2026 Baroque Academy
VDB's 2026 Baroque Academy provides the perfect opportunity for both experienced and developing musicians of period instruments to work on 17th and 18th Century music in an academy-style education setting.
In classic VDB style, the Academy will combine excellence in historically informed performance (HIP) with a fun, casual and supportive environment, designed to build confidence as well as develop advanced HIP knowledge and experience.
The Academy activities include opportunities for ensemble playing, technical studies, masterclasses, and HIP lectures and demonstrations. The sessions and masterclasses will be suitable for players ranging from advanced students through to professional performers seeking specialist instruction.
Dates
Friday 6 March | Welcome event & Tutors Concert
Saturday 7 - Monday 9 March | Academy including Participant's Concert on Monday 9 March
Tutors
Julia Fredersdorff - Artistic Director and Baroque violin
Karina Schmitz - Baroque viola/violin
Laura Vaughan - viola da gamba / continuo
Simon Martyn-Ellis - lute / theorbo / basso continuo
Simon Rickard - Baroque bassoon / historical dance / continuo
More information
Visit our Academy page for detailed information about participant eligibility, instruments, music, accommodation, private lessons, schedule and fees, subsidies and scholarships.
Partners
| Julia Fredersdorff | Artistic Director and Baroque violin |
| Karina Schmitz | Baroque viola/violin |
| Laura Vaughan | viola da gamba / continuo |
| Simon Martyn-Ellis | lute / theorbo / basso continuo |
| Simon Rickard | Baroque bassoon / historical dance / continuo |
| Read more about the tutors |
Event and ticketing details
Date & Time
| Full Academy |
Fri 6 - Mon 9 March |
| Single Day Attendance |
Sat 7, Sun 8 or Mon 9 March |
| Observer Pass |
Sat 7, Sun 8 and Mon 9 March |
Tickets
| Full Academy | $300.00 Includes admission to the Tutors Concert on Fri 6 March plus 3 full Academy days (Saturday 7, Sunday 8 and Monday 9 March), plus admission to the Academy Participants Concert on Monday 9 March if not performing. |
| Single Day Attendance | $100.00 Includes all Academy sessions for one day only (select which day at checkout). Does not include admission to the Tutors Concert on Friday 6 March or the Academy Participants Concert on Monday 9 March. |
| Observer Pass (Sat, Sun & Mon) | $120.00 This option is ideal for aspiring or younger students, family members, friends, partners and Baroque enthusiasts, and includes a free ticket for the Academy Participant’s Concert on Monday 9 March. |
| Scholarships available | Please contact the VDB team to discuss financial subsidies and scholarships. |
Booking Fees
| Humanitix | Humanitix charges a small processing fee per booking. If you'd prefer to pay another way to avoid this charge please contact the VDB team. |