Göteborgs internationella orgelfestival

7–18 oktober 2026

Rötter

THE PETIT TOUR

A Musical Pilgrimage through European Organ Heritage

July 20–August 13, 2026

In the 17th and 18th centuries, it was a revered rite of passage for ambitious young organists and composers to embark on a Grand Tour—a multi-year journey across Europe to study under master musicians, immerse themselves in regional styles and instrument-building traditions, and complete their musical education.

Inspired by this historical tradition, the Göteborg International Organ Academy and the Smarano International Early Keyboards Academy have joined forces and are thrilled to present the Petit Tour: a carefully curated, tailor-made sequence of three consecutive international organ academies.

Designed to flow seamlessly into one another, this modern Petit Tour (July 20–August 13, 2026) takes participants on an immersive, comprehensive journey from the roots of early Italian keyboard music to the monumental North German Baroque, culminating in the unique historical organ-building heritage of the Swedish countryside.

1. THE SMARANO EARLY KEYBOARDS ACADEMY

L'Aquila & Smarano, Italy

July 20–August 1, 2026

Your journey begins in central Italy, starting in L'Aquila, which is home to unique, well-preserved Italian organs from the 17th and 18th centuries. From there, the tour travels to northern Italy and the Smarano Academy. Here, participants dive deep into the origins of early keyboard repertoire.Surrounded by a magnificent collection of historical and reconstructed instruments, the focus lies on the fundamental pillars of early music:

• Partimento

• Historical improvisation

• The intricate connection between gesture and expression

The academy offers multiple interconnected masterclasses on the art of keyboard music from the 16th to the 18th century, led by internationally renowned musicians and experts. Based on historical teaching methods, the course provides participants with up to three hours of scheduled daily practice time and private coaching across multiple keyboard instruments (organ, harpsichord, clavichord, and fortepiano).

Embodying Smarano’s motto—a quotation from Seneca, Docendo discitur ("we learn by teaching")—you will establish a profound understanding of touch and vocal phrasing that serves as the perfect foundation for the rest of your tour.

More info:

www.smaranoacademy.com

2. THE ARP SCHNITGER ACADEMY

Gothenburg, Sweden

August 3–8, 2026

From the southern European traditions, the tour travels north to Sweden’s west coast. In Gothenburg, the Arp Schnitger Academy centres around the awe-inspiring North German Baroque organ in Örgryte New Church—a world-class research instrument built in the style of the legendary Arp Schnitger.

Here, the focus shifts to the majestic North German organ school. Participants will master the grand architecture and rich registrations of this tradition by exploring the masterful counterpoint of 17th-century composers. Specifically, the 2026 Arp Schnitger Academy will feature a strong emphasis on Dieterich Buxtehude and a selection of works by North German masters, including Matthias Weckmann, alongside continuo playing on a large meantone organ.

More info:

www.organacademy.org/schnitger-academy

3. THE SCHIÖRLIN ACADEMY

Östergötland, Sweden

August 9–13, 2026

The Petit Tour reaches its grand finale in the picturesque Swedish province of Östergötland. The Schiörlin Academy invites you to discover a rare and well-preserved cultural treasure: the 18th-century organs crafted by master organ builder Pehr Schiörlin and his contemporaries.

Travelling between historical country churches such as Gammalkil, Rappestad, and Vikingstad, you will experience the distinct and elegant Swedish classical organ tradition firsthand. The musical focus will highlight organ works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Johann Ludwig Krebs, and Felix Mendelssohn, as well as improvisation and hymn playing. The Schiörlin Academy will be held on the following organs:

• Pehr Schiörlin (1806), Gammalkil Church

• Pehr Schiörlin (1785), Vikingstad Church

• Pehr Schiörlin (1815), Rappestad Church

More info:

www.organacademy.org/schiorlin-academy

INFO

Applicants to the full Petit Tour receive a 20% reduction on the application fees for all the academies. In addition, following the tradition of the Arp Schnitger Academy, all its participants are granted free admission to the Schiörlin Academy, a benefit that therefore also applies to participants in the full Petit Tour.

CONTACT & REGISTRATION

smaranoacademy@gmail.com

www.smaranoacademy.com/the-petit-tour

Join us on the Petit Tour - a condensed, inspiring, and unforgettable journey through the heart of European organ history, connecting three distinct musical worlds into one unified educational experience.