Papillon 2026–2028: Call for applications

Application deadline: 1 May

The goal of the project and our vision is to provide young musicians with the best possible preparation for a professional career and equip them for what they will later encounter in the musical world.

Participants are given the opportunity to perform on various concert stages, collaborate with outstanding artists during the festival, take part in masterclasses, and receive individual coaching from experienced teachers and musicians. We also offer lectures and conversations with professional musicians, agents, concert organisers, and other relevant industry professionals. As part of the Papillon programme, participants will also become part of Talent Norge’s network, an arena for emerging artists across genres.

The selected musicians will be given various responsibilities during Valdres sommersymfoni, both as performers during the festival and as leaders in ensemble settings with younger course participants. Read more on our website.

There is also a weekend gathering held every autumn, and participants are invited to various events, seminars, and meeting points throughout the year as part of the individual follow-up in the Papillon programme.

Valdres sommersymfoni covers all expenses for food, travel, and accommodation, as well as a small honorarium. We require all participants to travel in an environmentally friendly manner (Read more about our environmental profile here).

The Papillon programme runs for two years, but its continuation depends on annual renewed support from Talent Norge.

Upcoming gatherings:

We invite all participants to the first gathering in Oslo in mid-November 2026.

Valdres sommersymfoni 2027:

• Festival: 23–27 June
• Courses: 17–28 June

Criteria:

Young classical musicians in the early stages of their careers are welcome to apply. The programme is aimed at participants from the Nordic countries.

Relevant experience in concert performance—such as solo engagements with orchestra, competition prizes, and participation in other talent programmes—should be highlighted in the application.

About the application:

The application must include:

• 1–2 video recordings of self-chosen repertoire, minimum 10 minutes and preferably two contrasting works. (Recordings from the past 3 months are preferred.)
• CV
• A short text describing why you wish to be part of the Papillon programme

The application should be submitted by email to ole.rasmus.bjerke@sommersymfoni.no by 1 May 2026.

Assessment:

Our artistic leaders will assemble a jury that will evaluate all submitted recordings, and 5–10 applicants will be offered a place in the programme.

All applicants will receive an email from us once the jury’s work is completed and the results are ready.

The Papillon programme is made possible thanks to support from:

• Talent Norge
• Sparebankstiftelsen DNB
• Sparebank1 Hallingdal og Valdres

Apply here by 1 May