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From February 13 to 15, I had the distinct pleasure of performing and teaching at the International Trombone Festival organized by the Internationale Posaunenvereinigung and hosted by the Hochschule für Musik und Theater »Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy« Leipzig.

The festival presented a comprehensive and thoughtfully curated program, including concerts, lectures, instrument exhibitions, museum visits, warm-up sessions, and individual lessons. It created a stimulating environment in which performers, educators, and students could exchange ideas, deepen their artistic perspectives, and celebrate the versatility of the trombone.

Leipzig itself added a profound dimension to the experience. As a city of immense musical heritage, closely associated with Johann Sebastian Bach and Felix Mendelssohn, it stands as one of Europe’s great cultural centers. Being immersed in such a historically significant setting served as a powerful reminder of the traditions that continue to shape our artistic work today.

I was particularly proud that the Karol Lipiński Academy of Music in Wrocław Trombone Class was invited to participate. Their involvement was made fully possible through the Erasmus Programme, which continues to play a vital role in fostering meaningful international collaboration. Trombone classes from Prague and Brno also benefited from this opportunity, further strengthening the spirit of exchange that defined the festival.

The Karol Lipiński Academy of Music in Wrocław Trombone Class. First row: (L-R) Klaudia Adamczyk, Hania Szarańczak, Emilia Francuziak, Wojciech Giłka. Second row: (L-R) Igor Majchrzak, Szymon Szymański, Dawid John. Not in the picture: Tymoteusz Otto, teachers Tomasz Hajda and Wojciech Prokopowicz

The students and faculty of the Wrocław studio not only took part in the educational activities but also performed in concert as part of the festival program. In addition, a larger combined ensemble was organized to give two performances in the city, bringing our shared work into the public sphere. These appearances reflected both the artistic level of the participants and the strong sense of community that developed throughout the event.

During these three intensive days, I had the privilege of teaching festival participants as well as conservatory students from Prague, Bern, Düsseldorf, and Leipzig. The commitment, openness, and musical curiosity I encountered were deeply inspiring.

© Alixandra Porembski
© Andreas Zach posaunenfestival leipzig 2026

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Prof. Thomas Leyendecker, IPV President Louise Pollock, Sebastian Krause, Andreas Zach, and everyone whose dedication and vision made this festival possible. It was an honor to contribute to such a meaningful event in a city whose musical legacy continues to resonate so strongly.

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The Blended International Project (BIP) Trombone event, held from November 29th to December 3rd, 2024, at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Madrid, was a truly inspiring celebration of musical collaboration and cultural exchange. Thanks to the generous support of the Erasmus+ program, funded by the European Union, this initiative provided an invaluable opportunity for students and educators from across Europe to come together, share knowledge, and grow both artistically and professionally.

Spearheaded by Professor Elies Hernandis, the event brought together students and faculty from six esteemed European conservatories—Copenhagen, Wroclaw, Liège, Salzburg, Karlsruhe, and Madrid. I had the privilege of contributing by leading a warm-up session, where I was able to demonstrate and discuss an aspect of trombone playing that I believe is deeply important. Additionally, I helped prepare the student ensemble for a performance of Eric Ewazen’s intricate and profoundly moving composition, Posaunenstadt—a piece that holds special significance for me. Watching the ensemble evolve over five days was immensely rewarding, as they embraced Ewazen’s lush harmonies and intricate phrasing with both precision and expressiveness.

A particularly meaningful part of this experience was collaborating with José Antonio Cubas, a dear friend and mentor whose guidance has significantly influenced my journey as a musician and educator. His insight and support have been a constant source of inspiration, making it especially rewarding to share this experience with him.

The event was further enriched by the participation of exceptional professors, including Jesper Juul Windahl, Dany Bonvin, Sándor Szabo, Simeón Galduf, José Antonio Cubas and Elies Hernandis. Each of them brought their unique expertise and artistry to the project, creating an engaging and dynamic learning environment that left a lasting impact on the students.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without Sara Erro’s dedication behind the scenes. Her meticulous planning, professionalism, and kindness ensured that everything ran smoothly. Her efforts allowed students and faculty to focus entirely on the music, making the event not only a success but an absolute pleasure to be part of.

The Erasmus+ program continues to be a driving force in fostering international collaboration in higher education, and its impact on music conservatories is truly profound. Initiatives like BIP Trombone give students and faculty the chance to engage in exchange programs, joint artistic projects, and cross-cultural learning experiences, all of which are invaluable in shaping their artistic and professional growth.

Looking back, BIP Trombone was far more than just a week of rehearsals and performances—it was a testament to the power of music to unite people, spark creativity, and build lasting connections across cultures. I’m deeply grateful to have been part of such a remarkable project, to have shared it with incredible colleagues and mentors, and to have witnessed the dedication and artistry of the participating students. A heartfelt thank you to Elies Hernandis for his vision and leadership in bringing this event to life—his passion for music education and international collaboration was at the core of its success. Experiences like this remind us why we do what we do, and I look forward to seeing the lasting impact it will have on everyone involved.