Classeek proudly announces the selection of emerging classical musicians chosen to join the Ambassador Programme for the upcoming 2024-2025 season. This marks another exciting chapter in our ongoing commitment to providing unparalleled opportunities for young classical musicians to elevate their careers on a global stage.

Established in 2017, the Ambassador Programme continues to further our mission of discovering, following, and supporting the next generation of classical musicians. This year's cohort boasts an eclectic mix of musicians, showcasing the artistry shaping the future of classical music. 

Each artist selected for the programme gains access to a tailored one-year curriculum designed to accelerate their career trajectory. From professional photoshoots and concert video materials to career coaching and performance opportunities, this holistic approach equips young musicians with the skills and support needed to take the next step in the highly competitive classical music industry.

Here are the artists for the 2024-2025 season

The upcoming season promises an exciting journey as these young artists, selected through a mix of ambassador nominations and open applications, bring their unique perspectives and artistry to the forefront. We are also grateful to all of our Classeek Ambassadors – renowned figures Emmanuel Pahud, Gautier Capuçon, Michel Bérof, and Renaud Capuçon, as well as influential industry players Markus Wyler and Sonia Simmenauer – for their continued support of Classeek.

Stay tuned as we prepare to unveil the full programme for the upcoming season – it's going to be a year filled with fresh performances, concert programmes, and musical discoveries. Here's to the journey ahead!

Meet the Artists of the Classeek Ambassador Programme 2024-2025

Full artist lineup

Meet the Winners of the Open Application

Season 2024-2025

To those who have been asking us for an update – the wait is over! We’re excited to bring you the shortlisted candidates from our Open Application. 

But first – thank you (once again) to everyone who applied this year. We were overwhelmed with the response that we received this year and the level of dedication that so many of you have to your craft. 

Following meticulous selection and scrutiny with our 

, these are the 13 finalists that have been chosen to move on to the next stage of the Open Application process. 

 - French harpist captivating audiences worldwide with soulful playing and technical mastery, earning accolades at prestigious competitions and pursuing a Master's degree in harp performance.

 - Israeli horn player with performances in prestigious venues and accolades, including a temporary contract as deputy solo horn player with the Düsseldorf Symphony Orchestra.

 - Latvian violinist and chamber musician with acclaim on national and international stages, known for a wide-ranging repertoire and community engagement through charity concerts.

 - Belarusian pianist with international recognition, diverse repertoire, and numerous prestigious performances and awards.

 - Italian cellist with virtuosic performances, first prizes at prestigious international competitions, and extensive concert activity across Italy and abroad.

 - Israeli pianist and prize-winner at the Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Master Competition, currently pursuing a Master of Music degree at the New England Conservatory in Boston.

 - Czech violinist acclaimed for performances at esteemed venues worldwide, winner of various competitions and awards, excelling as both a soloist and chamber musician.

 - Israeli pianist with international acclaim, notable awards, performances at renowned festivals, and collaborations with esteemed musicians.

 - Serbian cellist with international recognition through prize-winning performances, extensive collaborations, and a diverse repertoire spanning classical to contemporary works.

 - German violinist with multiple first prizes at international competitions, notable performances at esteemed venues, and collaborations with renowned orchestras.

 - American composer transforming diverse influences into captivating musical portraits, with compositions gracing prestigious venues and reflecting a commitment to youth creativity.

 - American composer and pianist blending diverse musical traditions to explore human emotion, acclaimed for intricate counterpoint and evocative harmonies.

 - Australian-Chinese composer and conductor with worldwide recognition, winning prestigious awards and captivating audiences with innovative compositions exploring diverse themes.

Each finalist brings a unique perspective and interesting career path to the table, and they surely all have a bright future ahead of them. We will be announcing the winners of the Open Application soon—one instrumentalist and one composer—who will join our nominated artists as part of the 2024-25 season of our Ambassador Programme. 

Until then, click on the finalists above to browse their ClasseekLink profiles and connect with them. Or then head over to our 

 to discover more about them. And, of course, stay tuned for the grand reveal!

Meet the 2024-25 Finalists

Who among them will be joining our Ambassador Programme?

Cello

Madelyn Kowalski

Nominated by Steven Isserlis, cellist Madelyn Kowalski joined us in concert with pianist Anna Han in March 2024 as part of the Ambassador Programme.

Madelyn Kowalski and Anna Han | Fauré and Kaija Saariaho

Romance for Cello and Piano in A Major, Op. 69

Papillon, Op. 77

Sept Papillons (Papillon I, III, VI)

Classeek Showroom performance, 7 March 2024

Madelyn Kowalski and Anna Han | Saint-Saëns - Sonata for Cello and Piano No. 2 in F Major, Op. 123

Sonata for Cello and Piano No. 2 in F Major, Op. 123

Madelyn Kowalski and Anna Han | Saint-Saëns - Romance, Op. 36

Romance, Op. 36

Madelyn Kowalski and Anna Han | Thomas Adès - Lieux retrouvés (I. Les eaux)

Lieux retrouvés (I. Les eaux)

Classeek Announces 2024-25 Open Application Jury

With applications now closed, meet the team that will choose the winners

Violin

Clarissa Bevilacqua

One of the winners of our Open Application 2023-24, violinist Clarissa Bevilacqua joined us in concert in January 2024 as part of the Ambassador Programme.

Clarissa Bevilacqua | Full Concert

Dream Catcher

Fiddle Dance Suite - 1. Sidestep Reel

Violin Sonata, Op. 31, No. 2 - IV. Fünf Variationen über das Lied “Komm, lieber Mai” v. Mozart

Recitativo and Scherzo, Op. 6

Violin Partita No. 3 in E Major, BWV 1006

Violin Sonata No. 2, Op. 27 “Jacques Thibaud”

Classeek Showroom performance, 25 January 2024

Clarissa Bevilacqua talks about her involvement in the Classique Ambassador Programme,  her experiences studying in various places such as Italy, Salzburg, and Berlin, and her vision for Dynamic Fest, a festival she founded in Salzburg, Austria.

Clarissa Bevilacqua Interview

with Benjamin Woodroffe

We're pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 

. If you’re an instrumentalist or composer between the ages of 18 and 30, this is your opportunity to embark on a journey that could help shape your musical career.

The Classeek Ambassador Programme is a distinguished one-year career enhancement initiative crafted for promising young classical artists. Geared towards those ready to advance to the highest echelons of their musical pursuits, the programme unlocks doors to unparalleled opportunities in the international classical music scene.

This season, we're excited to open two spaces in our programme for instrumentalists and composers looking to take their careers to the next level. Whether you are in your final year of studying or are on your way to looking for an agent, we are here to help. Let us help you fill in the gaps to navigate the business of classical music so you can focus on honing your craft for an international music career.

 to delve into the programme specifics, understand entry requirements, and initiate the application process. This is your chance to demonstrate your talent, passion, and dedication to classical music.

Traditionally, entry into the Ambassador Programme has been through nomination by one of Classeek's esteemed 

, but since 2021 Classeek’s open application created space for artists across the world to apply regardless of their connections. Stay tuned for updates on the complete list of ambassadors and their nominations, which will be announced next year. 

The Ambassador Programme is more than just a programme; it's a community that nurtures talent, fosters connections, and supports careers. 

Applications are open from now until February 11th, so make sure you submit yours as soon as possible. 

We wish the best of luck to all of our candidates – keep an eye on our Instagram for updates as we close in on the application deadline. We can’t wait to see what you’ve got in store!

Apply: Classeek Ambassador Programme 2024-25

Now accepting applications!

Trio Pantoum, the critically acclaimed chamber ensemble, announces the addition of a new member, pianist Kojiro Okada who will be joining current members Bogeun Park and Hugo Meder. This change follows the departure of Virgile Roche, who leaves after a remarkable seven-year tenure with the trio to pursue other opportunities.

Trio Pantoum has experienced a series of notable achievements this year, including winning first prizes at the Trio di Trieste International Chamber Music Competition, Joseph Haydn International Chamber Music Competition and the Lyon International Chamber Music Competition. They also secured second prizes at the Osaka ICMC and Melbourne ICMC, and recently received the third prize at the Internationaler Musikwettbewerb der ARD in Munich. They are currently Artist Residency at the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel and nominated into the 2023-24 Classeek Ambassador Programme.

The trio expresses enthusiasm as they enter their next chapter with their newest member:

“A long time friend since our Conservatoire studies together, Kojiro Okada is a magnificent pianist and marvelous chamber musician. It was very natural for us to continue our musical adventure with him. Kojiro brings us an energy, creativity and joy that we look forward to sharing with you at our upcoming concerts! We're really thrilled and we hope to see you soon at one of our concerts to enjoy the music together.”

Trio Pantoum promises further exciting developments with January 2024 opening with a tour of Italy, and by keeping your ClasseekLink account active, you'll have exclusive access to their latest news. The trio will collaborate with La Belle Saison and Philarmonie de Paris in 2024-2025 and will record their debut album.

Praised by critics as "a passionate and committed violinist" (Bachtrack), Hugo Meder represents the new generation of French violinists. Born into a family of Alsatian winegrowers, Hugo joined the Strasbourg Conservatory and subsequently the CNSMD in Paris under the tutelage of Alexis Galpérine in  2016.  In the meanwhile, he began a career as a soloist and performed regularly in venues such as the Auditorium de la Seine Musicale and Cité de la musique in Paris or the Kammermusiksaal in Stuttgart. He collaborated with the conductors Mathieu Herzog, Chloé Dufresne and Marie Jacquot  with several orchestras. A winner of prestigious international competitions, Hugo has garnered recognition in La lettre du Musicien and France Musique.

French-Korean cellist, Park is a rising star in the world of classical music. Trained at the Conservatoire de Reims and the CNSM in Paris with notable instructors, including Marc-Didier Thirault, Jérôme Pernoo, and Christophe Coin, Park was also a distinguished member of the Tchaikovsky Promotion at the Académie Musicale Philippe Jaroussky during the 2021-2022 season. Prizewinner of several international competitions, his performances are extending all around the world as a soloist and chamber musician. Embracing various genres, he has a particular affinity for early music, exploring the sounds of period instruments and championing a repertoire from Gabrielli to Beethoven. 

 Bordeaux-born pianist, Kojiro Okada began playing the violin alongside his brother, but soon after turned to the piano. In 2008, he was admitted to Anne-Lise Gastaldi's class at the CRR de Paris, where, at the age of thirteen, he won the piano prize with distinction. He then entered the class of Hortense Cartier-Bresson and Florent Boffard  at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse (CNSMD) in Paris. He has already performed in numerous Parisian venues, including the Salle Pleyel as well as the Festival Chopin de Nohant, Festival Nohant Hors les Murs and Festival de l'Orangerie de Sceaux.. He shares the stage with great musicians such as Marie-Josèphe Jude, Frank Braley, Philippe Graffin, Miguel da Silva, Jérôme Pernoo and Yves Henry. In October 2018, he also won first prize at the Gabriel Fauré International Competition.

 for more information about their upcoming concerts. 

Trio Pantoum Announcement

Welcoming new member Kojiro Okada

Dmitry Smirnov

Nominated by Sonia Simmenauer, violinist Dmitry Smirnov joined us in concert in November 2023 as part of the Ambassador Programme.

Dmitry Smirnov | Eugène Ysaÿe – Sonate à George Enescu (From op. 27 "Six sonata for violin")

Sonate à George Enescu (From op. 27 "Six sonata for violin")

Classeek Showroom performance, 2 November 2023

Dmitry Smirnov | Improvisation inspired by Angelo Poliziano (Lyra da Bracchio)

Nr. 11 Berceuse Nr. 2 "Sonntag, den 19. Juli 1910" (Hommage an Jeney)

Nr. 18 Träumend hing die Blume (Hommage an Schumann)

Dmitry Smirnov | György Kurtág – Kafka Fragmente, Op. 24 for soprano and violin

Kafka Fragments, Op. 24 for soprano and violin (Selected songs)

Dmitry Smirnov | Netty Simons – Circle of Attitudes for violin solo and dancer

Circle of Attitudes

Dmitry Smirnov | Eugène Ysaÿe – ‌Sonate à Joseph Szigeti "Six sonata for violin solo"

Sonate à Joseph Szigeti "Six sonata for violin solo"

Nominated by Sir András Schiff, Israeli pianist Tom Borrow joined us for his debut recital on the Classeek Ambassador Programme in June 2023. 

The Chorale et Variations from Dutilleux’s only piano sonata is packed full of references to a range of Soviet and French impressionist composers. Dedicated to and premiered by Dutilleux’s wife Geneviève Joy in 1948, it is one of the composer’s first mature works.

Tom Borrow | Dutilleux: Chorale & Variations 

Chorale & Variations

Classeek Showroom Performance, June 2023

Classeek announces an outstanding selection of up-and-coming artists joining the Ambassador Programme, for the 2023-2024 season, cementing its position as one of the best opportunities for young classical musicians today to accelerate their career on an international platform. 

The Classeek Ambassador Programme was founded in 2017, and aims to support young musicians in the ever changing landscape of the classical music industry today. The programme aims to open up doors for musicians in an alternative way to the traditional competition and word of mouth format, where well respected figures in the industry can recommend young musicians for the Ambassador Programme. These figures include G

autier Capuçon (cello), Renaud Capucon (violin), Emmanuel Pahud (flute), Sir András Schiff and Michel Bérof (piano), Miguel da Silva (violin)

 Classeek also enjoys links with prestigious institutions such as 

Conservatoire de Lausanne, International Classical Music Awards, Bucharest Symphony Orchestra 

The Ambassador Programme offers the young artists an opportunity to perform in an internationally streamed high quality concert, allowing industry professionals and audiences to tune in and follow their debut concerts remotely. The concert is combined with a cocktail evening, where the artists have the chance to network and pitch their projects to a selected crowd.  

The one year programme is entirely tailor made and crafted into a real acceleration model providing support and advice to help the young musicians jumpstart their career. It includes professional photoshoots, video interviews to showcase their musical career so far and to further present themselves, career and media coaching, opportunities to teach at masterclasses, concert opportunities and meet and play with the other young artists on the programme. This unique programme is an invaluable opportunity to enhance the careers of young artists and sharpen the music industry skills they need to build for a career in music.

 (Japan), piano / Ambassador: Sir Andràs Schiff 

 / America / Ambassador: Steven Issserlis

Classeek announces Ambassador Programme artists for the 2023-2024 season

We are delighted to announce 10 very promising open application instrumentalist finalists for the Ambassador Programme 2023-2024. Like last year, we were extremely impressed with the high standard of the applicants and thank everyone sincerely for the time and effort that has gone into applying. 

Here are the 10 finalists of our Ambassador Programme (instrumentalists) open application, for season 2022-23:

Next week we will be announcing the final instrumental artist and composer joining our Ambassador Programme from our open application, along with all nominated artists. Stay tuned for the final result! 

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