This was Polstjärnepriset part 1

During 31 October to 3 November, young musicians from the Nordics came to Vänersborg for the first part of Polstjärnepriset 2025 Nordic Edition. On Thursday and Friday, all course and competition participants had two days of a full-packed schedule: individual lessons, master classes, chamber music and orchestra. Luckily, there was also some time to have a meal and catch up with old and new friends from all over the Nordics.

On the Saturday, the participants had the chance to learn from some of the Nordic’s best musicians and teachers. In the evening it was time for two concerts in Folkets Hus with chamber music in different constellations. It’s always a joy to see the happy and focused faces backstage.

On Sunday, the day started with an orchestra rehearsal for Dvorak’s 9th Symphony by Simon Crawford-Phillips. In the midday it was time for a fantastic concert with the winner of Polstjärnepriset 2024, cellist Hugo Svedberg. The hall was fully packed, and everyone listened breathlessly to Hugo’s playing. Apart from his solo playing, he also performed with his friends from this year’s Polstjärnepriset. After the concert it was already time to go home – to a city nearby, a country ‘next door’ (Norway, Finland, Denmark) or even all the way to Iceland. A big thank you to all participants and instructors, and we’ll see you again in January!