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Collegium musicum stands for: "Camaraderie, passion, art, friendship, love"

Music brings people together!

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Get Involved

The University of Cologne’s ensembles are looking for new members!
Whether you sing or play an instrument, and whether your interests lie in early music, symphonic music, jazz, improvisation, music theater, or contemporary music—our ensembles offer a wide range of opportunities to let your musical creativity run wild.
The symphony orchestra and chamber orchestra, the choir and chamber choir, the Madrigal Choir, the Big Band, the Grand Jazz Ensemble, the Jazz Choir, One Voice (soprano/alto choir), and the Children’s University Choir are open to all interested members of the University of Cologne as well as external singers and instrumentalists—musical, diverse, challenging, highly motivated, and sociable...
We look forward to seeing you!

Quick Facts

At the start of each new semester, all of our ensembles accept new members. Below is a brief overview of each ensemble. More detailed information, including rehearsal schedules, can be found on the respective ensemble’s page.

As a rule, all auditions and tryouts are conducted by conductor Michael Ostrzyga, who also provides piano accompaniment. Auditions are held in the Collegium musicum offices (piano available). If all scheduled slots are already filled, you can contact us by email to arrange an unscheduled appointment.

Symphony orchestra
  • Open to anyone interested who plays an orchestral instrument
  • Auditions are by appointment only and will be held on several dates before the start of the semester
  • REGISTRATION - Please also include your instrument and preferred ensemble in the “Name” field

What should you play at the audition?

  • Selected passages from the current program, sight-read
  • A prepared piece of your choice (please bring sheet music for piano accompaniment, if necessary and available!)
Chamber orchestra
  • For experienced instrumentalists
  • Auditions are by appointment only and will be held on several dates before the start of the semester
  • REGISTRATION - Please also include your instrument and preferred ensemble in the “Name” field

What should you play at the audition?

  • Any prepared piece (please bring the sheet music for the piano accompaniment, if necessary and available!)
  • A bit of sight-reading
Choir
  • Open to anyone interested
  • Auditions by appointment in small groups during the first rehearsals
  • Registration link: HERE (Please include your vocal range in the “Name” field)

What will be sung at the audition?

  • Exercises
  • A short passage sight-read
Chamber choir
  • For experienced singers
  • Auditions available on multiple dates at the start of the semester
  • REGISTRATION - Please also include your vocal range and preferred ensemble in the “Name” field

What will be sung at the audition?

  • Vocal exercises
  • A prepared piece of your choice (please bring sheet music for the piano accompaniment)
  • A short sight-reading piece
Other Ensembles

Please contact the respective ensembles directly by email.
Their contact information can be found on each ensemble's page.

Rehearsal Rooms

Here's how to find our rehearsal rooms


Music Room, Main
Building, 3rd Floor (in the foyer, turn right immediately and go up the stairs to the third floor)

Auditorium II
, Main Building, Ground Floor (in the foyer, turn left, go up a few steps, then turn right down the hallway; the room and entrance are signposted)