Villars Music Academy

Villars Music Academy

Think, Feel, Play.

Applications for the next edition of the Villars Music Academy will open in February 2024.

The Villars Music Academy

Created in 2022 by Aline Champion in collaboration with the Villars Institute Foundation, the Villars Music Academy invites talented young musicians to a one-week intensive musical and personal experience. Next to masterclasses given by leading soloists and members of the Berliner Philharmoniker, the Villars Music Academy also features conferences and workshops designed through a holistic approach to promote personal development as well as shared values for tomorrow’s world. The stunning surroundings of Villars-sur-Ollon, a beautiful village in the Swiss Alps, provides a perfect place for inspiration.

Villars Music Academy Professors

Special Guests

Daniel Harding, conductor

Kolja Blacher, violin

Antoine Tamestit, viola

Tabea Zimmermann, viola

Alban Gerhardt, cello

Gary Hoffman, cello

Members of the Berliner Philharmoniker

Simone Bernardini, violin

Luiz Felipe Coelho, violin

Walter Kuessner, viola

Martin Menking, cello

Director

Aline Champion, violin and coaching

Founder

PROGRAM

Think

  • Mental trainings: Elevate focus, boost creativity, and cultivate a resilient mindset to harmonize with your artistry.
  • Talks with experts: Join for insightful conversations, gaining valuable insights and unlocking the secrets to musical success.

Feel

  • Physical training: Fine-tune your musical prowess with tailored physical training.
  • Emotional awareness sessions: Explore the depth of your musical expression, connecting heart body and mind to create soul-stirring performances.

Play

  • Join famous Guests: Unlock your musical potential through exclusive masterclasses.
  • Individual lessons with members of the Berliner Philharmoniker: Elevate your skills with personalized guidance from the Berliner Philharmoniker.
  • Chamber music with professors: Immerse yourself in collaborative artistry, refining your chamber music skills with expert guidance.
  • Chamber orchestra: Harmonize and perform in our dynamic chamber orchestra ensemble.
  • Concerts: Experience musical magic in our captivating concerts, where talent takes center stage.

Balik Farm Prize

The Balik Farm Prize is a competition exclusively for the laureates of the Villars Music Academy. The winner receives the opportunity to record a CD and a video, generously sponsored by Caviar House and Prunier, to help launch their international music career. This year, the jury was composed of prestigious figures including Peter G. Rebeiz, Chairman and CEO of Caviar House Airport Premium and President of Balik Farm Switzerland, violinist Kolja Blacher, violist Antoine Tamestit, cellist Gary Hoffman, board member of the Villars Institute Foundation Richard McDonald.

Testimonials

"A unique and inspiring week at the Villars Music Academy. Behond gratefull to Aline Champion for turning her vision into reality and guiding young musicians on their path"

Ava Bahari

"Thank you for this life changing experience. I am sure that everything I learned from this week will carry me through my whole life"

Gordon Lau

“I had an unparalleled week in Villars, thanks for the selfless experience. It brought me such a valuable experience and learning opportunity"

Chih-En Kuo

"It is crucial for us, young musicians, to have such an amazing support"

Jiliang Shi

Villars Music Academy 2022 Video

Click on the video to watch the 2022 Villars Music Video ➡️

CONTACT

The Villars Music Academy is about playing, and if we talk about playing, we are also talking about how to feel and how to think to be able to play great music.
Aline Champion