KLOSTERS FINE VIOLIN SUMMIT

Will take place annually from 2027 as part of Klosters Music.

Vision

The Klosters Fine Violin Summit combines music, craftsmanship and scientific research. Each year, the focus is on another significant historical string instrument, which is documented and researched using the latest methods and reinterpreted by young violin makers.

First edition in 2027

Focus instrument: “ex Sainton” violin by Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù, Cremona, ca. 1744

Soloist: Arabella Steinbacher

Formats

  • Symposium
    Specialist lectures on provenance, stylistics, materials research, conservation and tonewood.
  • Academy
    Open workshop with two professors. Participation for around 18 students from European violin-making schools, working on original instruments and individual parts.
  • Competition
    For trained violin makers. Award for the best replica of a historical instrument. Evaluation by a jury of experts; public exhibition and sound tests.

Topics

Violin making and music history, research, restoration, historically informed performance practice, cultural education, promotion of young talent, sustainability and local forestry, knowledge transfer and preservation of intangible cultural heritage.

Exchange platform

Dialogue between experts and festival visitors, violin makers, musicians, collectors and researchers – across generations.

Special feature

A globally unique project that combines musical excellence with top-class craftsmanship and scientific achievement. Klosters Music thus positions itself as a pioneer in the field of instrumental cultural heritage and sustainable cultural promotion.

Time and locations

During the Klosters Music festival week (end of July / beginning of August)
Church St. Jacob, Neues Kulturhaus Klosters, primary school building, local workshops

Cooperations

The Swiss Violin Making School in Brienz, the only vocational school for violin making in Switzerland, has entered into a partnership with the organiser of the academy component of the project.

Organisation

Organiser: Foundation Kunst & Musik, Klosters / Klosters Music
Project management: Christoph Müller, designated Artistic Director
Scientific curator: Balthazar Soulier
Managing director: Franziska von Arb

As per November 2025