Course

Valdres International Academy - Intensive Chamber Music Course

For string players born 2001-2009
Sveinung Hoel Bjorå 06027

This course is for those with a burning passion for chamber music, who wish to immerse themselves at the highest level, playing chamber music from morning to evening. It is suited for string players with strong musical and technical abilities and who already possess a high artistic level. The chamber music groups will receive instruction from Europe's leading chamber musicians and pedagogues. Valdres sommersymfoni aims to help make Norway an internationally recognized chamber music hub, which is why we have created this course that focuses exclusively on chamber music.

The course accepts applications from both established chamber groups and individual applicants who wish to be placed in a group. Even if an established group applies, each participant must submit an individual application and list the names of the other musicians in their group who are also applying.

For 2026 the three teachers will be:

  • Johannes Meissl (violin)
  • Geir Inge Lotsberg (violin)
  • Kari Ravnan (cello)

Valdres International Academy - Intensive Chamber Music Course takes place in the 2nd course period, June 24-29, 2026. 

Go to application

Course details

  • All participants receive a total of 3 hours of chamber music instruction per day with Europe's leading chamber musicians and pedagogues  
  • All participants will prepare 4 movements from different chamber music works. Sheet music and part assignments will be sent out on April 15  
  • All chamber music groups will perform in a concert  
  • The teaching takes place at Trykkeriet kulturarena in Fagernes.
  • The participants have free access to selected festival concerts as well as all course concerts  
  • Read all about prices HERE. The application fee is NOK 350. This is a administration fee and is non-refundable. 

Criterias

  • Instrument: violin, viola, cello and double bass.
  • Applicants must submit a recording of a self-selected movement from a standard concerto (or movement/piece with equivalent degree of difficulty) and preferably a recording of a movement from participation in a chamber music group. This can be a live recording from a concert, a recording you have already made for a competition, or a completely new recording for the occasion. The recording must be from the last 12 months. A link to the recording must be uploaded in the application form
  • Processing of application requires application fee to be paid in advance (350 NOK) 
  • Course participation requires the course fee to be paid in full ahead of course period 
  • All participants stay at Valdres folkehøgskole
  • Contact the course leader HERE if you have questions regarding the audition requirements and level. Valdres Sommersymfoni reserves the right to select participants to the best of their ability based on the information provided in the application form and the submitted recording.

The courses 2026

1st period
June 19th - 24th
2nd period
June 24th - 29th