Prof. Jiri Hlinka Piano Academy has the pleasure of inviting to piano master classes with:
Bertrand Chamayou, Christian Ihle Hadland, Håvard Gimse, and Leif Ove Andsnes
Dates: 24–28 May, 2026
Location: Rasmussen Samlingene, Bergen, Norway
About
The Prof. Jiri Hlinka Piano Academy invites applications from students and young established pianists at the highest level to participate in an intensive international piano masterclass held at the Rasmussen Samlingene in Bergen from 24 to 27 May 2026, concluding with a public concert on 28 May 2026 at the University Aula in Bergen.
The masterclass will be taught by the Academy’s artistic directors Leif Ove Andsnes, Håvard Gimse, and Christian Ihle Hadland, with Bertrand Chamayou participating as guest professor.
This masterclass is organised in collaboration with the Bergen International Festival (Festspillene i Bergen), which opens on 27 May 2026.
The programme is limited to seven participants.
Masterclass reptertoire
Marking the 100th anniversary of György Kurtág in 2026, this masterclass will place a special emphasis on the piano works of Kurtág alongside those of Olivier Messiaen.
Participants are free to choose works by any composers during the masterclass; however, in line with the masterclass’ approach, it is encouraged that students select either pieces from György Kurtág’s Játékok collection, Kurtág’s arrangements of other composers’ works, or works by Olivier Messiaen. Applicants will be asked to propose works of 6–15 minutes’ duration.
The final concert programme will be devoted exclusively to works by Kurtág and Messiaen.
Teaching and final concert
Each participant will receive one individual lesson with each professor, for a total of four individual lessons. The masterclasses are open to the public, allowing audiences to observe the teaching sessions. The masterclass programme concludes with a public matinee concert on 28 May 2026 at the University Aula in Bergen.
Accommodation
Accommodation and meals are offered at the Rasmussen Samlingene and are included in the participation fee. Accommodation is provided from Saturday 23 May, with check-out on Friday 29 May.
Practising facilities
Participants have free access to ten high-quality grand pianos and upright pianos, located in various rooms at the Rasmussen Samlingene, throughout the course.
Fees
The participation fee is NOK 5 000. The fee is payable upon receipt of invoice and must be settled prior to the masterclass.
Application requirements
Applications must include the following materials:
- Completed electronic application form
(to be found below) - Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Proposed repertoire / programme
- Video recording (10–15 minutes)
- Must contain two pieces
- Video links should be uploaded to platforms such as YouTube, SoundCloud, or equivalent platforms
Application deadline
- Sunday 8 March 2026
Due to a limited number of places, selection will be based on artistic level and the submitted application materials.
Apply here
For further information about the master classes, please contact:
General manager Ole Albrekt Nedrelid
oan@klaverakademiet.no / +47 936 47 836
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Thanks to our collaboration partners and supporters:
Talent Norway
The Savings Bank Foundation DNB
Tom Wilhelmsen’s Foundation
Trucknor AS
Hilmar Reksten Foundation
Bergen Municipality
Vestland County