Media Release

March 20, 2025 — VERBIER (Switzerland) — The Verbier Festival proudly unveils the musicians selected for its 2025 Academy and Orchestra training programmes. With an enduring commitment to artistic excellence and professional development, the Festival continues to shape the future of classical music by offering young artists an unparalleled opportunity to refine their craft under the mentorship of the world’s leading musicians.

Unprecedented Interest & International Representation

For the 2025 edition of the Festival, a remarkable 2,085 applications from 77 countries, representing 2,158 musicians—marking the second-highest number of applications in Festival history. From this impressive pool of talent, 218 musicians from 44 countries have been invited to join the Academy and Orchestra programmes, reinforcing Verbier’s reputation as one of the premier institutions for young artists worldwide.

Academy Programmes

Soloists &. Ensembles

• 451 applications received, representing 525 musicians
• 32 musicians selected, including three Junior Soloists (ages 13-15) and two Verbier Festival Junior Orchestra (VFJO) alumni
• Students from 17 countries, with top representation from France, Korea, and the United States
• Intensive coaching in solo and chamber music with masterclasses from esteemed mentors, including Frans Helmerson, Nobuko Imai, and Ilya Gringolts

Atelier Lyrique

• 208 applications, a record-breaking 5% increase from 2024
• 16 emerging vocalists selected, representing nine countries
• New for 2025: A networking initiative connecting young singers with opera directors, casting agents, and international arts presenters
• Performance highlights: Three Mainstage recitals, participation in a concert version of Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin with the VFJO, and unique cabaret performances produced by UNLTD, the Festival’s creative lab.

Musicpreneurship: Creative Project Development Residency & Audio Recording Programme

• Two artists selected for the Creative Project Development Residency, supporting the creation of innovative, interdisciplinary performance projects
• Four emerging engineers chosen for the Audio Recording Programme, an elite opportunity to gain hands-on experience alongside professional recording teams

Orchestra Programmes

Verbier Festival Orchestra (VFO)

• 1,157 applications received, a 10% increase over 2024
• 99 musicians selected (42 new, 57 returning), aged 18–29, from 26 countries
• Intensive coaching by musicians from top-tier orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic, and Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
• 2025 guest conductors include Klaus Mäkelä, Manfred Honeck, Paavo Järvi, and, for the first time, Barbara Hannigan and Teodor Currentzis

Verbier Festival Junior Orchestra (VFJO)

• 176 applications, marking a 5% increase over 2024
• 58 musicians selected (39 new, 19 returning), aged 15–18, from 22 countries
• Conducted by Roberto González-Monjas, Gábor Takács-Nagy, and Stanislav Kochanovsky
• Collaborations with renowned soloists, including pianist Jean-Efflam Bavouzet and cellist Anastasia Kobekina
• Features a unique opera project in partnership with Atelier Lyrique

Conducting Mentorship Programme

• Four Conducting Fellows selected for exclusive, hands-on training
• Fellows assist and learn from world-class conductors, including those leading the VFO and Verbier Festival Chamber Orchestra (VFCO)
• Hands-on experience in leading orchestral rehearsals and chamber ensemble sessions

Masterclasses and Rehearsals Open to All

The Verbier Festival Academy offers more than 100 masterclasses and workshops free and open to the public. Advance reservation via the Festival’s website is recommended. Most orchestra general and dress rehearsals are also free and open to the public. These rehearsals will be listed on the Festival’s website starting in June.

Innovative Artist Development at the Core

The Verbier Festival continues its commitment to developing the 21st-century musician, integrating career-building initiatives, interdisciplinary exploration, and high-level mentorship into its training programmes. With new networking opportunities, expanded coaching faculty, and an evolving curriculum designed to prepare musicians for today’s professional landscape, the 2025 Academy and Orchestra Programmes remain at the forefront of classical music education.

Statistics, Student Names, Festival and Masterclass programme

• Applicant and successful candidate statistics: click here
• Names of 2025 students: click here
• Verbier Festival 2025 programme click here
• Verbier Festival 2025 Academy masterclasses click here

The Verbier Festival is a classical music festival that encourages sharing between great musicians and young aspiring artists from around the world. It is committed to excellence in music performance and education through its highly respected artistic programme, Academy and Orchestra training programmes and cultural development programmes. The next edition of the Verbier Festival will take place July 16 to August 3, 2025 in Verbier (Switzerland). The Festival is made possible with the generous support of its many private and public supporters, including Aline Foriel-Destezet, the Association of The Friends of the Verbier Festival, the Festival’s Chairman’s Circle, the Commune of Val de Bagnes, the Loterie Romande, and the Festival’s Principal Sponsor, Reyl Bank & Cie.

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