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.
Rooted in the historic city of Zutphen, the Academy offers a supportive and inspiring space for musicians who are eager to deepen their practice, challenge themselves and connect with others through music.
Programme 2026 – 2027
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.
Open Call Programme
15 – 18 October 2026
Opening Monastery – preferred
Jeroen den Herder – cello
Viola de Hoog – baroque cello
21 – 24 January 2027
Opening Monastery – alternative
Jeroen den Herder – cello
Martti Roussi – cello
11 – 14 March 2027
Optional additional Monastery
Jeroen den Herder – cello
Viola de Hoog – baroque cello
6 – 9 May 2027
Closing Monastery – mandatory
Jeroen den Herder – cello
Martti Roussi – cello
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.
Monastery Programme
15 – 18 October 2026
Applications close 11 September 2026
Jeroen den Herder – cello
Viola de Hoog – baroque cello
Piano & harpsichord
21 – 24 January 2027
Applications close 11 December 2026
Jeroen den Herder – cello
Martti Roussi – cello
Piano
11 – 14
March 2027
Applications close 1 February 2026
Jeroen den Herder – cello
Viola de Hoog – baroque cello
Piano & harpsichord
6 – 9
May 2027
Applications close 29 March 2026
Jeroen den Herder – cello
Martti Roussi – cello
Piano
Research Retreats – Collective Creation for Cellists & Composers
A collaborative research space for cellists and composers to develop new work together in dialogue with visual art. The compositions are created in response to the work of visual artists exhibiting in Dat Bolwerck, where the Academy is based.
The process begins online, where ideas are shared and explored, and continues in Zutphen, where works are refined through intensive coaching and collaboration.
You work in creative teams, developing new material together through exchange, experimentation and shared artistic practice.
Each Research Retreat runs from Tuesday evening to Saturday night and concludes with a public performance, presenting the work developed during the process. In some cases, these performances may be considered for inclusion in the Internationaal Cellofestival Zutphen 2027 programme.
Live in Zutphen: 9 – 12 December 2026
Online start: 8 weeks prior
Applications close 30 September 2026
Theme:
Dutch folklore of the Witte Wieven (legendary female spirits), by artist Isabel Cavenecia
Jeroen den Herder – cello
Arnold Marinissen – composition
Chris Saris – percussion
Live in Zutphen: 31 March – 3 April 2027
Online start: 8 weeks prior
Applications close 18 january 2027
Theme:
Norse mythology of the Edda (mythic Icelandic poetic and prose traditions)
Jeroen den Herder – cello
Anne-Maartje Lemereis – composition
Hua-Hsuan Lee – piano
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