International programmes for artistic development, collaboration and performance
At the Cello Academy Zutphen, we believe artistic development grows through curiosity, collaboration and personal attention.
Our programmes bring together ambitious young musicians in a small-scale international environment where intensive coaching, ensemble playing and artistic exploration go hand in hand. Alongside technical refinement, we encourage participants to develop their own artistic voice, imagination and confidence as performers.
The Academy consists of two programmes: Monasteries and Research Retreats – each focusing on a different stage of artistic development, from individual growth to collaborative creation. Alongside these programmes, this season features a special Open Call for musicians who already have an artistic idea in progress and would like to develop it further towards a performance at the Internationaal Cellofestival Zutphen 2027.
Explore the programmes 2026 – 2027
Monasteries – Artistic Development Programme for Cellists & Collaborative Practice
The Monasteries are an intensive international programme of four annual gatherings for conservatory students and emerging professionals to deepen their artistic voice through individual coaching, ensemble playing and collaborative exploration. Participation in one or more Monasteries is possible.
You work on technique, interpretation and artistic awareness in an integrated process, combining focused individual masterclasses with intensive ensemble work and chamber music with piano and – at selected Monasteries – harpsichord.
In a small international group of up to twelve participants – including members of Ensemble CelloWercken – there is space for individual attention, artistic exchange and experimentation. The programme encourages reflection, curiosity and the development of a personal artistic voice.
Runs from Thursday evening to Sunday afternoon after a public performance.
Research Retreats – Create new music. Explore new ideas. Shape the sound of today.
The Research Retreats are a collaborative creation programme for cellists and composers, focusing on the development of new work in dialogue with contemporary visual art.
Working in creative teams, you collaborate from the earliest stages of an idea through to a public performance. Together you explore new musical language, experiment with sound, and contribute to the development of contemporary repertoire shaped by artistic exchange and reflection.
The programme is both a laboratory and a performance space for new music, where ideas evolve into fully realised works presented to an audience. Selected works may be considered for inclusion in the Internationaal Cellofestival Zutphen 2027 programme.
Runs from Wednesday to Saturday nigth after a public performance.
Festival Project
Open Call
Festival Performance Projects for Cellofestival Zutphen 2027 – solo & duo
Applications close on 11 September 2026 or once the programme is full
Evolve towards a performance at the Internationaal Cellofestival Zutphen 2027 within the Monasteries programme.
This Open Call is intended for musicians with an existing artistic idea they wish to further develop towards a performance of approximately 30 minutes.
Projects may be solo or duo, and may include collaborations with other instruments, voice or artistic disciplines. At least one of the performers must be a cellist.
We are particularly interested in projects engaging with contemporary themes and perspectives connected to the upcoming festival theme: Edda / Nordic Sagas – mythology, storytelling, landscapes and oral traditions as living sources for contemporary artistic practice.
This Open Call is part of the Monastery programme. The Monasteries form an ensemble lab and artistic development space where ideas evolve towards a festival performance. You are required to participate in at least two Monasteries.
Do you want to stay connected?
JOIN OUR CIRCLE OF MUSICIANS!
Curious about what we offer but not ready to sign up yet? Receive updates and insights from our programs, and keep in touch with our musical community.