The Eilat International Chamber Music Festival is gradually becoming known as one of the most exciting winter music festivals. The Master Class programme offers students and young performers from all over the world an opportunity to participate in master classes and workshops with world's leading artists and renowned professors. The vibrant and stimulating atmosphere encourages an exchange of musical ideas and creation of new contacts and friendships.
The courses
This year the master classes will take place from 18th to 27th of February 2010 and will focus on string instruments, piano and percussion. The classes are aimed for undergraduate and postgraduate students at a college level to further develop their musicianship and improve their technical skills. The courses are organized under the artistic direction of Pavel Vernikov. You may find the list of teachers here.
During the course each student will receive four lessons (one hour each). Some teachers will have assistants, who are in change of organizing special technique sessions. (In these cases the hours will be divided between lessons with the teacher and the assistant.) An experienced pianist will be allocated to each class. Students must bring all relevant scores, including piano parts, for the classes and the concerts.
* The administration of the festival retains the right not to open a particular class if it fails to reach the minimum number of applicants.
Special Seminars
Aleksey IgudesmanStyle workout – the laughing violin Workshop for different Styles, Rhythms, Improvisation and fun on the instrument
Based on a long career, using classical music, own compositions, ethnic music and improvisation, Aleksey Igudesman will illustrate various playing techniques on the violin. The seminar will cover: rhythms outside the
typical classical repertoire, different sound production, and unusual playing techniques inspired by Indian, Arabic, Irish, Eastern European, Klezmer, Jazz, Rock and other styles. Another important part of the seminar will be
music and humour, developing a new kind of virtuosity on the instrument. Trying out different playing techniques
and improvising are a vital part of the course. Classical music pieces, brought by the students will be analysed in
a new light, bringing out their folkloristic and ethnic roots.
* An introduction session to the seminar is free of charge. Further lessons will be at an additional fee of 100€ per session.
The ‘devil’s fiddler’ workshop – Lakatos and his ensemble
Descendant of a legendary family of Romani violinists and ‘King of Gypsy Violinists’, Roby Lakatos and his ensemble will lead an interactive workshop introducing aspects of gypsy-inspired musical styles. Students will
have an opportunity to try out new techniques and styles with Roby and members of his ensemble. The workshop
is open to all students and to the public.
Student concerts
There will be 4-5 student concerts during the festival, providing selected students an opportunity to perform in public. Some of the concerts are themed: there will be a Chopin marathon and an all Beethoven violin sonatas concert. Some students will also be chosen to perform in the main festival concerts.
Chamber music
Special Chamber music sessions will be held during the festival which will involve students and teachers and culminate in concert performance. More information will be available at a later stage.
Orchestra
There will be two concerts for a Students Orchestra during the Eilat Music Festival. Participants in the Festival Orchestra, chosen among the students, will receive 150€ for participating in one performance and 250€ for participating in two performances. This year's programme will include works by Vivaldi, Bach, Mozart, Piazzola
and Igudesman.
Attendance
The teaching timetable will be available at the beginning of the festival or shortly beforehand. Students are encouraged to attend the whole festival. Active students are welcome to attend all courses as auditors. Students will also be offered free entrance to the festival concerts based on available seats.
Accommodation
Students will be accommodated in twin or double rooms at the Golden Tulip Club, a 4 star hotel in Eilat. Accommodation fee is 60€ per person per night, which is inclusive of all meals and hotel facilities.
EILAT – the city, arrival and departure
You may find more details about the city of Eilat and the festival at www.eilat-festival.com. Students will receive concessionary or free tickets to some of Eilat's main attractions such as the Reef and the Museum. Details for arrival and departure will be provided as relevant at a later stage.
