The Next Papillon Chapter Begins

PAPILLON PARTICIPANTS 2026–2028

Guro Thronæs-Sivertsen (Norway) is a soprano who will begin her Master’s studies at the Opera Academy in Copenhagen in 2026. She comes from the Bachelor’s programme in Classical Voice at the Norwegian Academy of Music, where she studied with Ann-Helen Moen, and has already distinguished herself both on the opera stage and as a concert soloist.

Among her recent engagements are the role of Miss Schlesen in Philip Glass’ Satyagraha at the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet, and a performance in Janáček’s The Diary of One Who Vanished during Valdres sommersymfoni 2026. She has also worked with leading artists including Joyce DiDonato, Lise Davidsen, and Marlis Petersen.

Guro sees Papillon as an important stepping stone into professional musical life. She describes the programme as “an opportunity for artistic development within an inspiring community” and particularly values the chance to strengthen her connections to Norway’s musical scene while studying in Copenhagen. She also highlights her desire for “new musical input, new inspiration, and new collaborations.”

Inga Lohne-Otterstad (Norway) is a soprano from Oslo with extensive experience as both a soloist and ensemble singer despite her young age. She has worked with orchestras including the Oslo Philharmonic, Trondheim Symphony Orchestra, and Romerike Symphony Orchestra, and has performed roles at both the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet and the Royal Danish Academy of Music.

She is an incoming Master’s student at the Norwegian Academy of Music and a participant in the Queen Sonja Singing Competition’s Opera Academy. Inga also has a strong connection to Valdres sommersymfoni, first as a young cellist and later as a singer and festival artist.

In her letter of motivation, she highlights collaboration as the essence of a musician’s life: “What I find most rewarding about music is making music together with others.” She wishes to challenge herself through new repertoire and new chamber music constellations and sees Papillon as a platform for developing her communication skills, artistic confidence, and musical relationships.

Villads Littauer Bendixen (Denmark) is a violinist and composer with an international background. He grew up between Denmark and Germany, studied at the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler in Berlin, and is currently affiliated with the Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen.

As both a performer and composer, he has distinguished himself through prize-winning competitions, premieres of his own works, and concerts throughout Europe. He is also active as a teacher, including at Valdres sommersymfoni.

Villads explains that his experience in Valdres in 2023 left a lasting impression. He was inspired by “the inspiring atmosphere, the unique place, and the high musical level” and is applying to Papillon because he wishes to continue developing within the creative environment represented by the festival. With a particular focus on chamber music, he looks forward to “broadening my musical horizons” together with the programme’s musicians.

Andreas Nøstrud Grimstad (Norway) is one of Norway’s most exciting young violists. He studies at the Norwegian Academy of Music and is a scholarship holder with the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra. Over the past few years, he has established himself as an outstanding chamber musician through performances at the Bergen International Festival, Risør Chamber Music Festival, Hemsing Festival, and several international festivals.

He has received numerous prizes and scholarships, including first prizes in the Midgard Competition and the Norwegian Youth Music Championship, and in 2026 he was admitted to the Artist Diploma Programme at the Norwegian Academy of Music.

Andreas describes Papillon as a valuable opportunity at a stage in his career when he is shaping his artistic identity. He sees the programme as “an important next step” in his development as a chamber musician, soloist, and orchestral player.

Vårin Lie Rognes (Norway) from Stavanger studies viola at the Norwegian Academy of Music with Lars Anders Tomter. She has already distinguished herself with first prize in the Norwegian Youth Music Championship, a place in the KonstKnekt talent programme, and as an approved substitute musician with both the Stavanger Symphony Orchestra and the Oslo Philharmonic.

Chamber music lies at the heart of her musical life, and she has been connected to Valdres sommersymfoni for many years as a participant, mentor, and supporting musician.

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 interaction that emerge between musicians and audiences. She sees Papillon as a unique platform for artistic development and as a community where she can also help inspire younger musicians.

Italian cellist Lara Biancalana (Denmark) comes from Rome and has studied at some of Europe’s most prestigious institutions, including the Yehudi Menuhin School and the Royal Danish Academy of Music. She is currently part of the Academy’s Soloist Programme and has performed at leading festivals and concert halls such as Teatro alla Scala, the Elbphilharmonie, the Concertgebouw, and the Gstaad Menuhin Festival.

As both a soloist and chamber musician, she has received numerous prizes and scholarships and is a member of the award-winning piano trio Trio Lingo.

In her letter of motivation, she describes her strong connection to Scandinavian musical life. She highlights the “openness and trust” she has encountered through her studies in Denmark and views Papillon as a valuable arena for building lasting connections within the Nordic music community. She hopes to contribute dedication, curiosity, and international perspectives.

Edward Ahlbeck Glader (Sweden) is a pianist who has already built a remarkable career at a young age. He studies at the Hochschule für Musik Basel in Switzerland and won Polstjärnepriset, Sweden’s leading competition for young musicians, in 2026. The same year, he represented Sweden at Eurovision Young Musicians.

He has appeared at the Verbier Festival, Helsingborg Piano Festival, Gothenburg Piano Festival, and numerous international stages as both a soloist and chamber musician, and has worked with some of the world’s foremost pianists.

Edward is applying to Papillon because he wishes to further develop his artistic voice and broaden his musical perspective. He describes the programme as an “inspiring and challenging environment” where he can both learn from others and contribute to the artistic community.

Sebastian Egebakken Svenøy (Norway) is a pianist and student at the Royal Danish Academy of Music. He achieved his national breakthrough as the winner of NRK’s Virtuos in 2024 and recipient of the Norwegian Soloist Prize. The same year, he represented Norway in the final of Eurovision Young Musicians.

In recent years, he has become a sought-after soloist and chamber musician, appearing at events including the Bergen International Festival, the Arctic Chamber Music Festival, and the University Aula Debut Series. He has worked with distinguished musicians such as Leif Ove Andsnes, Kirill Gerstein, and Håvard Gimse.

In his application, Sebastian emphasizes that although he has already gained valuable experience as both a soloist and chamber musician, Papillon represents an opportunity to explore artistic collaboration on a deeper level. He is particularly eager to work closely with fellow musicians and challenge himself in new musical contexts.