Valdres International Academy (VIA) Summer Programme is bringing together young string players at an international level for six intensive days of lessons, chamber music, orchestra, concerts, and artistic development.

The programme is designed for violinists, violists, cellists, and double bass players who have reached an advanced level in their musical development and wish to work closely with outstanding teachers, highly skilled peers, and an environment characterized by strong artistic ambitions.

For many participants, the VIA Summer Programme is their first encounter with the Valdres International Academy. For others, it is an annual meeting place they return to in order to continue their development, reconnect with old and new colleagues, and strengthen the direction of their artistic growth.

 

Concerts and Festival

Music is at the heart of the entire week.

All participants perform in concerts as part of the programme, whether as soloists, chamber musicians, orchestral players, or in several roles at once. For some participants, the programme also provides opportunities to take part in festival concerts, masterclasses, or other elements of the festival programme.

As a participant, you will also have the opportunity to attend concerts every day and meet teachers, artists, and fellow musicians in an environment where music shapes every aspect of daily life.

 

Teachers and Fellow Musicians

The VIA Summer Programme brings together teachers, artists, and young performers of the highest calibre.

Just as important as meeting the teachers is meeting other VIA participants. Here, you will encounter fellow musicians who share your ambitions, commitment, and dedication to music. For many, this community is one of the main reasons they return year after year.

Valdres International Academy Summer Programme takes place from 23-28 June 2027

Check in between 14.00 and 16.00, 23 June

Closing consert and departure within 11.30, 28 June

Course details

Applicants may choose between two specialized tracks: Solo Performance and Chamber Music.

Solo Performance

The Solo Performance Track is designed for musicians who wish to focus primarily on individual artistic development and solo performance.

As a participant, you will receive:

  • Daily individual lessons
  • Daily chamber music coaching, culminating in a final concert
  • Daily orchestra rehearsals, culminating in a final concert
  • A featured solo performance, either with piano accompaniment or as a solo work
  • Time for individual practice and reflection
  • Opportunities to attend concerts every day

For selected participants, the program may also include participation in public masterclasses, performances as part of the festival's masterclass series, chamber music collaborations with faculty artists presented as festival or final concerts, and opportunities to perform as a soloist or ensemble member within the festival programme.

Chamber Music

The Chamber Music Track is intended for musicians who wish to engage in focused and intensive ensemble work. Each chamber group works together throughout the week, developing a shared artistic project leading up to the final performance.

As a participant, you will receive:

  • Two individual lessons
  • Two daily chamber music coaching sessions with faculty
  • Rehearsal time with your chamber ensemble
  • Daily orchestra rehearsals
  • A final chamber music concert

Time that would otherwise be devoted to solo preparation in the Solo Performance Track is instead dedicated to additional coaching, more extensive chamber music work, and deeper exploration of the ensemble's repertoire.

Criterias

  • Instruments: violin, viola, cello, and double bass 
  • All applicants must submit a recording of a self-selected piece that demonstrates their technical and musical abilities, 3-5 minutes in length. A link to the video should be uploaded in the application form  
  • 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 2027

1st period
18-23 June 2027
2nd period
23-28 June