Seeking cellists
for Classical Link
Cellist Amalie Stalheim and the Bergen International Festival are looking for two cellists to take part in the mentoring programme Classical Link in 2027. Stalheim and the Festival are continuing their collaboration on this initiative, which brings together young performers and composers to perform newly commissioned works.
Application deadline: 4 November 2026.
Questions? Contact us at fab@fib.no.
Classical Link will take place in Bergen during the Bergen International Festival, from 1 to 10 June 2027.
Through Classical Link, the Bergen International Festival and Amalie Stalheim aim to create a link between classical traditions and contemporary forms of expression. Stalheim frequently commissions new works for cello and works closely with composers. She brings valuable experience in collaborating on new compositions, performing and curating programmes that bridge the past and the present.
The Bergen International Festival aims to be a creative meeting place for composers and performers alike, as well as an important international platform for performances of new works. In 2023, Amalie Stalheim initiated a mentoring programme for young string players called Klassisk link, building on the former composition programme Luna Composition Lab.
Classical Link is part of the Festival Academy of Bergen, the Festival's initiative for young performers and composers, which takes place during the Bergen International Festival. To help participants develop the skills needed for a professional career, Classical Link offers masterclasses in which selected participants work on presenting both contemporary and historical repertoire in concert. The highlight of the programme is a concert at Spissen in Grieghallen, where audiences will be the first to experience music created and performed by young composers and musicians during the Festival.
Selected participants are expected to devote their full attention to the programme from 1 to 10 June, with possible travel to Bergen on 30 May and departure on 11 June. The programme also includes one or two online meetings and one or two in-person preliminary rehearsals with the composers. Dates, times and locations will be agreed with the participants once the selection process is complete.
The Bergen International Festival will cover participants' travel, accommodation and meals, both for the preliminary rehearsals and throughout the main programme period.
Who can apply?
Cellists under the age of 32.
Applications must include:
Unedited video recordings of two works. Applicants may choose their own repertoire, preferably from two different periods or styles. The two works may be submitted as separate video files.
A CV.
The following information: full name, year of birth, telephone number, email address and residential address.
It is important that the recordings are of good quality. Video files should be uploaded to YouTube or a similar cloud-based service, with links included in the application. Any passwords required to access the videos must be provided, and all links must remain valid until at least the end of February 2027.
Application deadline: 4 November 2026
Please send our application via email to fab@fib.no
Questions? Get in touch via e-mail: fab@fib.no
Image on top: Clara Yuna Friedensburg and Amalie Stalheim performing at Classical Link 2026. Photo: Miriam Levi
