Explore the 2026 Programme

Nicknamed ‘the giant of the Nordic viola’, Lars Anders Tomter brings a spirit of freedom and openness to his teaching. His masterclasses reveal how technical command can become a field for sonic exploration and personal expression.

Prix Yves Paternot Laureate (2018), Timothy Chooi returns to Verbier after a remarkable rise on the international stage. His masterclasses open the Academy’s violin sessions in a spirit of generosity and exchange, offering young artists an inspiring example of a career that began here.

A leading figure on the international opera stage, Dorothea Röschmann leads a masterclass devoted to operatic technique and interpretation. Through opera arias and scenes from the repertoire, she guides singers in developing vocal technique, stylistic awareness and interpretative insight.

With actor James Garnon, the singers of the Atelier Lyrique learn to connect deeply with the text of opera arias. Through work on meaning, speech, and intention, these sessions help them find a natural, truthful expression—where the music grows out of the words.

Cuban-born violinist, singer, and composer Yilian Cañizares invites the Academy’s young artists to step beyond the score and reconnect with their musical instinct. Through improvisation, they learn to play with freedom, listen differently, and turn fear into creativity. Join us to hear our Academy musicians find their groove.

Known for his quick wit and profound musicianship, Steven Isserlis gives a single class this summer for the Academy’s pre-formed ensembles. His work focuses on communication, character, and flexibility of phrasing—essential elements in the life of any ensemble. With a direct and humorous approach, he helps musicians strengthen their individual voices while truly listening to one another.

Nicknamed ‘the giant of the Nordic viola’, Lars Anders Tomter brings a spirit of freedom and openness to his teaching. His masterclasses reveal how technical command can become a field for sonic exploration and personal expression.

Renowned as both a performer and teacher, Claudio Martínez Mehner challenges young pianists to deepen their musical understanding while refining technical and artistic expression. His masterclasses combine intellectual curiosity with practical musicianship, inspiring performances that are both convincing and deeply personal.

Prix Yves Paternot Laureate (2018), Timothy Chooi returns to Verbier after a remarkable rise on the international stage. His masterclasses open the Academy’s violin sessions in a spirit of generosity and exchange, offering young artists an inspiring example of a career that began here.

With actor James Garnon, the singers of the Atelier Lyrique learn to connect deeply with the text of opera arias. Through work on meaning, speech, and intention, these sessions help them find a natural, truthful expression—where the music grows out of the words.

One of the great voices of the cello, Steven Isserlis gives a single cello masterclass this summer for Academy students. His teaching, both poetic and precise, explores how every phrase can tell a story—a rare opportunity to experience his vision of sound, listening, and musical expression.

With actor James Garnon, the singers of the Atelier Lyrique learn to connect deeply with the text of opera arias. Through work on meaning, speech, and intention, these sessions help them find a natural, truthful expression—where the music grows out of the words.

Former violist of the Alban Berg Quartet and former cellist of the Belcea Quartet, Isabel Charisius and Alasdair Tait bring together two complementary traditions of chamber music — the Viennese discipline of the Alban Berg and the expressive vitality of the Belcea. Together they guide the Academy Ensembles in the art of listening, breathing, and building a shared sound in which every voice remains free.

Marc Bouchkov is a regular guest of the Verbier Festival and Professor at the Conservatoire Royal de Liège and the Folkwang University of the Arts. His masterclasses draw on a rich international performing career as both a soloist and chamber musician, offering young violinists a broad musical perspective.

Louise Hopkins, Professor at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, is internationally recognised for her work as a cellist, chamber musician and teacher. Her masterclasses combine technical precision with musical insight, inspiring young cellists to develop confidence, curiosity and their own artistic voice.

Nicknamed ‘the giant of the Nordic viola’, Lars Anders Tomter brings a spirit of freedom and openness to his teaching. His masterclasses reveal how technical command can become a field for sonic exploration and personal expression.

Renowned as both a performer and teacher, Claudio Martínez Mehner challenges young pianists to deepen their musical understanding while refining technical and artistic expression. His masterclasses combine intellectual curiosity with practical musicianship, inspiring performances that are both convincing and deeply personal.

With actor James Garnon, the singers of the Atelier Lyrique learn to connect deeply with the text of opera arias. Through work on meaning, speech, and intention, these sessions help them find a natural, truthful expression—where the music grows out of the words.

Louise Hopkins, Professor at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, is internationally recognised for her work as a cellist, chamber musician and teacher. Her masterclasses combine technical precision with musical insight, inspiring young cellists to develop confidence, curiosity and their own artistic voice.

Former violist of the Alban Berg Quartet and former cellist of the Belcea Quartet, Isabel Charisius and Alasdair Tait bring together two complementary traditions of chamber music — the Viennese discipline of the Alban Berg and the expressive vitality of the Belcea. Together they guide the Academy Ensembles in the art of listening, breathing, and building a shared sound in which every voice remains free.

Louise Hopkins, Professor at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, is internationally recognised for her work as a cellist, chamber musician and teacher. Her masterclasses combine technical precision with musical insight, inspiring young cellists to develop confidence, curiosity and their own artistic voice.

Nicknamed ‘the giant of the Nordic viola’, Lars Anders Tomter brings a spirit of freedom and openness to his teaching. His masterclasses reveal how technical command can become a field for sonic exploration and personal expression.

Renowned as both a performer and teacher, Claudio Martínez Mehner challenges young pianists to deepen their musical understanding while refining technical and artistic expression. His masterclasses combine intellectual curiosity with practical musicianship, inspiring performances that are both convincing and deeply personal.

Alumnus of the Academy, Timothy Ridout works with young violists on an approach grounded in clarity, sincerity, and attentive listening. His sessions focus on coherence of musical expression and the pursuit of honesty in interpretation.

Marc Bouchkov is a regular guest of the Verbier Festival and Professor at the Conservatoire Royal de Liège and the Folkwang University of the Arts. His masterclasses draw on a rich international performing career as both a soloist and chamber musician, offering young violinists a broad musical perspective.

Louise Hopkins, Professor at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, is internationally recognised for her work as a cellist, chamber musician and teacher. Her masterclasses combine technical precision with musical insight, inspiring young cellists to develop confidence, curiosity and their own artistic voice.

Renowned as both a performer and teacher, Claudio Martínez Mehner challenges young pianists to deepen their musical understanding while refining technical and artistic expression. His masterclasses combine intellectual curiosity with practical musicianship, inspiring performances that are both convincing and deeply personal.

Kirill Gerstein brings clarity and curiosity to his chamber music work. A former student of Solomon Mikowsky, Dmitri Bashkirov, and Ferenc Rados, he challenges musicians to think before they play — to balance structure with spontaneity and to approach interpretation as shared exploration.

Marc Bouchkov is a regular guest of the Verbier Festival and Professor at the Conservatoire Royal de Liège and the Folkwang University of the Arts. His masterclasses draw on a rich international performing career as both a soloist and chamber musician, offering young violinists a broad musical perspective.

With Nicolas Altstaedt, young cellists explore an artistic universe that spans styles and eras, from Bach to the music of today. His open-minded and passionate approach encourages a spirit of curiosity and interpretive freedom at the heart of musical expression.

A central figure of the piano and long-time Festival favourite, Nikolai Lugansky teaches at the Academy for the first time this summer. His approach combines the depth of the great Russian tradition with a refined sense of clarity and elegance. In his class, young pianists experience how inner song and discipline meet to create true musical freedom.

Guided by bass-baritone Thomas Quasthoff, the singers of the Atelier Lyrique explore Lied as a conversation between word and music. These sessions invite a direct, sincere, and deeply musical approach to interpretation.

Kirill Gerstein brings clarity and curiosity to his chamber music work. A former student of Solomon Mikowsky, Dmitri Bashkirov, and Ferenc Rados, he challenges musicians to think before they play — to balance structure with spontaneity and to approach interpretation as shared exploration.

Alumnus of the Academy, Timothy Ridout works with young violists on an approach grounded in clarity, sincerity, and attentive listening. His sessions focus on coherence of musical expression and the pursuit of honesty in interpretation.

Marc Bouchkov is a regular guest of the Verbier Festival and Professor at the Conservatoire Royal de Liège and the Folkwang University of the Arts. His masterclasses draw on a rich international performing career as both a soloist and chamber musician, offering young violinists a broad musical perspective.

With Nicolas Altstaedt, young cellists explore an artistic universe that spans styles and eras, from Bach to the music of today. His open-minded and passionate approach encourages a spirit of curiosity and interpretive freedom at the heart of musical expression.

A central figure of the piano and long-time Festival favourite, Nikolai Lugansky teaches at the Academy for the first time this summer. His approach combines the depth of the great Russian tradition with a refined sense of clarity and elegance. In his class, young pianists experience how inner song and discipline meet to create true musical freedom.

Louise Hopkins, Professor at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, is internationally recognised for her work as a cellist, chamber musician and teacher. Her masterclasses combine technical precision with musical insight, inspiring young cellists to develop confidence, curiosity and their own artistic voice.

Kirill Gerstein brings clarity and curiosity to his chamber music work. A former student of Solomon Mikowsky, Dmitri Bashkirov, and Ferenc Rados, he challenges musicians to think before they play — to balance structure with spontaneity and to approach interpretation as shared exploration.

Alumnus of the Academy, Timothy Ridout works with young violists on an approach grounded in clarity, sincerity, and attentive listening. His sessions focus on coherence of musical expression and the pursuit of honesty in interpretation.

Augustin Dumay inspires young violinists to seek fullness of sound and strength of musical line. His masterclasses, at once intense and generous, reflect a vision of violin playing where technique serves phrasing, breath, and emotion.

With Nicolas Altstaedt, young cellists explore an artistic universe that spans styles and eras, from Bach to the music of today. His open-minded and passionate approach encourages a spirit of curiosity and interpretive freedom at the heart of musical expression.

A central figure of the piano and long-time Festival favourite, Nikolai Lugansky teaches at the Academy for the first time this summer. His approach combines the depth of the great Russian tradition with a refined sense of clarity and elegance. In his class, young pianists experience how inner song and discipline meet to create true musical freedom.

Guided by bass-baritone Thomas Quasthoff, the singers of the Atelier Lyrique explore Lied as a conversation between word and music. These sessions invite a direct, sincere, and deeply musical approach to interpretation.

Louise Hopkins, Professor at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, is internationally recognised for her work as a cellist, chamber musician and teacher. Her masterclasses combine technical precision with musical insight, inspiring young cellists to develop confidence, curiosity and their own artistic voice.

Kirill Gerstein brings clarity and curiosity to his chamber music work. A former student of Solomon Mikowsky, Dmitri Bashkirov, and Ferenc Rados, he challenges musicians to think before they play — to balance structure with spontaneity and to approach interpretation as shared exploration.

Alumnus of the Academy, Timothy Ridout works with young violists on an approach grounded in clarity, sincerity, and attentive listening. His sessions focus on coherence of musical expression and the pursuit of honesty in interpretation.

Augustin Dumay inspires young violinists to seek fullness of sound and strength of musical line. His masterclasses, at once intense and generous, reflect a vision of violin playing where technique serves phrasing, breath, and emotion.

A central figure of the piano and long-time Festival favourite, Nikolai Lugansky teaches at the Academy for the first time this summer. His approach combines the depth of the great Russian tradition with a refined sense of clarity and elegance. In his class, young pianists experience how inner song and discipline meet to create true musical freedom.

Guided by bass-baritone Thomas Quasthoff, the singers of the Atelier Lyrique explore Lied as a conversation between word and music. These sessions invite a direct, sincere, and deeply musical approach to interpretation.

Artist and educator Alexis Milligan, from the Shaw Festival (Canada), helps musicians develop a stage presence that feels both confident and natural. Through exercises in breath, movement, and awareness, they learn to inhabit their bodies, connect to their intention, and communicate with authenticity — on stage and beyond.

With actor and stage director Tim Carroll, the singers work on scenes from La Traviata in preparation for the Academy’s final performance. These sessions combine exploration and practice, deepening the connection between text, musicality, and stagecraft to bring Verdi’s drama vividly to life.

A legendary figure of the Festival and founder of the Takács Quartet, Gábor Takács-Nagy encourages young musicians to move beyond technical perfection and embrace freedom and emotional truth. His classes, full of energy and humanity, remind us that music begins where the fear of making mistakes ends.

Augustin Dumay inspires young violinists to seek fullness of sound and strength of musical line. His masterclasses, at once intense and generous, reflect a vision of violin playing where technique serves phrasing, breath, and emotion.

With soprano Sandrine Piau, the singers develop the listening, vocal colour, and sensitivity at the heart of Lied and Mélodie. These sessions celebrate the union of poetry and music, nurturing curiosity and individual artistry.

Premier violon du Quatuor Leonkoro, l’un des jeunes ensembles les plus célébrés d’Europe, Jonathan Schwarz représente une nouvelle génération d’artistes que l’Academy choisit d’inviter pour leur regard frais et leur excellence déjà reconnue. Avec les ensembles de l’Academy, il partage l’expérience d’un quatuor qui a su très tôt trouver son identité sonore — un travail sur la direction musicale, la clarté du discours et la liberté partagée.

Artist and educator Alexis Milligan, from the Shaw Festival (Canada), helps musicians develop a stage presence that feels both confident and natural. Through exercises in breath, movement, and awareness, they learn to inhabit their bodies, connect to their intention, and communicate with authenticity — on stage and beyond.

With actor and stage director Tim Carroll, the singers work on scenes from La Traviata in preparation for the Academy’s final performance. These sessions combine exploration and practice, deepening the connection between text, musicality, and stagecraft to bring Verdi’s drama vividly to life.

A legendary figure of the Festival and founder of the Takács Quartet, Gábor Takács-Nagy encourages young musicians to move beyond technical perfection and embrace freedom and emotional truth. His classes, full of energy and humanity, remind us that music begins where the fear of making mistakes ends.

Augustin Dumay inspires young violinists to seek fullness of sound and strength of musical line. His masterclasses, at once intense and generous, reflect a vision of violin playing where technique serves phrasing, breath, and emotion.

Professor at Berlin’s Universität der Künste and celebrated for the clarity of his playing, Jens Peter Maintz joins the Academy faculty for the first time this year. His teaching, both precise and inspiring, encourages young artists to discover their own freedom and individuality—where technique becomes a means of expression.

Returning to Verbier after his masterclasses and performances last year, Minsoo Sohn gives a single class at the Academy this summer. His teaching, both rigorous and poetic, invites young pianists to think musically before even touching the keyboard — to understand the architecture, the movement, and the deeper meaning of the music.

Conductor James Gaffigan gives a masterclass devoted to the musical interpretation of opera arias. In this artistic and pedagogical setting, he shares his perspective as conductor and offers the singers a valuable exchange on the relationship between voice and orchestra.

With soprano Sandrine Piau, the singers develop the listening, vocal colour, and sensitivity at the heart of Lied and Mélodie. These sessions celebrate the union of poetry and music, nurturing curiosity and individual artistry.

Artist and educator Alexis Milligan, from the Shaw Festival (Canada), helps musicians develop a stage presence that feels both confident and natural. Through exercises in breath, movement, and awareness, they learn to inhabit their bodies, connect to their intention, and communicate with authenticity — on stage and beyond.

With actor and stage director Tim Carroll, the singers work on scenes from La Traviata in preparation for the Academy’s final performance. These sessions combine exploration and practice, deepening the connection between text, musicality, and stagecraft to bring Verdi’s drama vividly to life.

Cellist of the Leonkoro Quartet, one of the most celebrated ensembles of the new generation, Lukas Schwarz continues the dialogue begun by his brother Jonathan with the Academy Ensembles. He brings the perspective of the cello — the ensemble’s sonic foundation and emotional centre — and shares an approach grounded in listening, trust, and shared energy.

A legendary figure of the Festival and founder of the Takács Quartet, Gábor Takács-Nagy encourages young musicians to move beyond technical perfection and embrace freedom and emotional truth. His classes, full of energy and humanity, remind us that music begins where the fear of making mistakes ends.

Former concertmaster of the Berlin Philharmonic, Kolja Blacher brings a vision of playing that is clear, free, and deeply engaged. His masterclasses reveal how instrumental command can become musical thinking, serving a performance that feels alive and genuine.

Professor at Berlin’s Universität der Künste and celebrated for the clarity of his playing, Jens Peter Maintz joins the Academy faculty for the first time this year. His teaching, both precise and inspiring, encourages young artists to discover their own freedom and individuality—where technique becomes a means of expression.

A pupil of Claudio Arrau, Pierre Sancan, and Wilhelm Kempff, Klaus Hellwig embodies a pianistic tradition passed on with clarity and precision. In his Academy masterclasses, young pianists learn to connect technique with musical thought in work where every sound has meaning.

Former principal violist of the Berlin Philharmonic, Máté Szücs shares a refined and expressive approach shaped by a lifetime on stage. His masterclasses encourage young violists to develop a personal sound, an awareness of movement, and a freedom of interpretation grounded in listening and musical curiosity.

With soprano Sandrine Piau, the singers develop the listening, vocal colour, and sensitivity at the heart of Lied and Mélodie. These sessions celebrate the union of poetry and music, nurturing curiosity and individual artistry.

An heir to the great German piano tradition, Klaus Hellwig brings to his teaching a rare clarity of thought and sound. His masterclasses, rooted in precision and depth of understanding, offer young musicians a lesson in balance, discipline, and the shared artistry that defines chamber music.

A legendary figure of the Festival and founder of the Takács Quartet, Gábor Takács-Nagy encourages young musicians to move beyond technical perfection and embrace freedom and emotional truth. His classes, full of energy and humanity, remind us that music begins where the fear of making mistakes ends.

Former concertmaster of the Berlin Philharmonic, Kolja Blacher brings a vision of playing that is clear, free, and deeply engaged. His masterclasses reveal how instrumental command can become musical thinking, serving a performance that feels alive and genuine.

A pupil of Claudio Arrau, Pierre Sancan, and Wilhelm Kempff, Klaus Hellwig embodies a pianistic tradition passed on with clarity and precision. In his Academy masterclasses, young pianists learn to connect technique with musical thought in work where every sound has meaning.

Former principal violist of the Berlin Philharmonic, Máté Szücs shares a refined and expressive approach shaped by a lifetime on stage. His masterclasses encourage young violists to develop a personal sound, an awareness of movement, and a freedom of interpretation grounded in listening and musical curiosity.

A legendary figure of the Festival and founder of the Takács Quartet, Gábor Takács-Nagy encourages young musicians to move beyond technical perfection and embrace freedom and emotional truth. His classes, full of energy and humanity, remind us that music begins where the fear of making mistakes ends.

Sir András Schiff, one of the foremost interpreters of the Classical and Romantic repertoire, shares with young pianists an approach in which clarity, stylistic precision, and musical reflection go hand in hand. His single class this year reveals his way of uniting thought and sound in a continuous dialogue with the music.

Artist and educator Alexis Milligan, from the Shaw Festival (Canada), helps musicians develop a stage presence that feels both confident and natural. Through exercises in breath, movement, and awareness, they learn to inhabit their bodies, connect to their intention, and communicate with authenticity — on stage and beyond.

Former concertmaster of the Berlin Philharmonic, Kolja Blacher brings a vision of playing that is clear, free, and deeply engaged. His masterclasses reveal how instrumental command can become musical thinking, serving a performance that feels alive and genuine.

Professor at Berlin’s Universität der Künste and celebrated for the clarity of his playing, Jens Peter Maintz joins the Academy faculty for the first time this year. His teaching, both precise and inspiring, encourages young artists to discover their own freedom and individuality—where technique becomes a means of expression.

A pupil of Claudio Arrau, Pierre Sancan, and Wilhelm Kempff, Klaus Hellwig embodies a pianistic tradition passed on with clarity and precision. In his Academy masterclasses, young pianists learn to connect technique with musical thought in work where every sound has meaning.

Former principal violist of the Berlin Philharmonic, Máté Szücs shares a refined and expressive approach shaped by a lifetime on stage. His masterclasses encourage young violists to develop a personal sound, an awareness of movement, and a freedom of interpretation grounded in listening and musical curiosity.

An heir to the great German piano tradition, Klaus Hellwig brings to his teaching a rare clarity of thought and sound. His masterclasses, rooted in precision and depth of understanding, offer young musicians a lesson in balance, discipline, and the shared artistry that defines chamber music.

A legendary figure of the Festival and founder of the Takács Quartet, Gábor Takács-Nagy encourages young musicians to move beyond technical perfection and embrace freedom and emotional truth. His classes, full of energy and humanity, remind us that music begins where the fear of making mistakes ends.

Former concertmaster of the Berlin Philharmonic, Kolja Blacher brings a vision of playing that is clear, free, and deeply engaged. His masterclasses reveal how instrumental command can become musical thinking, serving a performance that feels alive and genuine.

Professor at Berlin’s Universität der Künste and celebrated for the clarity of his playing, Jens Peter Maintz joins the Academy faculty for the first time this year. His teaching, both precise and inspiring, encourages young artists to discover their own freedom and individuality—where technique becomes a means of expression.

A pupil of Claudio Arrau, Pierre Sancan, and Wilhelm Kempff, Klaus Hellwig embodies a pianistic tradition passed on with clarity and precision. In his Academy masterclasses, young pianists learn to connect technique with musical thought in work where every sound has meaning.

Former principal violist of the Berlin Philharmonic, Máté Szücs shares a refined and expressive approach shaped by a lifetime on stage. His masterclasses encourage young violists to develop a personal sound, an awareness of movement, and a freedom of interpretation grounded in listening and musical curiosity.

Soprano Renée Fleming leads a single masterclass with four singers from the Atelier Lyrique, devoted to opera arias. In this session, she shares her insight into vocal expression, interpretation and artistic depth, followed by a short conversation with the audience.

An heir to the great German piano tradition, Klaus Hellwig brings to his teaching a rare clarity of thought and sound. His masterclasses, rooted in precision and depth of understanding, offer young musicians a lesson in balance, discipline, and the shared artistry that defines chamber music.

An heir to the great German piano tradition, Klaus Hellwig brings to his teaching a rare clarity of thought and sound. His masterclasses, rooted in precision and depth of understanding, offer young musicians a lesson in balance, discipline, and the shared artistry that defines chamber music.

A legendary figure of the Festival and founder of the Takács Quartet, Gábor Takács-Nagy encourages young musicians to move beyond technical perfection and embrace freedom and emotional truth. His classes, full of energy and humanity, remind us that music begins where the fear of making mistakes ends.