The Allianz Cultural Foundation has supported one of the first projects of the "Internationale Ensemble Modern Akademie" (International Ensemble Modern Academy, IEMA) at the same time creating a qualification which is unparalleled at the European level as especially for young composers it is often difficult to find their first job. They receive their training almost solely at the universities, where there is generally no opportunity for them to work together with professional ensembles.

The International Compositions Seminar of the IEMA intended to rectify this discrepancy by enabling them to learn and work together in a professional, international context. The aim of the seminar was to compose new conducted musical works for ensembles and to premiere them. At the beginning, it had been the wish of the Ensemble Modern to pass on their own wealth of experience and give professional support to up-and-coming young talents as well as their interest in developing joint projects with the young international composer and conductor generation. At the same time, the Academy served not only as a place for teaching and learning but mainly as a place for research, encounters, exchange and presentation to the general public.

6 composers and 2 conductors were chosen out of more than 100 applications to participate at the Compositions Seminar under direction of the composer and conductor Johannes Kalitzke. During the first working phase (from October 30 until November 2, 2008) the participants presented their first ideas of their compositions and attended instrumental workshops of the musicians of the Ensemble Modern. The main questions were: Which possibilities does the instrument offer? Which tone colours arise in which registers? And how do they interact in the joint tones of the ensemble? The second working phase from May 05-12, 2009 concentrated on the rehearsal process of the 6 premiere scores that then have been on hand. The new compositions finally were presented in Frankfurt and Munich.

The final concerts of the International Compositions Seminar 2008/2009 with the Ensemble Modern took place in Frankfurt and Munich at the beginning of May 2009: On Sunday, May 10, 2009, at 8:00 p.m. at "Haus DEA" in Frankfurt and on Tuesday, May 12, 2009, at 8:00 p.m. at the "Muffathalle" in Munich.

The six premieres were conducted by the two participating conductors Gwennolé Rufet and Daan Janssens, and by this year's seminar tutor, Johannes Kalitzke. Felix Dreher was the sound master.

Two blocks of the Seminar took place (in September 2006 and in February 2007). At the same time musical contents and approaches have been analysed and conveyed against the background of aesthetic problems therefore in connection with standing composing techniques. This process should promote impulses for the creation of new forms of composition. Therefore starting from an interdisciplinary approach, besides the eight composers which have been invited from various countries there have been also two conductors as well as two musicologists taking part who documented the creative process. The works were performed for the first time on the February 17 and 18, 2007, in Frankfurt.