Prato della Valle by night
TACONIC MUSIC INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
Padua, Italy, August 7–17, 2024
Joana Genova, Elisa Kohanski and Gergana Boycheva, directors
Open to intermediate to advanced instrumentalists—violin, viola, cello and piano (ages 18 and up, adult amateurs, college students, etc.)—who are interested in playing chamber music in a non-competitive setting and would like to explore the culture and history of Italy.
The daily schedule consists of coachings and rehearsals, and visiting famous sights in Padua. Students will participate as an ensemble in the opening and final faculty concerts on August 9 and 17, and have their own performance on August 16.
Coachings and rehearsals take place at Scuola Diocesana di Musica per la Liturgia: Via Sant Andrea 6, 35139 Padova
Accommodations in the City Center: 2- or 3-bedroom apartments with a kitchen, Wi-Fi, AC and laundry. Walking distance to the music school.
Two day trips: choice of Verona, Venice, Cremona, or Treviso.
Tuition: $3,000
Tuition covers all musical activities, housing, transportation to and from the airport, local train tickets, entrance to scheduled museum visits and 3 group dinners. Students are responsible for their airfare and meals (food in Padua is cheap—there are plenty of supermarkets, open air markets and affordable restaurants).
Enrollment is limited to 14 students:
6 violinists
4 violists
3 cellists
1 pianist
Enrollment deadline: May 1, 2024
Non-refundable enrollment fee: $20
50% tuition due upon acceptance. Remaining balance due July 1.
For more information and a link to the enrollment form, contact Joana Genova at taconicinternational@gmail.com
ITALIAN STUDENTS aged 16 and up, can participate in the chamber music program for an adjusted rate, which does not include lodging, meals or tourist attractions. Intermediate to advanced English is preferable.
For information contact Gergana Boycheva at gheri.boycheva@gmail.com
PER PARTECIPANTI ITALIANI:
Nel programma di musica da camera sono benvenuti anche degli allievi italiani (violini, viole e violoncelli), età minima 16 anni.
Quota di partecipazione dedicata, la quale non include vitto, alloggio e attrazioni turistiche.
Per informazioni contattare Gergana Boycheva, mail: gheri.boycheva@gmail.com
2024 FACULTY:
Joana Genova, violin
Artistic Director, Taconic Music; Artist Associate, Williams College; Adjunct Professor, Montclair State University; Violin Instructor, Bennington College; Second violin, The Indianapolis Quartet
Alessandro Fagiuoli, violin
First violin, Paul Klee Quartet; Faculty, Liceo Musicale di Padova; Artistic Director, Musica in Serra (Ancona); Artistic Director, "I concerti d’Autunno” (Rubano-Padova); Artistic Director, “Prospettive Musicali” Music Competition
Basil Vendryes, viola
Principal Viola, Colorado Symphony; Adjunct Professor, University of Denver, Lamont School of Music
Elisa Kohanski, cello
Adjunct professor, Grove City College, Washington & Jefferson College; Manager and cellist, IonSound Project; Principal cello, Wheeling Symphony and Pittsburgh Ballet Theater; Cello section, Pittsburgh Symphony and Pittsburgh Opera
Gergana Boycheva, piano
Pianist and organist at Catholic Parish Church, Legnaro, Italy
2024 Sample Schedule
August 7: Arrivals and orientation dinner
August 8: Coachings and string orchestra rehearsal
August 9: Coachings, string orchestra rehearsal, Opening Faculty Concert in Legnaro
August 10: Day trip
August 11: Coachings and sightseeing
August 12: Coachings and sightseeing
August 13: Day trip
August 14: Coachings and rehearsals, sightseeing
August 15: Coachings and rehearsals
August 16: Dress rehearsal, Student Concert in Padua. Dinner party!
August 17: Dress rehearsal, Final Faculty Concert in Padua
August 18: Departures
Sightseeing in Padua:
Palazzo della Ragione & Baptistery + Diocese museum; “Il Santo” Basilica and St.Giorge’s Oratory; Scrovegni Chapel
A LOOK BACK TO SUMMER 2023…..
The inaugural Taconic Music International directed by violinist Joana Genova, cellist Elisa Kohanski and pianist Gergana Boycheva took place in Padua, Italy, August 8–18. A special guest faculty was Italian violist Giovanna Gordini.
Nine violin, viola, and cello participants, ages 16–74, music and non-music majors, high school and college students representing Burr and Burton Academy, Williams and Bennington Colleges, Montclair State University, Grove City College, and two adult amateurs traveled to Italy. We had rehearsals and coachings in the classrooms of St. Andrea church, enjoyed dinners, gelato, and cappuccino together, visited many famous sights in Padua (Palazzo della Ragione, Il Santo Basilica, Oratoria di San Giorgio, Scrovegni Chapel, Erimitani Museum, University of Padua among others) and took the train to Verona and Venice for memorable day trips. Our concerts in Legnaro and Padua were received with great enthusiasm, and we are looking forward to returning to Italy in 2024.
