Astona International is a world-class organisation bringing young talents from many countries around the globe into intensive contact with renowned teachers of the highest international standing.  

Astona is a two-week international summer academy of music, accepting highly-gifted, young string-players and pianists between the ages of 12 and 24 who aim to make music their profession.

Astona is a place where the individual student comes first and is inspired and cared for both musically and personally in a friendly atmosphere of intense work and wholesome, beautiful surroundings. There are several concerts which are perfomed exclusively by the students themselves.

Astona's influence often extends far beyond the two weeks in the summer and can help to shape futures through guidance, support and opportunities for further progress and study.

Atona international has been founded in 1988 by cellist Nancy Chumachenco. As director, she led the course for 37 years until summer 2025. As honorary president, she remains closely connected to her life's work. 

Successor from 2026 is violin professor Alf Richard Kraggerud from Oslo.

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