12th Int. Chur-Saxon Masterclasses 2026

Since 2014 Cure-Saxon master classes will be held in Bad Elster. The aim is to promote the national and international young professional musicians in the heart of Europe. The artistic leaders will be the world class cello player Prof. Peter Bruns (Leipzig) and the director of the King Albert Theatre Bad Elster, musical director Florian Merz (Bad Elster/Düsseldorf). In addition, various other internationally famous visiting professors for different (string) instruments will be appointed as lecturers of the Cure-Saxon master classes.

As a speciality, the participants of the courses will have the opportunity to play a predetermined piece of music in a rehearsal with the orchestra and to also perform it in the big farewell concert with the orchestra after being selected by the course professor.

In combination with the accompanying health offers and the world-famous manufacturing of musical instruments in the neighbouring musical destination of Markneukirchen as well as the touristic infrastructure, the culture and festival town of Bad Elster offers the best prerequisites to make the Cure-Saxon master classes a success. The framing town spectrum of quiet, nature, relaxation and the complementary wellness factors offer the best basis for a concentrated and successful working atmosphere, especially in the field of instrumental pedagogy.

The Professors
For the 12th International Chursächsische Masterclasses 2026, we are delighted to welcome Prof. Nick Deutsch (oboe), Prof. Heime Müller (violin & chamber music), and of course Prof. Peter Bruns (cello) to Bad Elster.

The Course Week
During the course week, participants will work on their programs in individual lessons within the three instrumental classes. Other participants and guests are welcome to attend the lessons as auditors. Passive participation in the courses is also possible. Additionally, participants have the opportunity to work on chamber music works together in cross-course settings and to perform them in concert.

Supporting Program: Health & Instrument Making
The masterclasses in Bad Elster are complemented by an attractive supporting program that underlines the unique character of the event: This includes health, fitness and relaxation offers from the Sächsische Staatsbäder GmbH, as well as hands-on experiences through encounters with Vogtland instrument makers and/or visits to local musical instrument museums.