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Three academies.

one artistic journey.

Our Approach

Tailored by a musician for musicians

Villars Music accompanies talented young musicians at different stages of their artistic journey, from their first experiences of the international artistic world to the preparation for an international career and beyond.

“Magnificent place, inspiring people and amazing lessons.”

“In the most positive ways imaginable, this was not what I expected.”

“Every session has given me a lot of new perspectives.”

“One of the most inspiring + enriching weeks of my musical life.”

“I really adored the honesty about problems and difficulties musicians experience.”

“Looking out the window to the breathtaking Alps was truly priceless.”

“The most amazing week spent with inspiring people.”

“I’ve learned lots from so many different types of musicians and artists!”

Man and young girl playing guitar together in a room with wooden paneling and a large screen.
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VILLARS MUSIC JUNIOR ACADEMY

Ages 12–17

28 June – 4 July 2026 · 2026 edition completed

A residential programme bringing together young musicians with members of the Berliner Philharmoniker and teachers experienced in working with young talents.

Through masterclasses, ensemble playing, improvisation, soloist projects and other artistic experiences, participants explore music from different perspectives and develop their artistic potential. The programme also includes experiences connecting music with nature and the living world.

The 2026 programme culminated in a public concert featuring the young soloists.

2027 dates and applications coming soon.

COMING SOON

Star of the Junior Academy 2026

Scarlett Marteau

Each year, we choose one exceptional young musician as the Star of the Junior Academy. We follow their artistic journey over the years and, in time, welcome them as a Distinguished Fellow of Villars Music.

In 2026, we are delighted to name Scarlett Marteau, a violinist drawn to improvisation and the creative process, as our Star of the Junior Academy.

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@Festival4Saisons

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A special thanks to

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Ages 18 and over

15–22 August 2027 · Villars palace, villars-sur-ollon

Established in 2022, the Villars Music Academy is a residential programme bringing together selected young musicians from around the world with leading international soloists and members of the Berliner Philharmoniker.

The Academy combines intensive artistic work, including masterclasses, individual lessons, chamber music and concerts, with long-term mentoring. Participants are also supported in the mental, physical and strategic dimensions of preparing for an international career, with guidance that goes beyond the purely instrumental.

Built around sustained relationships with artists and mentors, the Academy gives young musicians space to develop their artistic identity, broaden their perspective, and build meaningful connections within an international artistic network.

Every participant receives a full scholarship covering the entire programme, including lessons, accommodation and full board. A participation fee applies, and travel costs are not included.

Robert Dunand prize

Celebrating excellence, vision, and the power of music.

The Robert Dunand Prize was established in 2024 by the Villars Music Academy, to encourage and support exceptional young talents at a pivotal moment in their careers. It offers exceptional young musicians the opportunity to continue developing within the Villars Music network through long-term artistic mentoring.

Winners:

2024: Songha Choi (violin) | 2025: Yesong Sophie Lee (violin) | 2026: Eva Arderíus (cello)

DISCOVER THE VILLARS MUSIC ACADEMY

In partnership with

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SOLOISTs LAB

Invitation-only · Ages 18–30

2–6 December 2026 · Villars palace, villars-sur-ollon

A highly personalised programme for selected young musicians recognised for their exceptional artistic potential and future leadership in music.

The Lab brings together selected young artists, leading international soloists, experts and mentors in an intensive working environment. Each participant receives individual support across the artistic, mental, physical and strategic dimensions of their journey, with a particular focus on developing and affirming their artistic identity.

The programme also creates connections with institutions, agents and international networks, provides access to exceptional instruments and encourages reflection, artistic research and dialogue around artistic creation.

Full scholarship for all participants, including accommodation and full board.

CHF 150 registration fee. Travel costs are not included.

Faculty:

  • Shlomo Mintz · Legendary Violinist and Conductor

  • Walter Küssner · Violist, Berliner Philharmoniker

  • Prof. Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt · Cellist and International Soloist

How to join the Soloists Lab

The Soloists Lab is by invitation. If you are interested in participating, please apply first to the Villars Music Academy. This allows us to discover your work, get to know you as an artist and follow your development. Selected musicians may subsequently be invited to take part in the Soloists Lab.

DISCOVER THE SOLOISTS LAB

ARTISTS & MENTORS

Villars Music brings together leading international artists, members of the Berliner Philharmoniker and experienced mentors, creating an environment for artistic transmission across generations.

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    Prof. Kolja Blacher

    Violin · Former First Concertmaster, Berliner Philharmoniker

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    Prof. Rainer Honeck

    Violin · Concertmaster, Wiener Philharmoniker

  • A woman with short blonde hair wearing a black sleeveless dress and pearl earrings holding a violin in front of a bright yellow background.

    Prof. Vineta Sareika

    Concertmaster, Los Angeles Philharmonic (from 2026/27) · Former First Concertmaster, Berliner Philharmoniker

  • A smiling man with glasses holding a violin and bow against a yellow background.

    Prof. Walter Küssner

    Viola · Berliner Philharmoniker

  • A man holding a violin across his chest, looking into the camera with a serious expression, against a gray background.

    Antoine Tamestit

    Viola · International Soloist

  • Prof. Tabea Zimmermann

    Prof. Tabea Zimmermann

    Viola · International Soloist

  • A man with light brown hair and blue eyes poses with a violin resting on his shoulder, against a dark background with red and black accents.

    Prof. Nils Mönkemeyer

    Viola · International Soloist

  • Close-up of a man with gray hair and stubble playing a cello, with the bow resting on his face against a dark background.

    Prof. Gary Hoffman

    Cello · International Soloist

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    Prof. Jens Peter Maintz

    Cello · International Soloist

  • A man with glasses, brown hair, and a beard smiling, holding a wooden violin.

    Prof. Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt

    Cello · International Soloist

MEET ALL ARTISTS & MENTORS

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES

The relationship continues beyond each programme.

Young musicians remain part of the Villars Music community as they grow, returning as artists, mentors and role models for the next generation.

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INNER CIRCLE

A closer look from within.

Selected members of our Inner Circle are invited to experience the Academies from within, through intimate encounters, selected masterclasses, moments not normally open to the public and behind-the-scenes access to the artistic life of our academies.

COMING SOON