string and wind instrument players takes place with a piece of their choice to determine the concertmaster, the section leaders and the placement of lecterns. The young musicians have the opportunity to work with experienced conductors and music teachers. The program is not only designed for pleasure, it also carries a pedagogical value and enables the students to experience the life of professional musicians for four weeks.
Every week, a different program is rehearsed and presented to an audience at weekends.
Life at the castle
Schloss Weissenstein was built as a Baroque summer residence for the prince-bishop and archbishop Lothar Franz of Schönborn at the beginning of the 18th century. The castle, a renowned tourist destination, is still used as a private summer residence by Paul Count of Schönborn and his family and hosts the summer academy for four weeks.
Leisure time
The unique atmosphere of the castle, the beautiful park and its deer, and the rural landscape enchant anyone with an eye for beauty and artistic sensitivity. It is ideally situated for daily excursions to Bamberg or Nürnberg. Students can also relax at the local lake and nearby swimming pool.
Room & Board
Participants are accommodated in the castle and its adjoining buildings. They have to pay for their own travel expenses. An enthusiastic kitchen staff is responsible for preparing delicious meals. Free beverages, a washing machine, dryer and iron are at the students’ disposal whenever needed!
Concert programme
Deprecated shortcode. Use George Gershwin: Cuban Ouverture Jaques Ibert: Flötenkonzert Manuel De Falla: Suite Nr.2 aus Dreispitz Maurice Ravel: Bolero Solist: Nehemie Manca, Schweiz Orchester Collegium Musicum Schloss Pommersfelden Dirigentin: Irene Delgado-Jiménez, Spanien George Gershwin: Cuban Overture Jaques Ibert: Flute Concerto Manuel De Falla: Suite No. 2 from The Three-Cornered Hat Maurice Ravel: Bolero Soloist: Nehemie Manca, Switzerland Orchestra: Collegium Musicum Schloss Pommersfelden Conductor: Irene Delgado-Jiménez, Spain George Gershwin: Cuban Ouverture Jaques Ibert: Flötenkonzert Manuel De Falla: Suite Nr.2 aus Dreispitz Maurice Ravel: Bolero Solist: Nehemie Manca, Schweiz Orchester Collegium Musicum Schloss Pommersfelden Dirigentin: Irene Delgado-Jiménez, Spanien George Gershwin: Cuban Overture Jaques Ibert: Flute Concerto Manuel De Falla: Suite No. 2 from The Three-Cornered Hat Maurice Ravel: Bolero Soloist: Nehemie Manca, Switzerland Orchestra: Collegium Musicum Schloss Pommersfelden Conductor: Irene Delgado-Jiménez, Spain Studierende des Collegium Musicum Schloss Pommersfelden und Ensemble Cocarde Students of the Collegium Musicum Schloss Pommersfelden and Ensemble Cocarde Gustav Holst: Bläserquintett As-Dur op.14 Franz Berwald: Septett für Klarinette, Fagott, Horn, Violine, Viola, Kontrabass, Violoncello Dimitri Schostakowitsch: Trio Nr.2 e-Moll op. 67 Studierende des Collegium Musicum Schloss Pommersfelden Gustav Holst: Wind Quintet in A flat major, Op. 14 Franz Berwald: Septett für Klarinette, Fagott, Horn, Violine, Viola, Kontrabass, Violoncello Dimitri Shostakovich: Trio No. 2 in E minor, Op. 67 Students of the Collegium Musicum Schloss Pommersfelden Franz Liszt (1811–1886) Waldesrauschen Pause Sonate h-Moll Liszt Piano Recital Franz Liszt (1811–1886) Waldesrauschen (Forest Murmurs) Intermission Sonata in B MinorLiszt-Klavierabend
Ave Maria
Funérailles
Walzer aus Gounods Faust
Mephisto-Walzer Nr. 1
Ave Maria
Funérailles
Waltz from Gounod’s Faust
Mephisto Waltz No. 1
Tickets 2026
You can book your tickets starting from 15th of February here:
Membership
Collegium Musicum Schloss Pommersfelden is a summer music academy for the promotion of young talent. At the academy, gifted young musicians have the opportunity to further their musical studies, develop their personalities and collaborate with other artists.
Directions
How to find us
If travelling by car, the Pommersfelden freeway exit is the shortest route to Schloss Pommersfelden.
