Kirill Troussov Discusses Carl Flesch Academy's Upcoming Initiatives

Held from July 7–14 in Germany, the Academy is open to international violin, viola, cello, and double bass players

 

The annual Carl Flesch Academy launched in 1981 alongside the Baden-Baden Philharmonic and its general music director Werner Stiefel.

Since then, over 3,000 top international emerging artists have gathered at the Academy, participating in workshops with renowned pedagogues, and going on to become leading musicians and soloists in major orchestras and ensembles, worldwide.

This year, the academy will take place from July 7 to 14, 2024, at the Lichtenthal Abbey, Baden-Baden, with an overall course fee of €799.

To apply for the Carl Flesch Academy, click here to fill out the online form. The application deadline is April 1, 2024.

The Violin Channel recently had a chat with violinist Kirill Troussov, the current Artistic Director of the Carl Flesch Academy.

 

 

Tell us about the academy and how it differentiates from other summer programs?

The concept of the Carl Flesch Academy is truly unique: The professors and participants live and work together in the beautiful Lichtenthal Abbey. In addition to the five international string master classes with renowned professors, we offer public solo performances with the Philharmonic Orchestra of Baden-Baden, free video recordings of these performances, chamber music master classes and concerts for all participants, career workshops, and awards worth over 15,000 Euro.

 

Can you tell us about the faculty that will be teaching this year?

This year we will welcome Professor Boris Kuschnir (violin), Professor Máté Szűcs (viola), Professor Kian Soltani (cello), Professor Janne Saksala (double bass), Professor Saule Tatubaeva (chamber music), and myself (violin).

 

The academy offers participants the opportunity to rehearse, have masterclasses, and perform with the Baden-Baden Philharmonic. How can students best take advantage of this wonderful opportunity?

One of last year’s participants best describes what one can expect from the upcoming Carl Flesch Academy:

"It was a boost to my life and to my skills as a musician and an amazing experience to spend time with these incredibly talented young musicians from all over the world.”

I would say: Just join and enjoy!

 

Public concerts with the Baden-Baden Philharmonic will be professionally recorded and all selected participants will receive a free recording of their performance. Why did the Academy make this a priority?

In today’s online world, it has become increasingly important for aspiring classical musicians to market themselves with good websites, through social media channels, and especially with videos. Not everyone can afford the costs of such videos, especially when an orchestra or a large concert hall is involved. Thus, the Carl Flesch Academy has decided to sponsor the production of these videos as a career boost.

 

Is there a list of pieces participants can pick from to play with the orchestra?

Yes, there is a repertoire list of concertos and other pieces for each instrument. During the online application process, which only takes a few minutes, students may select three or more favorite pieces from this list. The academy team will then assemble the final selection for two public concerts with the Baden-Baden Philharmonic Orchestra.

 

Do you have any advice for applying participants? What makes an application stand out?

Of course, like every academy, we are looking for promising young talents. But there is no general advice, as every talent is unique. Last year, an only 11-year-old cellist touched our hearts with his skills and fresh personality, and he even won an award. We encourage every young musician to give it a try. For the application, you only need a CV and at least one video showing your solo skills.

 

Do you have a favorite memory from the previous editions?

Besides enjoying teaching, I love the sunny evenings in the garden of the beautiful abbey, when everyone gets together. Also, last year, the academy participants spontaneously gave an open-air chamber music concert for the nuns and guests of the monastery — a very touching moment.