The Nordic Piccolo Festival returns for its third edition, bringing together some of the world’s finest piccolo players for an extraordinary celebration of music, learning, and artistic exchange. From March 6–9, 2025, the picturesque Danish city of Aalborg will once again host this highly anticipated event, offering a vibrant mix of masterclasses, workshops, and concerts dedicated to the piccolo.
A Festival That Has Become a Tradition
Since its inception, the Nordic Piccolo Festival has established itself as a key event in the piccolo world, drawing top-tier performers and students eager to explore the full potential of this unique instrument. Previous editions featured renowned artists such as Nicolo Mazzanti, Natalie Schwaabe, and Trond Magne Brekka, who have helped elevate the piccolo to a true soloist’s instrument.
This year, an exceptional roster of guest artists will share their expertise through masterclasses and workshops:
- Vincent Cortvrint (Principal Piccolo of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra)
- Pierre Dumail (former Principal Piccolo, Orchestre de l’Opéra National de Paris)
- Judith Wehrle (Principal piccolo of Aarhus Symfoni Orkester)
- Jenny Villanen (Principal Piccolo of the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra)
- Jona Venturi (Principal Piccolo of the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande)
These world-class musicians will guide participants through in-depth lessons and specialized workshops, making this festival an invaluable experience for both aspiring and professional piccolo players.
More Than Just Masterclasses
Beyond one-on-one instruction, the festival offers daily warm-up classes led by guest artists, ensuring that participants start each day energized and inspired. These sessions create a supportive and collaborative environment where musicians can refine their technique and deepen their understanding of the piccolo’s unique demands.
In addition, the workshops and lectures address crucial aspects of musicianship that often go overlooked in traditional lessons. This year’s topics include:
- Orchestral Excerpts with Vincent Cortvrint – A deep dive into the challenges of piccolo orchestral playing
- Musician Health with Jenny Villanen – A session focused on physical well-being, body awareness, and injury prevention for piccolo players
Concerts: A Platform for Expression
A cornerstone of the Nordic Piccolo Festival is its concert series, which showcases the artistry of both guest performers and participants. These concerts present a diverse repertoire, from beloved piccolo classics to new compositions written specifically for the festival.
The 2025 concert program includes:
- Open Stage – A chance for participants to perform (March 6, 19:30)
- Opening Concert – Featuring guest artists and pianists (March 7, 18:30)
- Participants’ Concert – A special evening featuring festival attendees (March 8, 18:00)
- Closing Concert – A grand finale with guest artists and pianists (March 9, 16:00)
A highlight of this year’s festival is the world premiere of Stig Nordhagen’s Pastorale and Toccata, performed by Jona Venturi. Written in 2025, this piece adds to the festival’s tradition of presenting new works for piccolo each year, further expanding the instrument’s repertoire.
A Warm Welcome in Aalborg
The festival atmosphere is enhanced by the dedication of its organizing team, led by Isabella Østenby Vesti and Kaja Marie Andersen, who have worked tirelessly to create an environment where musicians can thrive. With excellent facilities at Aalborg’s Music House, participants enjoy a seamless experience, complete with great food, warm hospitality, and a welcoming community.
Whether you are a seasoned piccoloist or just beginning your journey with the instrument, the Nordic Piccolo Festival offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn, perform, and celebrate the piccolo’s rich expressive potential. With musicians gathering from France, Japan, Norway, Denmark, Spain, Poland, and beyond, this festival is a testament to the piccolo’s growing global recognition as a solo instrument.
