The VF Academy trains the artists of tomorrow

Interview with Stephen McHolm, Director of the Academy & Cultural Development.

“Our ambition is simple: to train artists who can thrive in today’s musical world and help shape the world of tomorrow.”
Stephen McHolm Director of the Academy and Cultural Development

Piano masterclass with Minsoo Sohn © LaureN Pasche

What sets the VF Academy apart?

For more than thirty years, the VF Academy has supported young artists at a pivotal moment in their journey. More than a series of masterclasses, it offers a three-week immersion combining learning, performance, encounters and mentoring. Recognised for the excellence of its artistic and professional training, it welcomes each summer young soloists, ensembles, singers, cultural entrepreneurs and sound engineers from all over the world.

Which skills are you primarily seeking to develop, and how do you prepare young artists?

While musical excellence remains at the heart of the Academy, it has evolved because the profession has changed. Today, talent alone is no longer enough. Artists must collaborate, communicate, develop their projects, master recording and build a connection with their audiences.

That is why our training has expanded far beyond traditional masterclasses. Training musicians for these realities has become just as essential as refining their instrumental or vocal practice. Beyond technical excellence, we seek artists who are curious, generous, open to others and eager to learn.

What legacy do you hope to leave your Academicians?

Our finest legacy is the community the Academy has created. Many return to Verbier as artists, teachers or mentors and, in turn, pass on this spirit of excellence and generosity that defines our identity. Our ambition is simple: to train artists who can thrive in today’s musical world and help shape the world of tomorrow.

Interview by Jean-Philippe Jutzi

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Sorting, awareness-raising, greening: REACTIS SA’s holistic approach

Based in Etoy and, more recently, in Zurich to better serve German-speaking Switzerland, REACTIS SA has been supporting Swiss companies, local authorities and organisations since 2012 in implementing practical solutions for more responsible waste management.

Its work is built around four complementary pillars: sorting, awareness-raising, reducing and greening.

At the heart of its activity is selective sorting. REACTIS SA develops customisable indoor and outdoor solutions, designed to integrate coherently and elegantly into a wide range of environments: offices, shops, public spaces, schools or transit areas. Each piece of equipment is designed to last, adapt to use, and make sorting both simple and intuitive.

The company also acts where it all begins: at the source. Through suitable solutions such as wooden composters or garden composters, it encourages the recovery of organic waste in shared, educational or residential spaces. It also supports local awareness initiatives, for example by helping to organise clean-up days that bring communities together and engage them around their living environment.

In public spaces, REACTIS SA works with local authorities to imagine developments that incorporate sorting. Urban planters that enhance collection points: because caring for the environment also means improving everyday life.

For more than 10 years, REACTIS SA has adopted a pragmatic and committed approach in support of the ecological transition, constantly innovating to offer Swiss companies and local authorities sustainable, effective and tailored solutions. Take the step with us!

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The Verbier Festival wishes to express its deepest gratitude to its patrons, sponsors, partners and public institutions for their support and generous contributions.