TOPPENKURSET – International Summer Academy & Festival of 2025 will take place at Vefsn Folkehøgskole, Toppen, 29th to 6th of July. The festival is part of Festspillene Helgeland, one of Northern Norway’s largest festivals of arts, music and performance.
Application deadline: 1st of April
We are applying for financial support from different foundations and cultural exchange programs. This gives us the opportunity to offer foreign participants reduced fees and travel costs. Please write in the application if your participation is dependent on this.
MAIN COURSES THIS YEAR
Toppen symphonic orchestra: A full symphonic orchestra conducted by Nicholas Carthy. The program is to be annonced.
Junior and youth orchestra: For children approx. 6–12 years of age (depending more on your level than of your age).
Contact us if you are unsure about which orchestra that fits you best!
Piano course: The course is for children and youth on different levels, also master-classes. Piano may be your main instrument or your secondary instrument. As a pianist you may also join the improvisation group and/or chamber music groups.
Organ course: The course is organized by Kirkemusikksenter Nord in cooperation with Vefsn Unge Strykere. Our focus is on developing ensemble playing skills, with other instrumentalists, small chamber groups and chamber orchestra.
ELECTIVES
Between the rehearsals for orchestras, piano and organ classes, you may choose to attend some other courses, according to your wishes. After you have been offered a place at our course, you will get a form where you can decide which electives you want.
Individual lessons: You may have private lessons with an outstanding professor during the course, if you want. It will then be very important for your teacher that you decide in advance and tell her/him beforehand what you wish to play!
Master classes: There will also be open master classes for string and wind instruments, organ and piano.
Chamber orchestra: The chamber orchestra will also have big challenges and nice music, although it will not be on the symphonic orchestra’s high level. Please tell us your wishes! This is an extra offer, and will have the rehearsals inbetween the main orchestras rehearsal times.