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The selection of participants for the Encounter is carried out through online auditions conducted personally by the artistic direction of the Encounter. The dates for the next edition are announced each autumn.
Phase 1 – Pre-selection:
Candidates must submit their application before January 15, 2026. The CV and audiovisual material will be evaluated.
Phase 2 – Personal interview:
The pre-selected candidates will have an online interview in February 2026. Those who do not obtain a place will be placed on a waiting list.
The Encounter is aimed at talented young musicians who wish to perfect their skills and acquire professional experience. Advanced academic training and artistic experience are recommended.
Age (as of July 1, 2026):
– Instrumentalists: 18 to 31 years old.
– Singers: 18 to 33 years old.
Language: it is necessary to have a fluent level of English since the classes and rehearsals will be taught in this language.
– Wind: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, and trumpet*.
– Strings: violin, viola, cello, and double bass*.
– Piano.
– Singing.
– Harp*.
*In the 2026 edition, harp, trumpet, and double bass students will participate in orchestral projects, chamber music, and recitals.
€30 / €0*: Until November 30
€50 / €0*: From December 1 to 31
€75: January 1 to 15, 2026
* Students from associated schools and former participants of the Meeting will not pay the registration fee if they complete it between October 30 and December 31. After this date, they will lose this privilege.
The registration fee must be paid when completing your application and is non-refundable.
The Reina Sofía School of Music, together with its allied institutions, unites in a firm commitment to artistic excellence and high-level musical education.
This collaboration strengthens the training of young musicians, providing them with access to unique opportunities to develop their talent in an environment that fosters creativity, innovation, and technical improvement.
For any questions or clarifications, you can contact the coordination team at encuentro@albeniz.com.
The concerts will be held at the Palacio de Festivales in Santander and at various emblematic locations in the Cantabria region, including churches and cultural centers.
Each participant will perform in several concerts during their stay and is required to bring appropriate concert attire. In all cases, clothing must be clean, ironed, and well-fitted to ensure a professional appearance.
For orchestra:
For chamber music:
We recommend bringing a beach towel and an umbrella for the rain (anything can happen!).
The organization will provide access to the orchestral and chamber music scores once the assigned repertoire is confirmed.
For any questions or clarifications, you can contact the coordination team at encuentro@albeniz.com.
The scheduling of classes, rehearsals, and concerts will be managed through the ASIMUT platform, accessible before your arrival. You will receive classes from the faculty and participate in chamber music and orchestra projects. Instrumental participants typically perform in 4-5 concerts (including orchestra, chamber music, and recitals), while singers typically participate in 3 (recitals and vocal gala).
In general, string and wind musicians are required to attend the entire Academy program. For pianists and singers, arrival and departure dates will be confirmed individually once the final program is established.
International participants will be covered by travel insurance during their stay in Santander. If you are a citizen of the European Union, it is also recommended that you bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Yes, each participant will receive a daily allowance of €30 during the Meeting.
The daily allowance will be paid via bank transfer during your stay in Santander. We strongly recommend bringing some cash for the first few days and the possibility of withdrawing money with a credit card later.
The Santander Encounter offers travel assistance to all participants, differentiated by place of residence (originating trip), up to the maximum amounts indicated below:
o Spain: up to €180
o Europe: up to €450
o Outside of Europe: up to €600
Cellists and double bassists will receive up to twice the corresponding amount if they travel by plane.
Participants will be responsible for finding and purchasing their tickets to Santander or Bilbao. The Encounter will reimburse up to the indicated amounts once the participant arrives in Santander and presents the purchase receipt for the tickets.
The Encounter also provides accommodation in private rooms in a student residence in Santander, and will facilitate transportation for the activities programmed in Santander and the Cantabria region.
Candidates on the reserve list will be called upon only in the event of a cancellation. Therefore, neither participation nor the timing of such an invitation can be guaranteed. Cancellations may occur even at the last minute, so you could be invited to Santander up to the very start of the Meeting.
The results will be announced in early March 2026.
No, participation is completely free. However, a deposit of €150 is required to confirm your attendance. This deposit will be refunded at the end of your stay, unless you cancel or withdraw.
It depends on when you register:
€30 / €0*: From October 30 to November 30
€50 / €0*: From December 1 to December 31
€75: January 1 to 15, 2026
* Students from associated schools and former participants of the Meeting will not pay a registration fee if they complete it from October 30 to December 31. After this date, they will lose this privilege.
The registration fee must be paid when completing your application and is non-refundable.