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In its 40th year, the INTERNATIONAL HANDEL ACADEMY is embarking on new and unconventional paths in historically informed performance practice and in the training of young musicians.

For the upcoming academy, under the motto Facciamo un’Opera participants will collaborate to develop a brand-new opera using the 18th century pasticcio technique. The process begins with an ensemble formed specifically for the project: their voice types will determine which existing arias and musical excerpts are chosen to assemble the opera. This collaborative method stands in contrast to today’s conventional working process, which relies on pre existing works and casts singers accordingly. By exploring this historically inspired production approach, the academy demonstrates the relevance and forward looking potential of Early Music in its form and working practices.

The project is based on the libretto Tamerlano. Tragedia per musica by Agostino Piovene (Venice, 1711), which was frequently adapted through the early 19th century to meet evolving performance contexts. The most famous adaptation is by George Frideric Handel, whose Tamerlano will be newly produced for the International Händel Festival Karlsruhe 2026.

The upcoming HANDEL ACADEMY will take place in two phases:

Starting in September 2025, the Opera Academy will work individually with the participating singers to develop customized sheet music and text materials together with the team and the artistic directorate of the HANDEL ACADEMY.

From February 22 to 26, 2026, the Orchestra Academy will follow in Karlsruhe, featuring joint rehearsals for Bajazet e Tamerlano with the tutors and instrumentalists.

Under the artistic direction of Jörg Halubek, participants of the upcoming HÄNDEL ACADEMY will be guided by outstanding artists and experienced interpreters of the early music scene, including Anna Bonitatibus, Eva Saladin, and Jonathan Pešek, who will share their knowledge and expertise during rehearsals and workshops.

The new opera Bajazet e Tamerlano will be presented from February 27 to March 1, 2026, as part of the INTERNATIONAL HANDEL FESTIVAL in Karlsruhe, as well as in Stuttgart and Ettlingen.