International Summer Academy Delights Artists and Audiences Alike

The participants took part in a varied programme featuring masterclasses and additional activities, as well as numerous performance opportunities in Salzburg and the surrounding region, as far as Flachau. A particular highlight of this year’s Summer Academy was once again a masterclass with Maestra Silvana Bazzoni Bartoli, during which seven singers had the rare opportunity to work intensively on the fundamentals of vocal technique.

The unique atmosphere of the Summer Academy is also reflected in the feedback from the participants. As well as the artistic work, they particularly appreciated the international exchange and making music together.

“What an unforgettable week at the International Summer Academy! Making
unforgettable memories and sharing these beautiful days with such amazing
friends made this week truly special.” Irem Su Sahin (Turkey)

“Meeting inspiring teachers and talented pianists from all over the world,
and being inspired by each of their performances, was one of the
greatest gifts of this experience.” Saya Suenaga (Japan)

The teaching they received also left a lasting impression. Many participants emphasised how much the intensive work with the internationally renowned tutors had motivated them and bolstered their artistic development.

“I had an amazing week at the Summer Academy Mozarteum.
I stepped out feeling much more confident and encouraged.”
Yusuf Tajbakhsh (Canada)

“All the tips I have received during the week have been extremely valuable
and I am excited to try them out at home.” Viktoriia Fedorova (Poland) 

The Italian soprano Valeria Girardello gave a particularly vivid account of her experiences in Silvana Bazzoni Bartoli’s masterclass:

"This was the second time I had the great privilege to work with Maestra Silvana 
Bazzoni Bartoli, and I can't even begin to describe how valuable this experience is for me. [...] You can really feel her deep love of music and the human voice in the way she teaches - and above all, you feel her special gift of passing on this love and passion for singing.
Working with her makes you understand that singing is something simple, natural - even second nature..." Valeria Girardello (Italian, translation)

Each course period concluded with the ‘Prize-winners' Matinees’, at which a total of 13 outstanding emerging artists were honoured. Thanks to the City of Salzburg’s Cultural Fund, prize money totalling €12,000 was awarded.

The Prize-winners 2026

• Marvin Maung Tint, Piano (Germany), Masterclass J. Jiracek von Arnim 
• Jan Sekaci, Violoncello (Romania), Masterclass V. Radutiu
• Belén García Burgos, Soprano & Esther Vilar-Portillo, Piano (Spain), Masterclass C. Strehl & P. Tukiainen
• Anna-Tessa Timmer, Violoncello (Germany), Masterclass V. Hunter
• Eunjae Jeong, Soprano (South Korea), Masterclass C. Tilling
• Edward Ahlbeck Glader, Piano (Sweden), Masterclass R. Levin
• Maria Ene, Sopran (Romania), Masterclass A. Schmidt
• Eason Hu, Violine (Canada), Masterclass A. Gahl
• Johann Zhao, Klavier (Austria), Masterclass C. Martínez Mehner
• Defne Gungor, Violine (Turkey), Masterclass M. Vaiman
• Xuanbo Li, Bass-baritone (China), Masterclass S. Bazzoni Bartoli
• Yelyzaveta Pachabut, Piano (Ukraine), Masterclass D. Yoffe
• Keshav Krishhnan, Piano (Netherlands), Masterclass A. Teixeira Lopesyx

Furthermore, thanks to the support of generous sponsors – including the St. Johann Lions Club, the Pongau Millennium Lions Club, Wellendorff Gold-Creationen and private sponsors – 24 participants were able to receive partial scholarships.