Royal Academy of Music announces new historical violin visiting professor

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The Royal Academy of Music (RAM) in London has appointed Norwegian violinist Bjarte Eike as a visiting professor in its historical performance department, beginning in September this year. He will lead projects including performances, workshops and masterclasses, and will direct a performance of John Blow’s Venus and Adonis in early 2027.

Eike studied at the Grieg Academy in Bergen and with violinist Richard Gwilt in London, and has gone on to teach baroque violin at institutions including the royal academies of music in both Oslo and Copenhagen. He is the founder and artistic director of Barokksolistene, which has performed at venues such as the Royal Albert Hall as part of the BBC Proms, and he previously performed with RAM students as part of the Resounding Shores concert series.

‘The very first time I stepped into the Academy, I felt a very strong connection with the amazing students and staff there,’ said Eike. ‘The welcoming, warm atmosphere, combined with top class musicianship, curiosity and openness, is truly inspiring. I feel both excited, humble and extremely grateful for getting this opportunity to cement and develop the partnership with the Royal Academy of Music further.’

Jonathan Freeman-Attwood, RAM’s principal, likewise celebrated the collaboration:

‘Each visit from Bjarte encourages our students to think out of the box, take risks and communicate the power of rhetoric, movement and poetry, as well as the sheer delight of what boundless joys music can bring to audiences. We are delighted to be cementing this association.’