WELCOME TO THE MUSICAL HEART OF
AUSTRIA
For generations
musicians, artists, painters and writers have been drawn to the magnificent
Alpine landscapes of the Austria’s
Ausseer region for inspiration. Immortal works by Brahms, Mahler
and Richard Strauss were created in these romantic environs. You may even
recognize scenery from "The Sound of Music" filmed here. It should
therefore be no surprise that concentrated work at the piano under the guidance
of artist teachers, excursions into nature, the charm of a medieval village
where the local inhabitants still walk about in their native costumes, where
small ensembles of local musicians play centuries-old Ländler in quaint
cafes and restaurant gardens, all combine to produce fresh insights and the
exhilaration of intense creativity.
This is exactly
what happens each year since 1997 when our festival began. Participants from
all over the world demonstrate by their rapid development that our multi-faceted
learning approach in this richly creative setting is successful.
In 1998 we
inaugurated our course on Performing Mozart Piano Concerti with Orchestra. For ten days, nine extraordinarily talented soloists
receive the unique experience of daily rehearsals with the superb Bratislava
Chamber Orchestra under the direction of maestro Jon Robertson, culminating in
a series of elegant concerts in the crystal chandeliered hall of the 300 year
old Kurhaus in Bad Aussee.
In summer 2001 Piano*Fest*Austria departs from
its survey of the Mozart concerti to celebrate our 5th anniversary
with the Beethoven “Five,” an exciting new course on Performing Beethoven Concerti with
Orchestra. Once again, we will
be joined by the Bratislava Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Jon
Robertson. A total of six soloists
will be chosen through world-wide auditions to rehearse and perform the
complete cycle on our Festival 2001 concert series.
As a companion course for high school
age pianists, we are happy to announce the Beethoven Concerti Study Course. This course is designed to offer
talented young people the opportunity to prepare a single movement of a
Beethoven concerto with our artist faculty and to perform it with the Festival
Orchestra at the end of the 10-day course.
Our two-week Solo Repertoire Course is based on
a holistic program of private lessons, master classes, improvisation classes,
daily duet coaching, lectures, posture and movement clinics, technique
workshops, demonstrations on historic instruments, student showcase recitals,
faculty concerts, folk dancing classes, and excursions into the Austrian
countryside. World famous artists, such as Paul Badura-Skoda, and Alexander
Jenner have made special appearances.
In 1999 we
instituted our International
Piano Pedagogy Workshop, an eye-and-ear opening week with fresh ideas
for teaching both children and adults.
In summer 2000 we inaugurated our Technics Digital Piano Lab with a
highly-successful program of daily instruction in jazz improvisation. For this summer we have invited
an stimulating variety of world-renowned specialists: Prof. Marjès Benoist on “Preparing Children for Success in
Performance and Competition.”
Prof. Nina Scolnik on “Building Musical Performance with Technical
Ease.” Dr. Geoffrey Haydon on
“Incorporating Jazz Improvisation in the Classical Studio.” Choreographer and Feldenkrais
specialist Yrthe Aya Engelhard on “Make it Dance: Musical Expression through
Movement.” Participants will also
attend events of the Solo Repertoire Course (see above), master classes and
concerts with our faculty artists.
Excursion
into a Salt mine
Relaxing at a typical Austrian Heurigen Walking
the “Brahms Path”
Bad Aussee, first mentioned in 12th century
documents pertaining to the salt trade, lies nestled in the breathtaking
mountain-lake region of Austria's Salzkammergut. Surrounded by some of the most
dramatic peaks of the Austrian Alps, the clear, rushing currents of the Traun
river and deep mountain lakes, this charming village is graced by an 800 year
old crusaders' chapel (Spitalkirche) in gothic style with frescoed walls.
Buildings in early Renaissance style recall the visit of emperor Maximilian in
the 16th century. Today, a full-service, modern spa complex with heated mineral
baths reflects the town's historic role as a health resort and popular retreat
for the Austrian court of Emperor Franz Josef during the latter half of the
19th century.
Festival courses are held in the
municipal music school, Pfarrsaal of the adjacent church and regional high
school, with concerts in the 300 year old Kurhaus.
To contact us for further information:
· Click on our e-mail link on the Homepage
· Telephone
USA: (001)
323-256-5363
Europe: (011) 43-1-943-5700
· Fax
USA: (001)
323-256-5545
Europe: (011) 43-1-943-5700
· or, write us at the address listed on the Application Form