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About us

About us

Since 1988, the International Holland Music Sessions has been a beacon for young classical musicians, providing them with the stage, mentorship, and inspiration to launch extraordinary careers. From its rich history to its thriving community of alumni, IHMS continues to shape the future of classical music—one note at a time.

Our History

The International Holland Music Sessions (IHMS) was founded in 1988 on the initiative of the Conservatory in Alkmaar. What began as a summer course has, over the years, evolved into the Summer Academy and Festival it is today. Young international talents are given the opportunity to attend masterclasses taught by experienced and renowned instructors. Specially organized concerts provide them with valuable performance experience. Over the years, IHMS has offered countless young musicians a strong foundation for the rest of their careers.

Festival Setup

The festival takes place annually during the summer in Bergen, North Holland. The Adriaan Roland Holst School serves as the heart of the Summer Academy, where the masterclasses are held. Concerts are hosted at unique historical venues in and around Bergen, such as the Ruïnekerk in Bergen and the Slotkapel in Egmond aan den Hoef.

Mission Statement

The International Holland Music Sessions (IHMS) supports and promotes outstanding young musicians at a decisive stage in their development. Through high-level education, meaningful performance experience and international collaboration, IHMS prepares young artists for sustainable careers in classical music.

Guided by the core values of craftsmanship, innovation and connection, IHMS unites respect for the classical tradition with a forward-looking artistic vision. It provides a platform where musicians, tutors, cultural partners and audiences meet in an inspiring and internationally oriented environment.

Learn. Perform. Connect.
These three principles form the foundation of the IHMS Academy & Festival. Young musicians refine their artistry in intensive masterclasses with renowned faculty, present their work in the IHMS Festival, and build lasting connections with peers and audiences from around the world.

Since 1988, IHMS has organised its annual Summer Academy & Festival in Bergen and Alkmaar, The Netherlands. Over the decades, it has played a significant role in launching international careers and contributing to a vibrant and sustainable future for classical music.

The International Holland Music Sessions (IHMS) supports and promotes outstanding young musicians at a decisive stage in their development. Through high-level education, meaningful performance experience and international collaboration, IHMS prepares young artists for sustainable careers in classical music.

Guided by the core values of craftsmanship, innovation and connection, IHMS unites respect for the classical tradition with a forward-looking artistic vision. It provides a platform where musicians, tutors, cultural partners and audiences meet in an inspiring and internationally oriented environment.

Learn. Perform. Connect.
These three principles form the foundation of the IHMS Academy & Festival. Young musicians refine their artistry in intensive masterclasses with renowned faculty, present their work in the IHMS Festival, and build lasting connections with peers and audiences from around the world.

Since 1988, IHMS has organised its annual Summer Academy & Festival in Bergen and Alkmaar, The Netherlands. Over the decades, it has played a significant role in launching international careers and contributing to a vibrant and sustainable future for classical music.

Staff

Staff

The festival is led by Maria-Paula Majoor, who is responsible for the artistic direction and organization of the event. She is supported by Jennifer Koks.

  • Maria-Paula Majoor, Festival Director – Read more

  • Jennifer Koks, Office Manager

Coordinators
The festival would not be possible without the dedication of more than 100 volunteers. Some host students in their homes, others assist with organization and catering, and others handle transportation to the concert venues. The volunteers’ activities are coordinated by several coordinators:

  • Paula Boddaert – de Bruijn, Coordinator of Festival Catering

  • Maarten Dahmen, Coordinator of Academy Facilities & Helpdesk

  • Joke van Eersel, Coordinator of PR

  • Etty Postma, Coordinator of Host Families

  • Marien Schrijver, Coordinator of Transport

  • Annelot Vijn, Coordinator of Social Media

Foundation: International Holland Music Sessions
The festival operates under the auspices of the International Holland Music Sessions Foundation. Its board consists of the following members:

Annual Reports

Annual Reports

Good governance requires accountability and transparency. Each year, we publish an annual report, including financial statements, to provide insight into IHMS's operations. Below is a link to the most recent annual report, along with an archive of reports from the past 10 years.

IHMS annual reports

IHMS annual reports