The Strad News – Royal Academy of Music announces new historical violin visiting professor
The Royal Academy of Music (RAM) in London has appointed Norwegian violinist Bjarte Eike as a visiting professor in its historical performance department, effective this September. Eike, the founder and artistic director of Barokksolistene, will oversee workshops, masterclasses, and student performances to strengthen the institution’s existing partnership with the ensemble.
What this appointment means for students
As a visiting professor, Eike will lead a series of projects designed to foster artistic risk-taking and communication among students. According to RAM principal Jonathan Freeman-Attwood, the collaboration is intended to encourage musicians to “think out of the box” and explore the integration of rhetoric, movement, and poetry in their performances. Eike previously worked with the academy’s students during the Resounding Shores concert series, a connection he noted was instrumental in his decision to join the faculty.
Did You Know? Bjarte Eike’s ensemble, Barokksolistene, has performed at the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall, bringing his experience from major international stages directly into the academy’s classroom environment.
Future projects and expectations
The partnership is scheduled to culminate in a significant production in early 2027, when Eike will direct a performance of John Blow’s Venus and Adonis. While the current agreement focuses on his upcoming residency, the appointment is likely to deepen the integration between Eike’s professional ensemble and the academy’s curriculum. Observers may expect future collaborations to mirror the high-energy, historically informed approach Eike has cultivated throughout his career at institutions in Oslo and Copenhagen.
Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the appointment of a performer-director like Eike signals a shift toward a more practical, stage-oriented pedagogy in historical performance. By formalizing his role, the academy is prioritizing the professionalization of its students through direct mentorship with an active, internationally touring artist.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Bjarte Eike begin his role at the Royal Academy of Music?
Bjarte Eike will begin his tenure as a visiting professor in September of this year.
What specific responsibilities will Eike hold?
He will lead projects including masterclasses, workshops, and student performances, and he is set to direct a production of John Blow’s Venus and Adonis in early 2027.
What is Eike’s background in music education?
Eike studied at the Grieg Academy in Bergen and with violinist Richard Gwilt in London. He has previously taught baroque violin at the royal academies of music in both Oslo and Copenhagen.
How do you think this focus on “thinking out of the box” will change the way audiences experience historical music performances in the future?