ErgonLab is a one-year training program in contemporary music performance coordinated by members of Ergon Ensemble and composer Alexandros Spyrou. The program takes place three times per year in Athens, Heraklion, and Ioannina, Greece with additional online instruction throughout the year. Each cycle will provide free tuition and performance experience for a selected group of young performers through a combination of applied and academic education. After completing their studies, a selected number of performers may be offered an internship and/or invited to join the ensemble.
The program is intended for young performers with a high level of technical and interpretational skills in western art music who wish to advance their education in contemporary music. Any performers based in Greece, or who can commit to being in Greece during the indicated periods, regardless of nationality, are welcome to apply.
The organization covers the total cost of tuition fees and accommodation for all selected students. Students only need to cover their travel expenses to and from Athens, Heraklion and Ioannina.
A full cycle of studies consists of three periods.
The winter period takes place in Athens Conservatoire, the summer period in the Cultural Conference Center of Heraklion and the fall period in the Municipal Cultural Center of Ioannina. Throughout the year, students will attend group and private sessions including:
● Instrumental instruction: private lessons;
● Chamber music;
● Contemporary performance techniques;
● Aesthetics in contemporary music;
● Somatic education: Alexander technique, Feldenkrais;
● Performance with audiovisual media;
● Interdisciplinary performance: music in dance, musical theater, performance art.
After the completion of a full study cycle, 1-2 graduates might be offered a paid internship with the ensemble. During this period, they will further expand their performance experience and take part in the ensemble’s projects. Upon mutual agreement, a number of graduates may become members of the ensemble in the long term.
After the completion of a full study cycle, 1-2 graduates might be offered a paid internship with the ensemble. During this period, they will further expand their performance experience and take part in the ensemble’s projects. Upon mutual agreement, a number of graduates may become members of the ensemble in the long term.
Aside from the educational and artistic program, students will have the chance to take part in activities such as museum and cultural site visits, culinary events, and field trips. These are optional activities, tailored to all three specific cities, which complement and enrich the learning experience of each training period.
Winter session: Athens, 10-17 February 2021
Summer session: Heraklion, July 2021, exact dates tba
Fall session: Ioannina, November 2021, exact dates tba
Website ergon-ensemble.gr