Project Overview
The three Artists in Residence each lead a three-day masterclass at Collegio Papio in Ascona. Six to eight students are admitted to each course. One-third of the places are reserved for students of the Conservatorio della Svizzera Italiana. Students pay no participation fee, and accommodation is covered by the project budget, effectively a scholarship. With this student-specific offer, the classicAscona Academy differs significantly from many other masterclasses. Admission is through a selection process. Each masterclass concludes with a final concert. All masterclasses are open to the public and are integral to the festival program.
Artists in Residence – 2026 Edition:
Masterclass
- Julia Lezhneva, Soprano – September 20-23, 2026
- Vilde Frang, Violin – Sept. 25-28, 2026
- Sol Gabetta, Cello – Sept. 28 – Oct. 1, 2026
Key Points
- Direction: respective Artists-in-Residence (one week each), accompanied by pianists
- Participants: students of conservatories and music academies; at least one-third of the seats are reserved for students of the Conservatorio della Svizzera Italiana
- Selection: by video application (3 different songs), evaluated by the lecturer in collaboration with the festival management
- Repertoire: various works suitable for the final concert
- Performances: a final Academy concert with participants
Thematic focus:
- Solo and chamber music performance
- Individual instrumental themes based on participants
- Work on the repertoire for the final concert
- Focused preparation for the final concert
- Lessons with accompanying pianists
- Opportunity for students to attend lectures by colleagues
- Time off from classes is devoted to individual study
- Free admission to all festival concerts
Conduct of each masterclass:
Day 1: Arrival and welcome
Day 2 to day 4: Lessons, 30 minutes for each student
Day 5: Final student concert
A bridge with the public and the festival:
The master classes will be held at Papio College and will be open to the public and free of charge. The detailed program will be posted on this website later this summer.
Registration is open now.
Application deadline: April 30, 2026
Application deadline: April 30, 2026
