French Connection Academy & Larsen Strings
French Connection Academy
French Connection Academy (FCA) is an international academy and artistic platform dedicated to the professionalisation of young classical pianists and stringplayers aged 14–32.
Founded by Emilie Callesen Doulcet, with co-founders Jean-Baptiste Doulcet and the late Kristoffer Dolatko (1966–2025), FCA was created to bridge the highest standard of education with the realities of an international artistic career as well as creating cultural exchange between Denmark, France and the north and opening the classical environment to the rest of the world.
At the heart of FCA lies a holistic artistic philosophy: excellence of craft, artistic integrity, and long-term sustainability. Students are not only guided musically, but are supported in developing the artistic identity, professionalism, mental health, Branding & Storytelling and resilience required to thrive at the highest level.
A Shared Commitment to Craftsmanship
The collaboration between FCA and Larsen Strings is rooted in shared values: craftsmanship, longevity, and guiding musicians to find their artistic voice. Just as Larsen Strings works at the highest level of material precision and sound refinement, FCA cultivates musicians with a deep awareness of sound production, instrumental identity, and personal artistic voice.
Through this partnership, FCA students gain:
- Access to world-class string expertise and dialogue around sound, materials, and instrument care
- A deeper understanding of how technical choices shape artistic expression
- Long-term relationships with a leading international string maker committed to artistic excellence
This collaboration reinforces FCA’s belief that true artistry is built through continuity, trust, and uncompromising quality.
An Academy for the Next Generation of Artists. Each summer, FCA gathers a carefully selected group of international young artists for an intensive residency combining:
- Individual lessons Masterclasses (videoproduced) House Concerts
- Workshops on Branding & Storytelling with partner ResetLab Lecture on broader French-Danish connections.
- Prize Ceremony with professional concert opportunities, instrument cases, concert outfits and much more.
- Final concerts broadcasted in radio with string orchestra and professors as soloists.
Summer 2026 – Professors and Artistic Vision
For Summer 2026, French Connection Academy is honoured to welcome:
- Alexandre Kantorow
- Katrine Gislinge
- Augustin Dumay & Anna Agafia Egholm
- Niklas Walentin
- Françoise Gnéri
- Bjørg Lewis
- Jean-Baptiste Doulcet
FCA has more than 40 collaborations with internationally renowned artists and institutions including Odense Symphony Orchestra, CNSM de Paris, Danish Embassy in France, French Embassy in Denmark, Institut Français and Soeren Le Schmidt, and continues to expand its artistic network internationally.
The 2026 edition will culminate in an expanded concert programme in Odense, Denmark themed « Fantastic Andersen », including multiple public performances and a final broadcast concert on French and Danish national radio, featuring Beethoven’s Triple Concerto.
Beyond an Academy
French Connection Academy is not only a place of study, but a launchpad for artistic careers – where young musicians are treated as emerging professionals, entrusted with responsibility, visibility, and artistic ambition.
In partnership with Larsen Strings, FCA continues to invest in the future of classical music by nurturing artists who will shape the concert stages of tomorrow.
Aiming for sustainable solutions
From innovative, energy-efficient facilities to streamlined production processes, we’re actively minimizing waste and C0² footprint on our journey towards a greener environment.
Our new DGNB Gold certified factory in Sønderborg, Denmark aligns with our home city's ambitious ProjectZero mission to have a carbon-neutral energy system by 2029.
Ingolf Nielsens Vej 14A , DK 6400, Sønderborg, Denmark.
Larsen Strings A/S has chosen to support the environment by upgrading to a CO2 neutral wind energy plan. Larsen Strings also supports UN World Goal 7 “Sustainable Energy” through its green choice.
