February 1, 2026
Auditions Open
Be prepared to submit your video auditions of two contrasting movements from the standard repertoire for your instrument, a headshot photograph, and a bio/resume.
March 21, 2026
Round 1: Priority Audition Deadline
After our first round of auditions, we will notify participants of their status of acceptance to the program.
May 1, 2026
Round 2: Auditions Close
Auditions will close May 1 unless there are vacancies in certain sections.
May 15, 2026
Chamber groups announced and music selected
Participants will be notified of their chamber music assignments. Chamber music should be prepared prior to the festival.
Institute Details
Dates: June 23-27, 2026
Application Fee: $50
Late Application Fee (After May 1): $100
Festival Tuition: $450
Housing: Festival tuition includes housing in a double occupancy room at Fairfield Inn.
Meals: Breakfast provided at the hotel. Lunches provided at the Halle by the festival. Dinner will be on your own.
Who can apply: Students ages 18-35 attending public and private universities are welcome to apply.
Travel: Travel to and from the institute will be the responsibility of the participant.
Thanks to a generous sponsor, we are able to offer this institute at a reasonable cost to all promising musicians.
2026 Orchestral Repertoire
Festival March by Antonín Dvořák (1841–1904)
Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 77 by Johannes Brahms (1833–1897)
Soloist: Fiona Shea, Violin Artist Faculty
I. Allegro non troppo
II. Adagio
III. Allegro giocoso, ma non troppo vivace
Polovetsian Dances from Prince Igor by Alexander Borodin (1833–1887)
Selections from The Sound of Music by Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II
arr. by Robert Russell Bennett
Join Us for an Unforgettable Musical Experience
Join us for this amazing opportunity!
Are you ready to join us?
Experience an unforgettable summer of music in the Texas Hill Country!
Student artists who are accepted to the program will be mentored by and perform alongside our highly skilled and sought after Artist Faculty.