THE ACADEMY
ZERMATT FESTIVAL ACADEMY
6–21 SEPTEMBER 2025
Founded in 2005, the Zermatt Music Festival Academy takes place over two weeks every September and provides an exceptional educational experience for young orchestral and chamber musicians from all over the world. Led by the Scharoun Ensemble of the Berliner Philharmoniker, the Academy follows the tradition that Pablo Casals created in Zermatt in the 1950s and 60s. Indeed, the world-renowned car-free village at the foot of the Matterhorn provides a unique and peaceful haven in which young musicians can excel.
Each year, about 35 highly gifted students are invited to take part in the Academy where they take chamber music lessons with members of the Scharoun Ensemble Berlin and perform alongside them in the Zermatt Festival Orchestra. The Academy prides itself for offering a unique educational opportunity at the highest level: students not only rehearse and perform the most celebrated orchestral works, but they also work on rarely-heard chamber music, often mixing winds and strings, and get the chance to take part in informal jazz jam sessions.
After successfully participating in their first year of the academy, students have the opportunity to return for a second edition. By renewing this experience, they can continue to build on what they learnt the previous year.
Please note that the application deadline for the 2024 Academy has already passed. Applications for the 2025 Academy will open in January 2025.