June 22 – 28, 2026 | Philharmonie Berlin, Kammermusiksaal
Music, History, and Inspiration
Experience an unforgettable musical journey through Berlin, diving deep into Felix Mendelssohn’s choral masterpiece ELIAS. This unique choir masterclass blends high-level musical training with cultural exploration.
Exclusive learning and performing opportunity
in one of the best concert halls in the world
Would you like to sing with us?
The academy program is designed for experienced choirs and ensembles as well as individual participants who are eager to refine their skills, deepen their musical understanding, and explore the historical context of Mendelssohn’s work.
Registrations are now open.
Read more and join us today!
What do we sing?
Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdys oratorio ELIAS, Op. 70 MWV A 25. The rehearsals will take place in English, but the oratorio will be sung in German.
The participating choirs and ensembles will also have the opportunity to present their own repertoire in various concerts during the project.
Who will lead the project?
The project is led by Dr. Kent Hatteberg Director of Choral Activities at the University of Louisville.
Where will rehearsals and concerts take place?
The concert of the academy will take place in the beautiful Kammermusiksaal of the Philharmonie Berlin and will be part of the official program of the Philharmonie.
The venues for the rehearsals will be announced soon.
What costs are involved?
The participation fee for the academy is EUR 295.00 per participant.
The fee includes the academy program, sectional rehearsals, language coach, lectures, guided tours as listed in the schedule, welcoming lunch and the farewell dinner after the concert.
Non-performing accompanying persons are offered a reduced participation fee of EUR 195.00 per person that includes access to all rehearsals and a concert ticket in the best category for all concerts of the festival including the concert at the Philharmonie Berlin.
Accompanying persons, friends and fans that wish to attend only the concerts can purchase concert tickets in our ticket website.
Mendelssohn Choral Academy
Music, History, and Inspiration at the Philharmonie Berlin
Perform with us!
The schedule of the project
June 22, 2026
Welcoming Lunch
12:00 At a local restaurant
Choir & Piano Rehearsal
15:00 – 17:30 All participants
Sectional Rehearsals
18:30 – 21:00 In four groups for sopranos, altos, tenors, basses
June 23, 2026
Guided Tours
10:00 – 12:00 Mendelssohn Museum & Kreuzberg Cemetery
Sectional Rehearsals
15:00 – 17:30 In four groups for sopranos, altos, tenors, basses
Sectional Rehearsals
18:30 – 21:00 In two groups for sopranos & altos and for tenors & basses
June 24, 2026
Lecture
11:00 – 12:00 “Mendelssohn & Berlin – a difficult love story”
Choir & Piano Rehearsal
15:00 – 17:30 All participants
Sectional Rehearsals
18:30 – 21:00 In two groups for sopranos & altos and for tenors & basses
June 25, 2026
Guided Tours
10:00 – 12:00 Visit to “Berlin’s music venues”
Choir & Piano Rehearsal
15:00 – 18:00 All participants + soloists
Tutti Rehearsal
19:00 – 22:00 All participants + soloists + orchestra
June 26, 2026
Stage Rehearsal
10:00 – 13:00 All participants + soloists + orchestra at the Kammermusiksaal of the Philharmonie Berlin
Tutti Rehearsal
15:00 – 18:00 All participants + soloists + orchestra
Concert of the Fringe Program
21:00 Attending the concert “Night of the Choirs”
June 27, 2026
Warm-up and Stage Rehearsal
13:30 All participants + soloists + orchestra at the Kammermusiksaal of the Philharmonie Berlin
Final Concert
15:00 Final Concert at the Kammermusiksaal of the Philharmonie Berlin
Dinner
19:00 Joint dinner with all participants
June 28, 2026
SingGarden
10:00 – 12:00 Tiergarten Berlin
Open singing in the city’s most popular park
Academy Leader
Dr. Kent Hatteberg (Academy Leader and Principal Conductor)
Dr. Kent Hatteberg is Director of Choral Activities at the University of Louisville, where he leads the Collegiate Chorale and Cardinal Singers and oversees the choral conducting program. A Fulbright Scholar, he studied Mendelssohn’s early works in Berlin and conducted the world premiere of Mendelssohn’s Gloria in 1997. Dr. Hatteberg has guest-conducted internationally, including with the Nederlands Kamerkoor, and founded the Louisville Chamber Choir in 2013. Under his direction, the University of Louisville choirs have performed at major conventions and international festivals across Europe, Asia, and beyond.
Take the stage with us
Register today
Please don’t hesitate to contact us for any question or comments.