Vårin Lie Rognes (Norway) from Stavanger studies viola at the Norwegian Academy of Music with Lars Anders Tomter. She has established herself as one of the most promising young violists of her generation through achievements including first prize in the Norwegian Youth Music Championship (Ungdommens Musikkmesterskap), the Dream Scholarship (Drømmestipendet) 2026, and a place in the talent programme KonstKnekt, a collaboration between the Winter Festival of Røros (Vinterfestspillene i Bergstaden) and musicians from the Berlin Philharmonic. She is also an approved substitute musician with both the Stavanger Symphony Orchestra and the Oslo Philharmonic.
Chamber music is at the heart of her musical life. She is a member of the quartet VIVE through the Young Quartet Series (Ung kvartettserie) and has participated in numerous festivals, masterclasses, and talent programmes, including Ung Filharmoni, Ungdomssymfonikerne, and Prussia Cove. She has been connected to Valdres sommersymfoni for many years, first as a course participant and later as a supporting musician and mentor for younger participants.
In her application, she writes: “Chamber music has always been the driving force for me as a violist and musician.” She particularly highlights the human connections, storytelling, and musical interaction that arise between performers and audiences. She sees Papillon as a unique arena for further artistic development through concerts, masterclasses, and close guidance from experienced musicians, while also providing an opportunity to inspire and support younger performers.