If the number of requests for information I receive are any indication, there's a sizeable demand for collaborative piano summer programs this year. Many pianists are looking to branch out and explore the art of collaboration, as well as get their feet wet with the huge amount of repertoire in the sonata/chamber music/art song/opera genres.
The Collaborative Piano Institute, headed by Artistic Director Ana Maria Otamendi, is launching this summer at Shattuck St. Mary's School in Faribault, Minnesota, with a pretty amazing faculty list. The festival will run from June 4 to 25th. For those who are not yet Minnesota-literate, Faribault is one hour directly south of Minneapolis or 6 hours northwest of Chicago, with latitude lining up with Oshkosh and longitude with Des Moines.
The faculty list is extensive:
- Rita Sloan
- Kathy Kelly
- Howard Watkins
- Timothy Lovelace
- Marie-France Lefebre
- Sally O'Reilly
- Christopher Turbessi
- Elena Abend
- Jennifer Olson
- Eric Olson
- Ana Maria Otomendi
- Elena Lacheva
Ana Maria wrote to me earlier this week with more information:
This three-week summer program is geared exclusively toward current and potential collaborative pianists of all levels. We want to offer an intensive experience tailored to the individual needs of the student, through individual lessons, coachings, masterclasses, group classes, lectures, and performance opportunities.
For instance, we wish to introduce students to the art of collaboration; prepare undergraduate pianists for graduate auditions; help collaborative pianists prepare for professional auditions; introduce them to a variety of topics in collaboration, and perform in recitals and masterclasses. We also offer the possibility of making pre-screening recordings if the student expresses a desire. See the Curriculum here. Several scholarships are available!
If you're interested in applying, the Early Bird deadline for those who are interested in financial assistance is March 15. Full application information is available here.
Best of luck to Ana Maria and her colleagues for a successful first year of the Collaborative Piano Institute!
Here's a video of faculty member Howard Watkins with the 6ixwire Project playing an arrangement of the Sarasate Carmen Fantasy:
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