Astona is an international Summer Music Academy, accompanying many students on their path to a musical career and providing them 15 days with a free and protected space in which to work and grow and enjoy. 

Founder (1988) and director

Nancy Chumachenco

Students and applicants

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Closing date for application

March 15, 2025, expanded for viola

I had a wonderful time at Astona and I’ve learned so many things! About music and the music professional life, but also about myself, my instrument, and about other people’s perspectives. All of the lessons, both chamber music and solo lessons, were amazing. And the orchestra was very fun and motivating. 

Violin student (f, 16), Sweden, participatied in 2024

Get in the mood. Here is a review of Astona 2024.

Astona International - a video portrait (2019)

 I started playing the cello after I heard a boy play and fell in love with the sound. My teacher was Nancy Chumachenco. Right from the start, she demanded a lot, but she didn't just support talented students for 30 or 60 minutes a week, but much more. There was chamber music and every year she organised a summer course with students from other countries. Meeting young people from South Africa, Finland or the USA was totally exciting for a twelve-year-old. We formed a network of friends that we could fall back on when we got older. Not many people were lucky enough to be guided by someone like Nancy Chumachenco from the moment they picked up an instrument.

Christian Poltéra, born 1977, participant 1988 – 1993,  Renowned international soloist and chamber musician, professor at the Lucerne University of Music

At the age of 15-17, I was lucky enough to play the piano three times with Astona.  I can say that these were the most important years of my musical development.

Philipp Jordan,  born 1974, participant
1980 - 1982, Musical director of the Vienna State Opera