The Tara Academy 2025 features a distinguished lineup of violin faculty, including Abigél Králik, Clémence de Forceville, and David Castro-Balbi, each bringing a wealth of experience and artistry to the program.​

Abigél Králik is a Hungarian-Nicaraguan-American violinist recognized as a rising star in the classical music world. She began her studies in Dublin and Budapest, later earning both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from The Juilliard School under the tutelage of Itzhak Perlman and Laurie Smukler, supported by the prestigious Kovner Fellowship. Abigél has performed at renowned festivals such as Verbier, Clasclas, and Moritzburg, and has collaborated with artists like Vilde Frang and Gary Hoffman. Currently, she serves as an Artist in Residence at the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel in Belgium and is the Founder and Co-Artistic Director of TARA Chamber Concerts.

Clémence de Forceville is a celebrated French violinist known for her versatility as a soloist, chamber musician, and concertmaster. She studied at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris with Olivier Charlier and furthered her training in Germany with Antje Weithaas and Mihaela Martin. Clémence has performed with orchestras like the Orchestre de Chambre de Paris and the Portuguese Philharmonic Orchestra, and has appeared at festivals including Les Folles Journées and the Verbier Festival. She has held concertmaster positions with the Orchestre de Chambre de Paris and the Orchestre National de Lille, and since 2023, she has been the first solo violinist of the Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne.

David Castro-Balbi is a French violinist who began his musical journey at a young age, graduating from the CRR de Besançon at 13. He pursued advanced studies at the CRR de Paris and the CNSM de Paris, and earned his Master's degree from the Hochschule für Musik Franz Liszt in Weimar under Prof. Friedemann Eichhorn. David has won several international competitions and has performed in prestigious venues such as Salle Pleyel in Paris and the Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg. He has also been a member of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra and performs as a soloist with the Thüringer Bach Collegium.

Together, these accomplished violinists bring a rich blend of international experience, pedagogical excellence, and artistic passion to the Tara Academy 2025, offering participants an exceptional opportunity for musical growth and inspiration.

The viola faculty for Tara Academy 2025 brings together three accomplished musicians: Mathis Rochat, Gareth Lubbe, and Darryl Bachmann, each offering a wealth of experience and a commitment to nurturing young talent.​

Mathis Rochat is a Swiss-French violist celebrated for his rich tone and creative approach to repertoire. He has performed as a soloist with ensembles such as the Geneva Chamber Orchestra and the Camerata Schweiz. Rochat is also a dedicated chamber musician, having collaborated with artists like Gidon Kremer and Lynn Harrell, and participated in festivals across Europe. His recordings, including L’alto Parnassien and Rachmaninoff Stories, showcase his talent for uncovering forgotten works and creating new transcriptions. An alumnus of prestigious institutions and masterclasses, he currently serves as Professor of Viola at the Royal Conservatoire Antwerp and is an Artist in Residence at the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel.

Gareth Lubbe, born in Johannesburg, South Africa, is known for his versatility as a violist, violinist, and overtone singer. He served as principal violist of the Gewandhaus Orchestra in Leipzig under Riccardo Chailly and has performed globally in venues like the Berlin Philharmonie and Carnegie Hall. Lubbe is also a professor at the Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen, Germany, where he leads a studio of international viola students. His unique skill in overtone singing complements his musical performances, and he is a regular faculty member at festivals worldwide, including the Stellenbosch Chamber Music Festival.​

Darryl Bachmann is a Swiss violist and educator with a strong background in both performance and teaching. He has studied under prominent teachers and has been involved in various chamber music projects and festivals. Bachmann's dedication to music education is evident in his teaching roles and his commitment to mentoring young musicians.​

Together, Rochat, Lubbe, and Bachmann offer Tara Academy participants a rich and diverse educational experience, blending performance excellence with a passion for teaching and mentorship.

The cello faculty for Tara Academy 2025 features three distinguished artists: Ella van Poucke, Benedict Kloeckner, and Aleksey Shadrin. Each brings a wealth of international experience and a deep commitment to mentoring young musicians.​

Ella van Poucke is a Dutch cellist recognized as one of the leading artists of her generation. Born into a musical family in Amsterdam in 1994, she began playing the cello at age six and made her debut at the Concertgebouw at ten. Her studies took her through the Royal Conservatory of The Hague, the Conservatory of Amsterdam, the Kronberg Academy under Frans Helmerson, and the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel with Gary Hoffman. Ella has won numerous awards, including the International Isang Yun Cello Competition and the Premio Chigiana. She has performed with major orchestras across Europe and Asia and is an active chamber musician, collaborating with artists like András Schiff and Gidon Kremer. Since 2022, she has been a professor at the Conservatory of Amsterdam and plays a 1620 Giovanni Paolo Maggini cello on generous loan.

Benedict Kloeckner, born in 1989, is a German cellist acclaimed for his expressive performances and versatility. He studied with Martin Ostertag and later at the Kronberg Academy with Frans Helmerson and Gary Hoffman. Benedict has performed as a soloist with renowned orchestras such as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the NDR Radiophilharmonie, under conductors like Daniel Barenboim and Christoph Eschenbach. He is a dedicated chamber musician, collaborating with artists including Anne-Sophie Mutter and Sir András Schiff. His discography includes acclaimed recordings of works by Schumann and Brahms. Benedict is also the founder and artistic director of the International Music Festival Koblenz and plays the “Ex Maurice Gendron” cello by Francesco Ruggeri (1680), on generous loan.

Aleksey Shadrin is a Ukrainian cellist born in 1993 into a family of musicians in Kharkiv. He began his studies at the Kharkiv National University of Arts and continued at the Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media with Professor Leonid Gorokhov. Aleksey further honed his skills at the Kronberg Academy under Frans Helmerson and is currently an Artist in Residence at the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel, studying with Gary Hoffman. He has won several international competitions, including first prize at the Lysenko International Music Competition and third prize at the Prague Spring Competition. Aleksey has performed as a soloist with orchestras such as the National Philharmonic of Ukraine and the Opéra National de Montpellier.

Together, these accomplished cellists offer Tara Academy participants an exceptional opportunity to learn from artists with rich and diverse experiences in performance and education.

Lars Schaper is a professional double bass player and teacher who will be teaching at Tara Festival Academy 2025 in Villers-La-Ville, Belgium. He has performed with many well-known musicians and groups across Europe, and he is known for his rich sound and energetic playing style.

Lars believes that playing the double bass is not just about technique—it’s also about using your whole body and really feeling the music. He teaches his students to connect deeply with their instrument so they can express themselves fully through music.

At Tara Academy, Lars will work closely with young double bass players between the ages of 18 and 26. His lessons focus on helping each student grow as a musician, improve their skills, and find their own musical voice. He also teaches students how the double bass fits into different styles of music and how to play with others in ensembles.

Lars is passionate about both performing and teaching. Students who work with him at Tara Academy will learn from someone with lots of experience who is excited to share his knowledge and help the next generation of double bass players succeed.

The piano faculty of Tara Academy 2025 includes two acclaimed artists and educators: Florian Noack and Arash Rokni, both known for their expressive playing and dedication to young musicians.

Florian Noack is a Belgian pianist recognized for his unique interpretations and passion for rare repertoire. He began studying piano at age four and was later accepted to the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel, continuing his education in Germany and Switzerland. Florian has received major awards such as the ECHO Klassik, Diapason d’Or, and International Classical Music Award. His recordings—particularly of Lyapunov and his transcriptions of orchestral works—have drawn wide praise. As a concert pianist, he has performed internationally at venues like the Philharmonie de Paris and Beijing Concert Hall. Florian is currently a professor at the Conservatoire Royal de Liège, where he inspires students through his love for expressive, lesser-known works.

Arash Rokni is an Iranian pianist with a strong international presence. He began his musical training in Tehran and pursued advanced studies in Leipzig and Cologne, working with leading pianists and scholars. Arash has performed at prestigious venues such as the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg and Gewandhaus Leipzig, and his performances have been broadcast by major German radio stations. In addition to his solo work, he is active in chamber music and historical performance, performing on period instruments and co-founding ensembles like Trio Saye. Arash teaches at the University of Music, Theater and Media Hannover and the University of Music and Dance Cologne.

Together, Noack and Rokni offer Tara Academy students a rich and varied learning environment, combining high-level technical training with a thoughtful, musical approach. Their international experience and artistic insight make them exceptional mentors for the next generation of pianists.