Villars Music Academy

Think, Feel, Play.

13-20 August 2023

Kolja Blacher, Antoine Tamestit, Gary Hoffman, Alban Gerhardt, Daniel Harding and members of the Berliner Philharmoniker

The Villars Music Academy invites talented young musicians to take part in a unique and personalized learning experience based on masterclasses taught by leading soloists and musicians from the Berliner Philharmoniker, as well as interdisciplinary courses. Chamber music with the professors, mental training, physical coaching, and open discussions with special guests are key facets of the program.

Professors Villars Music Academy 2023

Special Guests

Daniel Harding, conductor

Kolja Blacher, violin

Antoine Tamestit, 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

Artistic Director

Aline Champion, violin and coaching

Founder

Villars Music Academy closing concert

August 19, 2023 at 7:30 pm at the Villars Palace Theater

Come and attend the closing concert of the Villars Music Academy on Saturday, August 19 at 7:30 pm at the Villars Palace Theater, where you will have the unique opportunity to listen to members of the Berliner Philharmoniker. They will perform alongside the laureates of the Villars Music Academy, talented young musicians from all over the world. The concert is free and open to everyone. Please register using the link below. You will be able to meet the artists at the end of the concert.

Balik Prize concert

August 18, 2023 at 7:30 pm at the Villars Palace Theater

Come and attend the final of the 1st Balik Prize competition on Friday, August 18 at 7:30 pm at the Villars Palace Theater. The Balik Prize is a competition exclusively for the laureates of the Villars Music Academy, the winner will receive 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 is composed by prestigious figures such as the conductor Daniel Harding, cellist Gary Hoffman, Antoine Tamestit, board member of the Villars Institute Foundation Richard McDonald, Peter Rebeiz, Chairman & CEO at Caviar House & Prunnier and Aline Champion, artistic director of the Academy and president of the jury. While you will be listening to this exceptional competition, you will also be given an active role, as the audience will be asked to vote for their favorite contestant. This event is free and open to everyone. Please register using the link below. You will be able to meet the artists and the jury members at the end of the concert.

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.

Balik Prize

The Balik Prize is a competition exclusively for the laureates of the Villars Music Academy, the winner will receive 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 is composed by prestigious figures such as the conductor Daniel Harding, cellist Gary Hoffman, Antoine Tamestit, board member of the Villars Institute Foundation Richard McDonald and Aline Champion, artistic director of the Academy and president of the jury.

2023 PROGRAM

Think

  • Mental trainings
  • Talks with experts

Feel

  • Physical training
  • Emotional awareness sessions

Play

  • Masterclasses with special guests (all masterclasses are open to the public)
  • Individual lessons with members of the Berliner Philharmoniker
  • Chamber music with professors
  • Chamber orchestra
  • Concerts

Testimonials

"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

"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

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

"Villars Music Academy: great and unique" - Caroline Grün

Watch the 2022 Villars Music Academy video

CONTACT