Esther Hoppe, Violin

As a 15- and 16-year-old, I got to know other young, talented musicians at Astona, whom I encountered again and again during my years of study (as well as thereafter). The weeks in Astona were filled with musical impulses for me, which were essential and indispensible for my future. I can warmly recommend Astona to all young people as a place where concentrated work takes place and where one makes contacts for life!

born 1978, Switzerland 

Participant 1993,  1994, 1995

Christian Poltéra, Cello                               

From the age of twelve, I took part in Astona six times in a row. Today I regard these summers as an indispensible and formative part of my development as a cellist and musician. The personal and musical exchange with peers from the world over as well as the first-class, demanding musical instruction of the Astona teachers were highly inspiring for me, motivating and of essential importance for my further professional career.

born 1977, Switzerland

Participant 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993

Philippe Jordan, Conductor

As a young student, I was privileged to take part in Astona International three times. This experience was for me personally, musically and for my future of immense value. I was able to experience that there are many like-minded young people who invest their enthusiasm and their time in music and in their instrument, and I was able to learn what healthy competition means, namely an incredible incentive to improve and develop myself and to use this as the motivation to practise piano six hours per day. The faculty members were all highly-qualified, and each one was able to impart to me in his or her own way something which was an enrichment to that which I had gained from my own teachers. The special attention to chamber music was for me the central aspect, where one not only learned to express oneself and to meet other talented young colleagues at the same level, but to listen to each other and communicate with each other, which I consider the most important quality in making music. It is always a pleasure, in my career as a conductor, to meet professional musicians nowadays who were with me back then in Astona.

born 1974, Switzerland

Participant 1990, 1992, 1992

Marcel Kits, Cello

Thank you very much for Astona 2012. It was really wonderful to be here third time and I enjoyed everything here very much. I really appreciate that you let me, Rasmus and Robert play together the Frank Martin piano trio which was really wonderful piece. They loved the course very much and started thinking of coming back already in the second week. It was also a pleasure to us to have guidance from Francis Gouton, who is a really great teacher in both chamber music and in my private lessons. We are already looking forward to Astona 2013!

born 1995, Estonia  

Participant 2010,  2011, 2012, 2013

Mother of Hana Mizuta-Spencer, Violin

Thank you very much for another fantastic three weeks . Hana said she enjoyed even more than last year! It was beautiful Gala concert - Hana did not tell me that she was going to play at gala concert! Astona gave Hana something special and these experience would stay for ever. I admire your effort to organise such a great course.  Hana is already making plan for next year!

born 1997, England

Participant 2011, 2012, 2013

Mother of Laura van der Heijden, Cello

I would like to thank you for what Laura considers the best 3 weeks of her life! Astona was appealing to her in every possible dimension, which is wonderful, considering how hard it is to find a good standard summer course for a young teenager. I really appreciate your efforts for her chamber music, I know it sadly didn't work out the way you had planned it, but nevertheless I was impressed with your judgment - obviously you have vast experience, and Laura had a good time with the trio anyway. Laura very much enjoyed her lessons with Francis Gouton, an enjoyment that seems to have been mutual. 

born 1997, England

Participant 2011

Linda Heiberga, Cello

I just wanted to let you know that I really, really enjoyed being in Astona. I am so thankful for the opportunity you have given me since my first Astona!!! It was always the most exciting and productive time of my summer. I truly enjoyed returning to Astona every summer and I will miss it!

born 1978, Latvia

Participant 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018

Katariina Kits, Violin

I want to thank you with all my heart for your huge work and dedication for Astona and the extraordinary opportunity for us to be part of it. Not only me, but also my friends from Astona have realized, how much we have actually learned and how much inspiration we have got. Without Astona we wouldn’t be there where we are now. I remember the times about four-six years ago, when Astona was the most important thing during the year, I counted every single day which passed since previous Astona and how many days are left until the next one in my practice journal. Thank you very much!!!

born 1995, Estonia

Participant 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2018