Music and theatre in a former monastery

What makes the Rostock University of Music and Theatre so fascinating is not only the closeness to the Baltic Sea but also its residence itself. Here, studying takes place behind walls of a former monastery. It was in April 2001 when the University of Music and Theatre moved to the elaborately restored and highly equiped Katharinenstift, an old monastery of the Franciscan Order founded in the mid 13^th century. For the purpose of the University of Art the historic parts were combined with new sections. Today, the interplay of gothic and modern architecture is exemplary for the building.Thanks to all this the former monastery offers a unique working atmosphere among Germany's university buildings with the extensive cloisters, the chapter hall, and the refectory.

An extensive number of concerts and drama performances entertain throughout the year.

The courses of studies at the Rostock University of Music and Theatre prepare to an artistic career of a musician, a singer or a composer, and to the teaching profession. In addition, the University educates actresses and actors with great success. The healthy air of the sea invites to a study of special brilliance. Many graduates gained already from the advantages the institution has to offer. One example is the Latvian violinist Baiba Skride who won the 1^st price at the Queen Elisabeth International Music Competition of Belgium and started her international career already during her period of training in Rostock. Today she is still connected with the institution where she was educated in the class of professor Petru Munteanu. Therefore, during the last years she has returned not only for concerts but also as a teacher for a master class in the course of the Summer Campus. Another excellent graduate is Albena Danailowa who is at present the concertmaster of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Graduates of the Drama department are just as successful. They have become ensemble members of for example the Vienna "Burgtheater" or the "Thalia Theater" in Hamburg.

Students from all over the world are invited to master classes during the annual Summer Campus in August. That makes the University even more a centre of international flair. During this happening many concerts are offered which allure people from the region and visitors from far away to experience the magic of the place and the music.