For the Heidelberger Frühling Liedakademie 2024/25, around 200 singers and pianists applied online. 50 of them were invited to audition in Heidelberg, 25 of whom qualified for the second and final round. In the end, 13 of them were awarded a place in the renowned, year-round scholarship program at Liedakademie under the artistic direction of Thomas Hampson.

The first module took place in mid-October 2024 and offered a varied programme: The focus was on master classes with Thomas Hampson, accompanied by arriving at the Heidelberg host families and getting to know each other. The module was rounded off with a professional photo shoot and courses on relaxation techniques to help them face the demanding everyday life of an artist with strength and balance.

The second module took place as a closed work phase in February 2025. In master classes with Thomas Hampson and Susan Manoff, the scholarship holders worked intensively on works by Fauré and Schubert, which they presented in a personal atmosphere at the end of a house concert with a long-standing host family.

The third module takes place as part of the Musikfestival, where the young singers and pianists can be experienced in public master classes. They also help shape the free re:start programme and bring music to the districts of Heidelberg.

The Liedfestival is the highlight and conclusion of the current year. In addition to public master classes, the young artists will perform the grand closing concert at the festival finale. Here, the impressive artistic and personal developments that the singers and pianists have undergone over the course of the one-year scholarship program become tangible.

Elitsa Desseva
Official academy pianist, head of studies, program design and coach

Bulgarian pianist Elitsa Desseva specializes in collaborations with singers and is considered one of the leading song pianists of her generation. Under their guidance, the Heidelberger Frühling Liedakademie focuses on innovative teamwork and creative development. The young scholarship holders can develop and elaborate their artistic vision in discussions about song art and networking.