October 2026
The Junior Academy offers young musicians a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of Early Music – guided by renowned professors, inspired by great repertoire, and united by the joy of making music together.
The Junior Academy is an intensive one-week masterclass program for talented young musicians aged 11 to 18. Under the artistic direction of Maurice Steger – internationally acclaimed recorder player, conductor, and professor of Early Music – participants explore the richness of Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical repertoire in an inspiring environment.
The Academy offers a comprehensive immersion in music from the 15th to 18th centuries, including individual and group lessons, chamber music coaching, and workshops on improvisation, ornamentation, ensemble playing, ear training, and historical performance practice. The repertoire includes works by Monteverdi, Purcell, Castello, Telemann, J. S. Bach, Handel, C. P. E. Bach, Haydn, and Mozart
Maurice Steger has long been dedicated to supporting young musicians. He is joined by an internationally renowned faculty (violin, cello, recorder, harpsichord, fortepiano, and ensemble direction).
Violin, recorder, oboe, traverso (baroque flute), bassoon, cello, harpsichord, harp, as well as historical ensembles
Several young Swiss talents are already closely connected to the project – many are former participants of the Junior Academy or other initiatives by Loc.Artium.
The Ascona Baroque Academy serves as a follow-up project, offering advanced training opportunities. The Junior Academy provides selected participants not only with individual support but also with ensemble experience under the guidance of seasoned Baroque musicians – a crucial step in their artistic development. This project thus embodies sustainable talent development and strengthens the next generation of Swiss musicians.
Renaissance, baroque and classical repertoire
Conducted by Maurice Steger
Zurich, October, 2025