About Grolloo Flute Sessions
Grolloo Flute Sessions is a yearly event that brings together flutists from all over the world and fluteplayers Matthias Ziegler, Ian Clarke, Wissam Boustany. They are brought together by their love of inventive and innovative approaches to the flute.
The Grolloo team places a high priority on creating a welcoming spirit of learning and sharing of ideas amongst all participants, irrespective of age* or ability. Thus far, participants have come from across the world and have ranged from those about to start music college, graduates from leading musical institutions to professional performers and teachers.
This intensive week takes place in the charming village of Grolloo where the pioneering flute-maker, Eva Kingma lives and makes her innovative flutes. The course is structured to maximize the flow of inspiration and ideas between performers and auditors with the enthusiastic encouragement and support of the village.
When
You may be interested to participate in Grolloo Flute Sessions.
At this moment we are preparing for Grolloo Flute Sessions 10th edition in 2025.
Grolloo Flute Session 10 will be 6 days from August 19th until August 24th, 2025 (arrival on the 18th).
Time until August 18th, 2025
000 days 00 hours 00 minutes 00 seconds
Level of flute playing
If you are in any doubt about whether you think you are of the appropriate ability, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Auditors of course do not have playing requirements.
Please, send a link to an audio or video recording (WeTransfer, Dropbox, Google Drive or similar) you would like to submit or send a letter of reference from your teacher.
You are encouraged to choose your own repertoire, according to your individual interests and needs – perhaps Grolloo can help you prepare for pending concerts, recordings, auditions, or any specific aspects of your playing that you would like to develop. We suggest that you aim to balance your repertoire between one traditional piece and one contemporary piece, if possible. If you are having difficulty deciding on repertoire, you are welcome to get in touch and discuss options with the teachers you are intending to play for.
*Please note that players below the age of 17 may be asked to bring a chaperone.
Video Recorded Performances
The videoed performances have emerged as one of the core musical experiences. Three students will give a complete performance of their chosen repertoire to all the participants. A dynamic discussion follows, in which the performers are able to share their intended goals and the audience gives their feedback in a supportive and constructive environment.
Insight in Flute Making at Eva’s Workshop
This event takes place in Eva’s workshop. This creates a fascinating opportunity to get a taste of the realities and challenges of innovative flute making and how this connects with the Art of Performance and Composition.
Concerts
There will be several concerts during the week in Grolloo. The first night Ian, Wissam, and Matthias will perform a house concert at a private place in Grolloo. Friday/Saturday/Sunday there will be three public concerts in the CHurch of Grolloo, which also feature student/teacher collaborations.
Contemporary Playing Techniques and Improvisation
This is one of the central energies of the Grolloo Sessions and one that Matthias, Ian, and Wissam like to explore in various individual and overlapping ways. You do not need to bring extended technique repertoire or feel you have to be able to improvise or even compose. However, if any of your repertoire, interests or curiosity touch any of these creative areas then there will be plenty to share, learn and discuss.
Masterclasses
The masterclasses give the participants a second chance to play their chosen piece and explore/experiment alternative approaches in more detail, in a more traditional masterclass setting.
Open Stage
On the second evening of Grolloo Flute Session, we organize an informal evening of music-making, where participants can contribute music to share with everybody. Last year we had improvisations, jazz, flute ensemble, and piano duets.