About us
French Connection Academy is built as a long-term ecosystem for classical musicians, combining education, performance, and professional transition.
We invite young classical string players and pianists to an international summer academy based on a cultural exchange between Denmark and France.
Our academy is first of all a learning environment for young musicians to improve, perform and prepare. In addition we believe in creating opportunities and concrete experiences for the students.
Professional concert-prizes in numerous festivals, academy exchange networking, concert clothing and/or equipment will be awarded to several students at the final concerts of the academy.
France | Denmark
French Connection Academy is founded on Danish and French values and on a deep cultural dialogue between the two countries. The academy brings together the Nordic pedagogical tradition – characterised by empathy, openness, and social responsibility – with the richness of French artistic heritage, aesthetics, ambition, and cultural scale.
This dialogue is reflected throughout the academy’s activities: in our teaching philosophy, in our artistic vision, and in our programming. French and Danish composers are actively highlighted in prize concerts, lectures, and educational content, alongside a broader exploration of the shared cultural history between the two nations – from the Royal Danish House and long-standing diplomatic ties to contemporary political cooperation, visual arts, and cultural exchange.
From Shared History to New Creation Today
French Connection Academy exists to strengthen and renew the cultural links between Denmark and France through music, while also opening a window onto the wider international artistic world. This is why the academy welcomes students from all countries and backgrounds, and why international perspectives are an essential part of its identity.
The academy’s vision naturally grows out of the founders’ personal identities, artistic paths, and cross-border relationships, and is further supported through collaborations with the French Embassy in Denmark and the Danish Embassy in France.
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14 Rue Paul-Louis Courier
Châteauroux, 36000 France
122 Rue de Javel
Paris, 75015
Courgent, France
FOUNDERs
French Connection Academy was founded in 2021 by Emilie Callesen Doulcet together with co-founders Jean-Baptiste Doulcet and the late Kristoffer Dolatko.
Kristoffer Dolatko had long been dreaming of having an academy of his own, and his former Danish student now living in Paris, Emilie Callesen Doulcet was happy to found it, provided she could define the concept and mission behind it. The core philosophy quickly became preserving ties to her country of origin while bridging the cultures of Denmark and France. At the time, her husband Jean-Baptiste Doulcet was enjoying a flourishing soloist career, and leveraging his international network allowed them to assemble the academy’s first team of distinguished professors.
From here they have been building more than 40 international relations and supported more than 100 international young talents on their way to become professional classical musicians.
Emilie Callesen Doulcet
Founder & Director
Driven by a core philosophy that classical music belongs to everyone, Emilie founded French Connection Academy in 2021 to preserve classical traditions while building a vibrant cultural bridge between her Nordic roots and France. Her mission is centered on advocating for social change through art and education. At the academy, she supports international young talents through a highly innovative, holistic curriculum that blends uncompromising artistic excellence with vital modern skillsets like mental well-being, personal branding, and strategic career development.
Emilie is the strategic brain behind the development of FCA, and her responsabilities covers artistic direction, daily general management, structural development, funding, concept development and much more.
Jean-Baptiste Doulcet
Co-founder & International relations
Born in 1992 in Paris, Jean-Baptiste Doulcet is an acclaimed pianist, improviser, and composer. A graduate of the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris (CNSMdp), he holds top international honors, including prizes from the prestigious Marguerite Long and Clara Haskil competitions. Alongside an active international concert career, he serves as a piano professor at the École Normale de Musique de Paris Alfred Cortot.
As co-founder of French Connection Academy, Jean-Baptiste leverages his global performing profile and network to connect the academy with international partners, foundations, and patrons. He is deeply committed to building sustainable, cross-border frameworks that secure resources for human development and elevate the next generation of classical musicians.
jeanbaptistedoulcet.com
Kristoffer Dolatko
Co-Founder (1966–2025)
Central to his legacy is the Dolatko Method – a highly reliable, structured system of left-hand exercises designed to give violinists a thorough mastery of the fingerboard, improve precise intonation, and optimize physical form. To ensure his groundbreaking teachings continue to guide future generations, French Connection Academy is actively engaged in finalizing and publishing his definitive pedagogical method book, “DIVIDE et IMPERA” (Divide and Rule).
SPONSORS
COLLABS
FUNDING
Honorary Board
Catherine Lefebvre
Attaché of Press & Culture, Danish Embassy in France | Director of Fondation Danoise
Michael Starbæk Christensen
Danish Ambassador to China & Mongolia
Søren Askegaard
Professor
Det Samfundsvidenskabelige Fakultet
Institut for virksomhedsledelse (IVL)
Consumption, Culture and Commerce (CCC)
Studieleder: Market & Management Anthropology
Chair: Danish Institute for Advanced Study (DIAS)
Testimonials
“For the second year in a row, I have had the pleasure of being invited to speak to the participants of the French Connection Academy. This unique academy welcomes young musicians from all over the world with a program that is both ambitious and close. It is precisely this tension between the top professional and a safe and warm learning environment that shines through. Against this background, the young people can perform at their best and take leaps and bounds in their educational process. My lecture on "the traveling artist and sustainability" sparked debate and reflection in line with the approach they encounter in the teaching. The administration of the FCA is also at the highest level, and the entire concept of the academy and its implementation are deeply impressive."
“Congratulations for launching this new academy so successfully from all points of view! Long life to French connection in Denmark !”
“Dear Emilie, Jean-Baptiste and Kristoffer, I am so grateful that I met you! I have never experienced such caring attitude, attention and support at master classes! I will remember this journey and acquaintance for a very long time and I hope to come to you next year 🌸❤ ”
“French Connection Academy is one of the most exciting new developments in the world of classical music. The only difficulty is likely to be its immense rise in popularity.”
“The improvisation with Jean-Baptiste at French Connection Academy helped me develop in new directions and I think I have found a new part of me as a musician!”
“I had an unforgettable time, thank you FCA!!”
“The French connection academy has given me a chance to improve my playing in a safe and friendly environment.”
“One of the most creative and inspiring courses I have been to.”
“This academy is a magnificent project. Great encounters and very good organization. I am very happy to have been able to participate, and I sincerely hope to be able to come back next year!”
“You're all incredible 🧡🧡”
“I could feel the high quality, passion and engagement ! Every little details and the care was really impressive for only 2nd edition! Congratulations”