Between February 13 and 22, 2026, Klassisk i Sentrum (KIS), in collaboration with the Virtuoso & Belcanto Festival in Lucca, Italy, will host masterclasses for strings, piano, and ensembles in Grimstad and Arendal, Norway. OUR FACULTY: Eszter Haffner – Violin / Viola / Chamber Music Andrej Bielow – Violin / Viola / Chamber Music Mark Gothoni – Violin / Viola / Chamber Music Jan Bjøranger – Violin / Viola / Chamber Music Lars Anders Tomter – Viola / Violin / Chamber Music Paul Cortese – Viola / Chamber Music Peter Barsony – Viola / Violin / Chamber Music Johannes Krebs – Cello / Chamber Music Øyvind Gimse – Cello / Chamber Music Yejin Gil – Piano / Chamber Music Ian Jones – Piano / Chamber Music Riccardo Cecchetti – Fortepiano (Hammerklavier) / Piano / Chamber Music Guest of Honour: Liv Glaser – Fortepiano The course fee includes 3–6 individual lessons of 45 minutes, with the possibility of additional sessions subject to availability. Participants will also have the opportunity to perform in concerts across the region, and some ensemble activities will be organised. Grimstad is located in the far south of Norway, where winter can be beautifully snow-covered. In addition to the chance to meet exceptional teachers, colleagues, and audiences, we believe the location itself will offer a rich and rewarding experience. Grimstad is a 3-hour drive from Oslo, easily accessible by flight to Oslo and bus. Kristiansand Airport is even closer, just 45 minutes from the destination. The teaching will primarily take place in Grimstad and Arendal. Klassisk i Sentrum has secured discounted accommodation and meal deals for participating students through agreements with local hotels and restaurants. Course Fees: Solo (3–6 individual 45-minute lessons): €360 – €690 Lessons may be distributed across different faculty members. Add-on: Extra individual lessons (subject to availability): 45 minutes – €100 per session Ensemble (3–6 sessions of 60 minutes): €540 – €780 Ensemble coaching may be distributed across different teachers. Add-on: Extra ensemble coaching (subject to availability): 60 minutes – €100 per session KIS offers up to 4 full scholarships for students who wish to develop their skills as accompanists. These students will have their course fees waived in exchange for accompanying other participants during lessons and concerts. Applicants to this program must submit two video examples of accompaniment, each approx. 3 minutes long. For all applicants: Please fill out the application form and include a link to a short video of yourself (max 5 minutes), if applicable. We review applications on a rolling basis but reserve at least 20% of available spots until the final application deadline: December 15, 2025. If your application is approved, 40% of the course fee must be paid within 7 days of acceptance. The remaining balance is due by the registration deadline on December 15. Refund Policy: KIS Academy offers a full refund of all paid fees until December 15. Cancellations after this date will not be refunded unless the participant can be replaced by another qualified applicant. Accommodation: We have made arrangements with a range of accommodation providers. More information will be made available continuously. Hotel accommodation is estimated at €30–100 per night, depending on location and room occupancy. Hotels are generally of high standard. Some multi-bed rooms include basic cooking facilities. Cabin rentals and Airbnb options are also available. NB! Former participants are entitled to a 10% discount on the course fee. If this applies to you, please tick the relevant box in the application form.