LEGATO Academy Munich 2026
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Registrations are open for the next LEGATO Academy, taking place in Munich, Germany from 13–15 March 2026!
Join fellow members of European LGBTQ+ choirs for a weekend of learning, sharing, and connection.
Early bird discount ends 31 January 2026, so book place early to secure the best price.
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​What is LEGATO Academy?
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LEGATO Academy is a unique event that brings together LGBTQ+ choirs from across Europe to learn, share, and connect. This year's Academy will be exploring the theme 'Building Communities'.
Across the weekend you can expect:
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Workshops and discussions
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Social activities and networking opportunities
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Opportunities to sing and celebrate together
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Whether you’re a singer, musician, organiser, board member, or choir manager, everyone from our member choirs is warmly welcomed.
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Need some convincing? Here’s some great feedback we’ve had from people who joined us for the Warsaw LEGATO Academy in March 2025!
“LEGATO Academy is an outstanding space for LGBTQ+ musicians, singers, and choir directors to develop their choral skills in music, teaching, and leadership—I couldn’t recommend it more!”
— LEGATO Academy 2025 delegate
“Before I went to the Academy, someone asked me why I was going. I had just recently joined my choir and wasn’t in any administrative role. After thinking about it, I realized my answer: I want my choir, and everyone in it, including myself, to thrive. LEGATO Academy gave me the inspiration, connections, and knowledge to help make that happen.”
— LEGATO Academy 2025 delegate
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The Workshops
We’re excited to announce our LEGATO Academy 2026 workshops:
Making a Choir in 3 days
Making a Choir in 3 Days shows how a group of strangers can become a choir in no time. Drawing on festival experiences, WeiHsi Hu shares hands-on tips for planning rehearsals, picking repertoire and helping singers find a shared musical and social purpose.
Form Pattern to Song
In From Pattern to Song: Improvised Polyphony in Choirs, Jürgen Terhag takes choirs off the page and into the moment. No sheet music – just movement, gesture and deep listening to create rich, layered sound. It’s a playful, energising approach that works brilliantly for pop and jazz.
Queer Care: LGBTQ+ Choirs, Safety and Well-being
Queer Care: LGBTQ+ Choirs, Safety and Well-being asks what it really means to call a choir a “safe space”. Thomas R. Hilder explores care, conflict and responsibility, and how choirs can meet the diverse needs of queer communities today.
What Makes Queer Choirs
so Gay?
Yonatan Volfin’s session, What Makes Queer Choirs So Gay?, dives into an international study of LGBTQ+ choirs. From warm-ups and repertoire to governance and social life, you’ll discover what truly fosters belonging – plus practical dos and don’ts for inclusive choir culture.
Non-hierarchical Decision-Making in Queer Choirs
Non-hierarchical Decision-Making in Queer Choirs with Kerstin Mayer looks at how power and responsibility can be shared fairly. Expect ideas for transparent structures, collective decision-making and avoiding burnout among volunteers and leaders.
Be the Light: Choral Music composed by Women
Join Be the Light: Choral Music Composed by Women with Mary Ellen Kitchens for a sing-along that’s part repertoire discovery, part reflection. Using a new anthology and a local demo ensemble, you’ll leave with fresh inspiration and tools to diversify your concert programmes.
Your Song, Your Choir: Commissioning New Music to Shape Identity
Your Song, Your Choir: Commissioning New Music to Shape Identity with Michael Betteridge explores how commissioning can transform your choir’s sense of self and its impact on members, audiences and the wider community. This practical session looks at different approaches and how to unlock funding and partnerships.
German Speaking Choir
Network Meeting
Martin Gerrits and Martina Kohlhuber will host the German Speaking Choir Network Meeting – a chance for choirs from Austria, Germany and Switzerland to reconnect, share experiences and build stronger links. (Session in German)
​Event Details
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Venue: Youth Hostel Munich City, Winthirplatz 8, Munich
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Dates: Friday 13 March – Sunday 15 March 2026
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Recommended Arrival: By 4pm on Friday 13 March for optional social activities (to be confirmed)
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We are currently finalising the timetable and hope to finish the Academy by 3pm on the Sunday at the latest.
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During most of the Academy there will be two workshops running at the same time. You can choose which workshops to join on the Academy weekend. The full timetable will be available in early 2026.
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We recommend staying at the hostel, where the LEGATO Board will also be staying.
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We hope to see you there! You’ll find all details about fees, accommodation options, and our cancellation and bursary policies once you start the registration.
Take a look — everything’s clearly explained before you confirm your spot.
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Booking Discounts & Bursaries
Registration fees are based on the date you make your booking:
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Extra Early Discount – register by 30 November 2025
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Early Discount – register by 31 January 2026
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Standard Price – register by 28 February 2026
Pricing options include:
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Single or shared accommodation
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Single day rate for local choir members
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Funded bursary places
Choirs from the following countries may apply for up to two fully funded bursary places per choir (maximum of 10 places available in total):
Estonia, Czech Republic, Greece, Poland, Lithuania, Portugal, Latvia, Andorra, Croatia, San Marino, Slovakia, Hungary, Turkey, Montenegro, Russia, Romania, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Georgia, Serbia, Albania, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine, North Macedonia, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan
For details on what the bursary includes and how to apply, please see the registration form.
