For applicants under 30 with limited financial means from a European country
The Noël Minet Fund provides financial support to applicants under 30 with limited financial means to participate in our cooperation events or in events organised under our label.
We especially encourage applicants from the target countries of our Regional Development Strategy to apply, although applicants from other European countries are also welcome to apply.
The amount of the scholarship generally ranges from €300 to €500 (please note that the higher amount is rarely awarded, as we aim to provide opportunities to as many deserving candidates as possible).
Since 2021, the Noël Minet Fund is administered by the Friends of the European Choral Association.
In 2026, the Fund offered grants to applicants wishing to attend one of the following events:
– Walter Strauss Choral Conducting Masterclass | Ankara, Türkiye | 25-31 January 2026
– Study Tour to Europa Cantat junior Festival | Girona, Spain | 11-19 July 2026
– European Seminar for Choral Composers | Aosta, Italy | 19-26 July 2026
– Fosco Corti Competition for Choral Conductors | Torino, Italy | 23-25 October 2026
Deadline for applications:
For the Walter Strauss Choral Conducting Masterclass the deadline to apply for the scholarship was 30 November 2025.
For the remaining events the deadline was 30 April 2026.
For any inquiry please write to scholarships@friendsofeca.org
HOW TO APPLY
Candidates can apply by filling this application form with
- Reasons for applying with explanation of economic situation
- Information if they have applied for or will receive other funds
- Total budget with specification of participation fees, travel, accommodation, meals and scores
- CV
- 2 recommendations
- plans on how to share the new knowledge and experience with their local community afterwards
Deadline to apply for a scholarship for the Walter Strauss Choral Conducting Masterclass: 30 November 2025
Deadlines to apply for a scholarship for all the other events: 30 April 2026
Please note: If the event application deadline is before the Noël Minet Fund scholarship application deadline or decision date, you must register for the event by the event’s own deadline. If your participation depends on receiving a scholarship, please inform the organiser that you have applied for a Noël Minet Fund scholarship and that your participation will be confirmed once you know the outcome of your application.
DONATE
The Noël Minet Fund depends on the generosity of donors to achieve its objects. If you wish to support this work, please transfer your donation to the following account, indicating your name and the reference.
“Donation Noël Minet Fund”
Friends of the European Choral Association
Sparkasse KoelnBonn, D-53111 Bonn
IBAN: DE 0237 0501 9819 2985 8932
BIC: COLSDE33
Noël Minet
Noël Minet
President of Europa Cantat – European Federation of Young Choirs on 1995-2000
Honorary president of À Cœur Joie International
Honorary president of À Cœur Joie Wallonie-Bruxelles
Previous Scholarship Recipients
2025:
Lúcia Carvalho | Leading Voices in Tallin, Estonia
Joanna Śnieg | 13th European Academy for choral conductors, Fano, Italy
Büşra Yakar | Leading Voices in Tallin, Estonia
2024:
Laura Sheils | European Seminar for Choral Composers Report
Lidiia Korolevska | Walter Strauss Masterclass in Ankara Report
2023:
Jovana Kuzmanović | World Symposium for Choral Music in Istanbul Report
Tisa Mrhar | World Symposium for Choral Music in Istanbul Report
Julija Uzunova | World Symposium for Choral Music in Istanbul Report
2018:
Phoebe Bitoon | (Inter) national Congress for Conductors Report
Ahmet Can Kızılcan | EuroChoir Report
Hannah Ewald | EuroChoir Report
2017:
Noemi | 12th Choir Academy on Orchestra Conducting Report
Kuo-Jen, Mao | Lithuanian Choral Music Study Tour Report
