Lejla Komar, violinist in red dress is performing with Cipra string quartet during a concert in Vienna. The audience is clapping as she stands holding a violin. The setting is an elegant hall with a marble wall and a banner in the background.
VaClaF Masterclasses: Three people in a music rehearsal room, student playing the violin, pianist at a piano, and professor standing and listening.
Andrea Nikolic teaching VaClaF Masterclasses students about Management in music, in a conference room with a large glass window, office chairs, a desk, a laptop, and a painting of trees on the wall - Vareš Centre for Youth.
Empty auditorium with a small stage in the front where two people are playing a viol and a keyboard, respectively. The stage has dark blue curtains and a patterned carpet. Rows of black chairs are arranged facing the stage, with large windows on the

VaClaF Academy

Masterclasses | Majstorske radionice

25.8.-6.9.2025., Vareš, BiH

“Where artistic excellence meets vision: Supporting the artists of tomorrow!”

“Gdje se umjetnička izvrsnost spaja s vizijom: podrška za umjetnike budućnosti!”

At VaClaF – Vareš Classical Festival, we believe that great music grows not only through talent and practice but through shared experiences, bold creativity, and human connection. Our VaClaF Academy offers young musicians an extraordinary opportunity to refine their craft, expand their artistic mindset, and engage with visionary mentors in an inspiring environment at the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Set in the inspiring mountain town of Vareš, Bosnia and Herzegovina, this year's Academy offers a unique blend of instrumental training, career development, and community experience.

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U sklopu VaClaF – Vareš Classic Festivala promoviramo glazbenu izvrsnost kroz međuljudsku povezanost, kulturnu razmjenu i vizionarsko razmišljanje. VaClaF Akademija nije samo majstorska radionica – to je prostor u kojem mladi glazbenici rastu umjetnički i osobno, uz mentorstvo, suradnju i kreativno istraživanje. Smještena u inspirativnom planinskom gradiću Varešu, Bosna i Hercegovina, ovogodišnja Akademija nudi jedinstveni spoj instrumentalne edukacije, razvoja karijere i zajedništva kroz brojne koncerte, radionice i popratne sadržaje.

Professors | Profesori

Kresimir Pusticki playing a viola at a concert, with a concertmaster of VKO in the background playing a violin, focused on their music.

Krešimir Petar Pustički

VIOLA

25.8.-31.8.2025.

Celebrated violist, professor at the Zagreb Academy of Music, and acclaimed soloist across Europe, Krešimir Pustički is known for his rich sound, musical intellect, and dedication to mentoring the next generation of artists. In his masterclass he is focusing on individuality of the each performer in achieving freedom on the viola.

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Istaknuti violist, profesor na Muzičkoj akademiji u Zagrebu i priznati solist na europskoj sceni. Poznat po svojoj muzikalnosti, snažnoj interpretaciji i predanosti edukaciji mladih umjetnika. Na njegovoj majstorskoj radionici fokus je na individualnosti svakog izvođača u postizanju slobode izraza na violi.

Andrea Nikolic holding a vintage wooden violin and bow against a plain dark background.

Andrea Nikolić

VIOLIN /VIOLINA

& MANAGEMENT za mlade umjetnike / MANAGEMENT for young artists

25.8.-31.8.2025.

Internationally acclaimed violinist, artistic director, and founder of VaClaF, Andrea Nikolić is known for her interdisciplinary artistry and visionary programming. With experience as a concertmaster, soloist, ensemble leader, and cultural entrepreneur, she guides young musicians in navigating today’s music world with purpose and creativity.

Međunarodno priznata violinistica, osnivačica i umjetnička voditeljica VaClaF-a. S bogatim iskustvom koncertmajstorice, solistice i vođe ansambla, Andrea nudi mladim glazbenicima uvid u uspješno vođenje glazbene karijere u današnjem svijetu, s fokusom na tehničku izvrsnost kroz pronalazak vlastitog izražajnog jezika i muzičke kreativnosti.

Markus Deuter

OBOE / OBOA

30.8.-5.9.2025.

Solo oboist of Klangforum Wien, Markus Deuter is one of Europe’s most respected oboists in contemporary and classical music. Born in 1961, he has won major prizes and performed with numerous ensembles and orchestras across Europe. His teaching encourages individuality, expressive depth, and technical brilliance, in all musical epochs.

Markus Deuter (r. 1961) njemački je oboist, član Klangforuma Wien. Studirao je kod istaknutih profesora u Essenu, Kölnu i Bruxellesu. Bio je prvi oboist brojnih orkestara i dobitnik prestižnih nagrada, uključujući Kulturnu nagradu Mühlheima na Ruhr-u. Njegovo poučavanje potiče individualnost, izražajnu dubinu i tehničku virtuoznost svih glazbenih epoha.

Stipe Bilić

PIANO / KLAVIR

25.8.-31.8.2025.

Renowned pianist and chamber musician, Stipe Bilić has performed extensively across Europe. As a sensitive and experienced collaborator, he inspires young artists to explore a wide expressive range and develop confidence on stage.

Ugledni pijanist i komorni glazbenik, Stipe Bilić intenzivno koncertira diljem Europe. Kao senzibilan i iskusan suradnik, inspirira mlade umjetnike na istraživanje širokog izražajnog spektra i izgradnju scenske sigurnosti.

Evan Hulbert

DOUBLE BASS / KONTRABAS

2.-6.9.2025.

In 2023, Evan Hulbert joined Klangforum Wien, blending American orchestral bass tradition with a passion for contemporary music. Formerly with Vancouver Symphony, he has soloed internationally and champions music education through teaching and outreach.

Godine 2023. Evan Hulbert pridružio se Klangforumu Wien, spajajući američku kontrabas tradiciju s predanošću suvremenoj glazbi. Bio je član Orkestra Vancouvera i aktivno promiče glazbeno obrazovanje kroz nastavu i radionice.

Domagoj Gušćić

COLLABORATIVE PIANO & PIANO CHAMBER MUSIC / KLAVIRSKI SURADNIK & KOMORNA GLAZBA

30.8.-6.9.2025.

An accomplished pianist and chamber music partner, Domagoj Guščić is dedicated to supporting instrumentalists with musical insight, stylistic understanding, and a collaborative spirit. He teaches at the Zagreb Academy of Music.

Ostvareni pijanist i partner u komornoj glazbi, Domagoj Guščić posvećen je pružanju podrške instrumentalistima kroz glazbenu promišljenost, stilsko razumijevanje i kolegijalni duh. Kao umjetnik i predavač, spaja tradiciju i suvremenost te nadahnjuje mlade glazbenike.

Join us in Vareš!

Pridruži nam se u Varešu!

Masterclass Info & FAQ

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    🎻 August 25–31 – Viola, Violin & Piano + Artist Management

    Krešimir Petar Pustički (Viola)

    Celebrated violist, professor at the Zagreb Academy of Music, and acclaimed soloist across Europe, Krešimir Pustički is known for his rich sound, musical intellect, and dedication to mentoring the next generation of artists.

    Andrea Nikolić (Violin & Management for Young Artists)

    Founder and artistic director of VaClaF, Andrea Nikolić is an internationally recognized violinist, artistic leader, and concertmaster. Her experience as a cultural entrepreneur brings unique insight to helping young musicians shape meaningful and sustainable careers.

    Stipe Bilić (Piano)

    Renowned pianist and chamber musician, Stipe Bilić has performed extensively across Europe. As a sensitive and experienced collaborator, he inspires young artists to explore a wide expressive range and develop confidence on stage.

    Domagoj Guščić (Collaborative Piano)

    An accomplished pianist and chamber music partner, Domagoj Guščić is dedicated to supporting instrumentalists with musical insight, stylistic understanding, and a collaborative spirit.

    🎶 August 30 – September 5 – Oboe

    Markus Deuter (Oboe)

    Solo oboist of Klangforum Wien, Markus Deuter is one of Europe’s most respected oboists. He has worked with all the major names in the world of contemporary and classical music, sharing his knowledge at the Universities of Gray and Vienna. His teaching encourages individuality, expressive depth, and technical brilliance.

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    🎼 September 2–6 – Double Bass

    Evan Hulbert (Double Bass)

    An internationally active bassist, former soloist of Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, now Solo Bass of the renowned Klangforum Wien, teaching as well at KUG Graz, Evan Hulbert blends technical mastery with versatility across classical, experimental, and contemporary genres. His masterclasses focus on empowering artistic identity, technical prowess, and sustainable career-building.

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    🇧🇦🇭🇷

    🎻 25.–31. kolovoza – Viola, Violina i Klavir + Menadžment za umjetnike

    Krešimir Petar Pustički (viola)

    Cijenjeni violist, profesor na Muzičkoj akademiji u Zagrebu i priznati solist diljem Europe, Krešimir Pustički poznat je po svom bogatom tonu, glazbenoj promišljenosti i predanosti mentoriranju nove generacije umjetnika.

    Andrea Nikolić (violina & menadžment za mlade umjetnike)

    Osnivačica i umjetnička voditeljica VaClaF-a, Andrea Nikolić međunarodno je priznata violinistica, voditeljica ansambla i koncertna majstorica. Njezino iskustvo kulturne poduzetnice donosi jedinstven uvid u pomaganje mladim glazbenicima da izgrade značajne i održive karijere.

    Stipe Bilić (klavir)

    Ugledni pijanist i komorni glazbenik, Stipe Bilić intenzivno koncertira diljem Europe. Kao senzibilan i iskusan suradnik, inspirira mlade umjetnike na istraživanje širokog izražajnog spektra i izgradnju scenske sigurnosti.

    Domagoj Guščić (korepeticija)

    Ostvareni pijanist i partner u komornoj glazbi, Domagoj Guščić posvećen je pružanju podrške instrumentalistima kroz glazbenu promišljenost, stilsko razumijevanje i kolegijalni duh.

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    🎶 29. kolovoza – 4. rujna – Oboa

    Markus Deuter (oboa)

    Solo oboist ansambla Klangforum Wien, Markus Deuter jedan je od najuglednijih europskih oboista. Suradjivao je sa svim najvećim imenima u području suvremene i klasične glazbe te prenosi svoje znanje na Sveučilištima u Beču i Grazu. Njegova nastava potiče individualnost, izražajnu dubinu i tehničku izvrsnost, djela svih glazbenih epoha.

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    🎼 2.–6. rujna – Kontrabas

    Evan Hulbert (kontrabas)

    Međunarodno aktivan kontrabasist, solist Vancouver Symphony Orchestra i ansambla Klangforum Wien, Evan Hulbert spaja tehničko majstorstvo sa svestranošću u klasičnom, eksperimentalnom i suvremenom repertoaru. Njegove majstorske radionice usmjerene su na osnaživanje umjetničkog identiteta, tehničke sigurnosti i izgradnju održive karijere.

    • Individual daily lessons / Svakodnevna individualna nastava

    • Lesson start the first day of the Masterclass! | Nastava počinje od prvog dana Masterclassa!

    • Artist Management and Career Workshops / Management za mlade umjetnike i radionice za razvoj karijere

    • Chamber music & performance opportunities / Komorna glazba i koncertne prilike

    • Final concert & participation certificate / Završni koncert i diploma

    • Rising Star Award - professional Recital at VaClaF 2026 / Nagrada Rising Star - profesionalni nastup, recital na VaClaFu 2026

    • Echoes of Vareš Award - concert appearance in Vienna / Nagrada Odjeci Vareša - koncertni nastup u Beču

    • Full board accommodation in groups / Smještaj s punim pansionom u višekrevetnim sobama

    • Last day is departure day | Zadnji dan rezerviran je za odlazak

    • Connection with international mentors & musicians / Povezivanje s međunarodnim mentorima i glazbenicima

    • Masterclasses take place at the Cultural Centre – Centre for Youth Vareš / Masterclass se održava u Centru za kulturu i edukaciju i Centru za mlade, Vareš

    • Accommodation is provided in the cozy and welcoming Restaurant Mlin Vareš, with full board (meals included), and additional private accomodation if necessary / Smještaj s punim pansionom u višekreventim sobama osiguran je u gostoljubivom Restoranu Mlin Vareš te nekoliko popratnih objekata po potrebi

    • Arrival to Vareš is possible by | Do Vareš možete doći :

      • bus to Sarajevo | autobusom do Sarajeva

      • plane to Sarajevo or Tuzla (we can organise a local shuttle) | avionom do Sarajeva ili Tuzle (dostupan lokalni prijevoz)

      • local bus Sarajevo-Vareš or Zenica-Vareš | lokalna autobusna linija iz Zenice i Sarajeva

      • personal car | osobnim automobilom

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    Fees and Registration
    Thanks to the generous support of our partners and sponsors, the participation fee is already subsidised, offering young artists an exceptional opportunity to learn and grow at a significantly reduced cost.

    • Regular Price: €550 (masterclass, workshops, food & accomodation)

    • Early Bird: €500 (until 15 July 2025)

    • Masterclass without accomodation and food: 350 €

    • Passive participation: 100 €

    • Application Deadline: 25 July 2025

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    Kotizacija i prijava
    Zahvaljujući velikodušnoj podršci naših partnera i sponzora, kotizacija je već subvencionirana, što mladim umjetnicima omogućuje iznimnu priliku za učenje i razvoj po značajno nižoj cijeni.

    • Redovna cijena: 550 € (masterclass, radionice, smještaj i hrana)

    • Early Bird: 500 € (do 15. 7. 2025.)

    • Masterclass bez smještaja i hrane: 350 €

    • Pasivno učešće: 100 €

    • Rok za prijavu: 25. 7. 2025.