Another year has flown by and the response to our 2026–27 Open Application has been nothing short of exceptional! We’re excited to welcome the next group of artists that will join our Ambassador Programme, who reflect the vibrant future of the classical music landscape.

With the submission period now closed, the applications are being reviewed by a jury composed of industry experts and Classeek's valued partners.

Before reaching the jury, all submissions underwent a thorough initial review to ensure each application received thoughtful attention from the very beginning. This important first step was made possible thanks to Lyda Chen-Argerich, Alexandra Conunova, Natalia Morozova, Norbert Pfamatter, and Markus Wyler, who were instrumental in shaping the shortlist presented to the main jury.

Meet the Jury

In addition to the Classeek team, the 2026–27 Open Application jury comprises five esteemed figures from across the classical music world. Each brings a wealth of international experience, artistic integrity, and a shared passion for mentoring young talent, making them uniquely qualified to guide this selection process.

Iddo Bar-Shaï: An internationally acclaimed pianist praised for his sensitivity, tonal beauty, and depth of interpretation. Having performed on the world's most prestigious stages and collaborated with leading orchestras, his profound understanding of the nuances of solo and chamber music performance offers invaluable insight into identifying exceptional pianistic talent.

Benjamin Bernheim: One of the most sought-after tenors of his generation, celebrated for his vocal brilliant artistry and dramatic intensity on the world’s leading opera stages, from the Opéra de Paris to the Metropolitan Opera. His contemporary perspective on the global vocal and operatic landscape brings a vital dimension to evaluating artists with a strong communicative presence.

Tedi Papavrami: A violin virtuoso, chamber musician, and author known for his formidable technique and intellectual depth. With a distinguished career spanning global concert halls and a rich discography, his extensive pedagogical and performance experience provides a rigorous, discerning eye for instrumental excellence and artistic individuality.

Eric Tanguy: A celebrated composer and musicologist whose works are performed by the world’s elite soloists and orchestras. His deep understanding of the evolution, structure, and context of classical music allows the jury to assess contemporary composition and interpretation with acute sensitivity to musical structure and nuance.

Hiyoli Togawa: A versatile and expressive violist whose innovative programming and commitment to contemporary music have garnered widespread acclaim. Her experience as a performer, recording artist, and advocate for diverse musical voices brings a fresh, dynamic perspective to assessing the artistic vision and potential of today’s young musicians.

A Look Back at the 2025–26 Season

Following the expansion of our Open Application format last season, which allowed us to welcome a broader cohort of exceptional artists than ever before, we invite you to explore the incredible music our artists have created.

While the jury deliberates, we invite you to explore the music that our 2025-26 season of artists have created with us. You can watch full performances and concert highlights on our Classeek YouTube channel. You’ll see some impressive artistry and get a glimpse of the standard of excellence that defines the Ambassador Programme.

Stay tuned for the official announcement of our 2026-27 Open Application winners!