SAN FRANCISCO CONSERVATORY

The San Francisco Conservatory of Music’s Journey of Innovation

In the heart of San Francisco’s cultural district, the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) stands as a beacon of musical excellence and innovation. Established over a century ago, SFCM has transformed from a piano school into a prestigious conservatory, revered for its progressive approach to music education.

The Conservatory’s recent expansion, including the technologically advanced Bowes Center, epitomizes its commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians. This facility is not just a learning space but a hub for cultural interaction, reflecting SFCM’s integration of modernity with tradition.

At SFCM, students benefit from a faculty comprising principal players from the San Francisco Symphony and other renowned musicians, ensuring a rich and diverse educational experience. This is further enhanced by collaborations with Grammy winners and other notable artists, bringing real-world expertise into the classroom.

SFCM’s unique blend of educational rigor and industry integration sets it apart as a leader in the world of music education. Its location at the heart of San Francisco’s arts scene and its state-of-the-art facilities create an environment where tradition meets innovation, preparing students for dynamic careers in music.

NAPA VALLEY FESTIVAL

Where Wine, Music, and Culture Unite

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Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of California’s famed wine country, the Napa Valley Festival is a captivating celebration of culture, music, and the region’s world-renowned viticulture. This enchanting event, set amidst the rolling vineyards and sun-kissed hills, has become an annual beacon of joy for both locals and visitors alike, offering an immersive experience that indulges the senses.

The Napa Valley Festival seamlessly blends the region’s love for fine wine with the harmonious notes of world-class music. It’s an experience that invites attendees to savor the melodies of renowned artists while sipping on exquisite wines that the valley is celebrated for. The combination is nothing short of magical, an intersection of artistry and terroir that leaves an indelible mark on all who attend.

The festival boasts a diverse and illustrious musical lineup. From classical to jazz, rock to opera, the program offers a tantalizing array of musical genres. Renowned performers, both local and international, grace the stages, serenading audiences under the open skies with their enchanting melodies. It’s an opportunity to enjoy world-class music in the heart of one of the world’s most scenic regions.

While the musical offerings are a feast for the ears, the festival is equally dedicated to pleasing the palate. Culinary delights from some of Napa Valley’s finest chefs are on hand to complement the fine wines. The festival’s gourmet offerings are an exploration of the region’s culinary heritage, showcasing the farm-to-table ethos that has made Napa Valley a gastronomic destination.

The Napa Valley Festival is not just about music and wine; it’s an invitation to partake in the Napa Valley experience. Attendees can explore the region’s wineries, enjoying tastings and guided tours. The backdrop of lush vineyards and charming wineries creates an ambiance that is nothing short of enchanting. The festival’s location is both an ode to nature and a celebration of the valley’s heritage.

Napa Valley Festival is more than just an event; it’s a cultural melting pot. It attracts people from various walks of life who share a passion for music, wine, and the arts. The camaraderie among festival-goers is infectious, as individuals from diverse backgrounds come together to celebrate their shared appreciation for culture and creativity.

The festival’s significance extends beyond entertainment; it is a symbol of community and connection. It fosters an environment where artists, wine enthusiasts, and music lovers come together to celebrate life’s pleasures. It’s a space where strangers become friends, and where lasting memories are created.

The Napa Valley Festival stands as a testament to the spirit of Napa Valley. It reflects the region’s dedication to preserving its natural beauty, celebrating its heritage, and embracing the arts. As the sun sets over the vineyards and the music fills the air, attendees can’t help but be captivated by the enchanting aura that envelops the festival.

Napa Valley Festival is more than just an event; it’s an embodiment of the Napa Valley spirit. It’s a reminder that life’s most exquisite pleasures—music, wine, and culture—can be celebrated in unison, amidst the stunning backdrop of the valley. Whether you’re a wine aficionado, a music enthusiast, or simply a lover of beauty and culture, the Napa Valley Festival is an experience that should not be missed. It’s a moment to revel in the symphony of life’s finest joys.

Royal College of Music

Top institution for Performing Arts in the UK

March 2023

Located in the heart of London’s South Kensington the Royal College of Music is a world-leading music conservatoire with a prestigious history, contemporary outlook and inspiring location. It was founded in 1883 under the auspices of the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) and the directorship of Sir George Grove to prepare gifted young musicians for entry into the highest echelons of the music profession. The RCM has trained some of the most important figures in British and international music life, including composers such as Holst, Vaughan Williams, Turnage and Britten; conductors such as Leopold Stokowski, Sir Colin Davis and Sir Roger Norrington; singers such as Dame Joan Sutherland, Sir Thomas Allen and Alfie Boe; instrumentalists such as Sir James Galway, John Lill, Gervase de Peyer, and Natalie Clein.

The college was founded in 1883 to replace the short-lived and unsuccessful National Training School for Music (NTSM). Since its creation the college has been linked with the British royal family. Its patron is currently Queen Elizabeth II. For 40 years Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother was president; in 1993 the Prince of Wales became president. 

The college is situated in South Kensington, the home of science, arts and inspiration, directly opposite the Royal Albert Hall on Prince Consort Road, next to Imperial College and among the museums and cultural centres of Albertopolis.  

With 840 students from more than 55 countries studying at undergraduate, masters or doctoral level, the RCM is a community of talented and open-minded musicians. RCM professors are musicians with worldwide reputations, accustomed to working with the most talented students of each generation to unlock their artistic potential. 

RCM professors are leaders in their fields and further enhancing the inspiring offer to students, each year the RCM is proud to welcome renowned musicians such as of Lang Lang, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and Bernard Haitink and many others. The RCM’s many performing groups –including five orchestras, two jazz bands and the RCM International Opera School – are celebrated for the vitality and excellence of their performances and are regularly invited to perform at significant venues both in the UK and overseas. 

The Royal College of Music is considered one of the world’s great conservatoires, training gifted musicians from all over the world for international careers as performers, conductors and composers. In fact, the college has been named the top institution for Performing Arts in the United Kingdom in the 2019 QS World University Rankings. RCM was also ranked the top UK conservatoire for music in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019 and top music conservatoire for overall student satisfaction in the latest National Student Satisfaction (NSS) Survey according to the Times Higher Education.

TEATRO COLÓN

A Century of Elegance

December 2022

On a momentous day, May 25, 1908, the majestic Teatro Colón opened its grand doors with a performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s opera, Aida. With over a century of history, this monumental structure has stood as a witness to countless awe-inspiring interpretations by opera’s most illustrious artists.

The theater’s construction spanned two decades, culminating in its completion. Originally, the dome of the main hall boasted a painted masterpiece by French artist Marcel Jambon. This artwork depicted the god Apollo in a chariot pulled by four white steeds. However, the painting faded by the 1930s, leading to its reimagining in the mid-1960s. Argentine artist Raúl Soldi undertook the task of redecorating the dome. His creation, comprising sixteen canvases covering a vast 320 square meters, was initially crafted on the 11th floor of the San Martín Theater before being carefully elevated to grace the Colón dome atop a towering 30-meter scaffold. Notably, the inaugural performance was Giuseppe Verdi’s “Aida.” Strikingly, the opera was intentionally presented as a disaster, following the superstition that a successful theater opening could invite bad luck. The performance was carried out by nonprofessionals and deliberately designed to be subpar.

Former Argentinian President Marcelo T. de Alvear played a pivotal role in enforcing punctuality at Teatro Colón. Allegedly a devoted theatergoer, Alvear took offense at the lack of punctuality among the audience until 1926. His solution was to use binoculars to peer at latecomers, a practice that others in the audience soon adopted, effectively curbing tardiness and transforming the habit of the attendees.

Throughout its storied history, Teatro Colón has hosted a myriad of legendary artists, such as Luciano Pavarotti’s iconic 1987 rendition of La Bohème, Martha Argerich’s captivating performance in 1969, and José Carreras’ mesmerizing appearance in La Traviata in 1973. The theater also witnessed notable events including the 1965 concert of Chilean pianist Claudio Arrau with the National Symphony Orchestra, the 1968 production of Carmen featuring the exceptional voices of Grace Bumbry and Jon Vickers, and Monserrat Caballé’s debut in the opera Turandot in 1965. The Spanish tenor Alfredo Kraus marked his entrance onto the world stage with the opera La Favorita in 1967.

Between 2003 and 2010, Teatro Colón underwent a meticulous restoration, necessitating the efforts of 1,500 individuals and a budget of $340 million. Preserving its renowned acoustics posed a particular challenge, with measures taken to ensure its integrity. Prior to the theater’s reopening on May 13, 2010, a private event was held to confirm the acoustics remained pristine, a triumph that affirmed the success of the restoration project.

Following a nearly year-long closure due to the global pandemic, Teatro Colón witnessed an extraordinary moment on January 30, 2021. In an unprecedented move, one of the world’s foremost opera houses transformed into a support hub for the healthcare system, joining the battle against the pandemic. It is our sincere hope that this magnificent venue will swiftly regain its esteemed position in the classical music realm, once again gracing the world’s stage with phenomenal operatic performances featuring the finest international talents.

SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE

A Beacon of Artistry and Innovation

October 2022

Nestled in Sydney, Australia, the Sydney Opera House stands as a multifaceted performing arts complex. This architectural marvel seamlessly weaves together both ancient and modern influences, resulting in the sculpted grace that has solidified the Opera House as an emblematic edifice of the 20th century. It has come to symbolize boundless imagination and ingenuity.

Back in February 1966, Jorn Utzon stepped down from his role as the architect behind the Sydney Opera House. His design had triumphed in an international competition nearly a decade prior, back in 1957. However, due to a series of challenging incidents and debates, he was replaced by a group of local architects. The primary contention arose from authorities’ concerns about the escalating costs. The project had already consumed $20 million, surpassing the initial budget of $7.5 million. The final cost ended up being six times the original estimate.

Conceived with the intention of “cultivating a more enlightened and improved community,” the Sydney Opera House has stood as a hub for world-class artists, performances, and discourse since its inauguration in 1973. It has been a gathering point for both local and global matters of significance. Presently, it ranks among the world’s most bustling performing arts centers, attracting over 8.2 million visitors each year on 363 days.

Jorn Utzon’s remarkable contribution to architecture was acknowledged with the Pritzker Prize in 2003, often dubbed the architectural counterpart of the Nobel Prize. He passed away in 2008. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, the Opera House has solidified its position as a pivotal representation of modern architectural achievement.

Encompassing its premises are seven distinct venues catering to performances and events of varying scales. These range from the expansive Concert Hall, accommodating 2,679 patrons, to the intimate Utzon Hall with a capacity for 210 attendees. An average week witnesses around 40 acts, concerts, events, or performances within the Opera House’s walls. The grand Concert Hall houses the world’s largest mechanical musical instrument—a colossal organ featuring over 10,000 pipes, a decade in the making.

The Opera House serves as the residency for seven renowned performing arts troupes: Opera Australia, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Sydney Theatre Company, The Australian Ballet, Bell Shakespeare, and Bangarra Dance Theatre.

In celebration of its 45th anniversary in 2018, coinciding with architect Jørn Utzon’s centenary, the Opera House undertook a series of revitalization projects aimed at preserving the site for future generations of artists, audiences, and visitors. As part of this restoration endeavor, the Opera House is dedicated to infusing every facet of its existence with the same visionary essence that sparked its inception.

Elbphilharmonie

The Hamburg’s treasure

July 2022

On Friday, November 4, 2016 the city of Hamburg was jumping of joy when at last, after a long bumpy journey the Elbphilharmonie was officially handed to the mayor, Olaf Scholz. The costs, since the idea was approved in 2005 until the completion of the works, grew 1000%, going from 77 million euros at that time, to 790 million today.

For the Swiss architects Jacques Herzog (1950) and Pierre de Meuron (1950), both born in Basel, the Elbphilharmonie is the most outstanding construction of the new century so far. The team is also the author of brilliant works like the Tate Modern in London, the oscillating university library of Cottbus or the football stadium in the shape of a tire from Munich.

As many cultural emblems, this German monument also has a nickname: Elphi. It is a glass and steel complex built over a historic warehouse for coffee, tea and cocoa based one of the docks of the colossal port of Hamburg. The slender construction includes a large concert hall with capacity for 2,100 spectators; a smaller room for chamber recitals (550); and a wide Plaza that serves a social meeting point for the public before the concert starts. At 80 meters in length, the escalator that leads to the upper floors is the longest in Europe.

The opening concert took place on January 11th, 2017 by the NDR Orchestra – Elbphilharmonie, conducted by Thomas Hengelbrock among emotional tears from some of the musicians who felt overwhelmed by the sentimental importance of the event. 

However, not everything turned out great for this astonishingly beautiful hall. The Japanese specialist Yasuhisa Toyota was in charge of the acoustic design. Ten thousand diffuser panels, made with a mixture of ground rock (from Bavaria) and cellulose pulp (recycled paper and cardboard waste), line the room to achieve a better sound distribution. 

Unfortunately the acoustics of the Elbhilharmonie in Hamburg have had major problems since it was inaugurated. The problem seems to be that the sound of the large auditorium is so sensitive and precise that every little noise (as paper wrapper of a candy) gets magnified, which causes that an orchestra can easily cover a singer voice preventing it from reaching some sectors of the venue. This was exactly what happened the concert of the Basel Symphony Orchestra with Kaufmann. 

In the middle of the recital and when Kaufmann was singing Das Lied von der Erde by Gustav Mahler, a lady from the audience stood up and snapped at the tenor: Mr. Kaufmann we can’t hear you from here; a moment later another spectator was also complaining about the same problem. Some also moved around the room, quickly looking for a better place causing a big chaos on the hall. The reaction by the hall managers was prompt. The prize of the entrance tickets was lowered tickets with immediate effect for those less fortunate sectors of the room. 

Ironically, and with the exception of a few large orchestras that have not yet done so, almost everyone wants to perform at the Elphilharmonie. But is a matter of prestige more than adequacy what moves this will.   

The architectural beauty (designed by the Swiss studio Herzog & Meuron) and the acoustic exquisiteness of the Japanese engineer Yasuhisa Toyota fascinate visitors. The gigantic astonishing hall really deserve a visit, the interior decoration ant he innovative structure are worth admiring.

FRANCESC VIÑAS COMPETITION

Fostering Vocal Excellence

June 2022

In 1963, Jacint Vilardell established the Francesc Viñas competition in honor of Catalan tenor Francesc Viñas, whose vision ignited the concept of a platform to nurture emerging talents. Viñas’ legacy continues to inspire this prestigious event, now firmly established as a cornerstone in the realm of opera, oratorio, and Lied. It annually attracts young vocalists from a diverse array of countries.

Across international metropolises like Madrid, Paris, London, Hamburg, Milan, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Beijing, the preliminary stages unfold. Cooperative agreements between the Liceu Theatre and renowned opera houses facilitate these preliminary rounds. The 2022 edition witnessed an impressive participation of around 500 singers representing approximately 53 countries. Notably, the prize fund for 2022 increased by 6,000 euros, reaching a total of 121,000 euros. This encompasses official, special, and extraordinary awards, alongside a contract from the Gran Teatre del Liceu Foundation for forthcoming seasons. Beyond these coveted prizes, winners may also secure study grants and performance contracts with a variety of theaters.

Barcelona’s iconic Gran Teatre del Liceu serves as the ultimate battleground for the competition’s final phase, where 15 exceptional singers vie for supremacy. The decisive audition unfolds annually each January within the historic walls of this renowned theater. The climax is a triumphant concert featuring the winners, accompanied by the Gran Teatre del Liceu Symphony Orchestra.

Among the illustrious voices that have risen to victory in the Viñas Contest are Tamara Wilson (2011), Javier Camarena (2005), Violeta Urmana (1992), Željko Lucic (1997), Antonio Gandia (2004), and Vicenç Sardinero (1965).

In the 2019-2020 edition, the Russian Mezzo-Soprano Victoria Karkacheva secured the top prize, captivating audiences with her masterful renditions of Tchaikovsky’s Aria di Polina and a segment from Wagner’s Rienzi.

Reflecting on the competition’s essence, Víctor García de Gomar, the Liceu’s artistic director, underlines its pivotal role in creating a marketplace of opportunities for burgeoning global talent. The discerning eye of the jury plays a pivotal role in identifying the promising voices that will shape tomorrow’s opera landscape.

As anticipation builds, we eagerly anticipate welcoming the forthcoming generation of operatic luminaries in the years ahead. For an in-depth exploration of the competition’s history and past victors, explore the official website: http://www.tenorvinas.com/en.

Trinity College of music

Where tradition and innovation meet

May 2022

On a Friday 15th June 1877, 1,118 candidates took the first external Trinity exams. Today’s music graduate exams are direct descendants of those first.

Trinity’s institutional origins date back to 1872, when the College was created “for the advancement of Church music and the improvement of its musicians.” Trinity’s founder, Henry George Bonavia Hunt, was born in 1847. While still a law student at the London Temple, Bonavia Hunt assembled a group of influential musicians from the Church of England to establish a place for training and practice in choral and instrumental music. Trinity introduced a system of local examinations, first in theory and from 1879 in instrumental and vocal music and finally establishing the current structure of ATCL, LTCL and FTCL, which remains the “industry standard” to this day. 

40 years before married women over 30 could vote in Britain, Trinity decided that public examinations, originally only open to male members of the Church of England, should be open to all, whether men or women, college students or not. Therefore, on November 23, 1878, it was decided “that for the future, the ladies can enter for the higher TCL exams.” 

In 2005, Trinity College of Music and Laban, leading centers of music and contemporary dance, came together to form Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, becoming the UK’s first ever conservatoire of music and dance. This unique and innovative conjunction has created exciting opportunities for collaboration between instrumentalists, singers, composers, dancers and choreographers. The Faculty of Music is celebrated for its fine facilities, which include state-of-the-art practice rooms, the Jerwood Library of the Performing Arts well equipped concert halls in nearby Blackheath.  

Overall, the student’s opinion about the college is very favorable. “Everyone is so lovely and welcoming it would be hard to not feel at home right away”, said a third year Student. However, some point out some problems with Student accommodation which is not the best, but it isn’t actually run by Trinity Laban.  

To finish with, about the courses, the general reaction is very good. When asked, one of the students reported: “In first year, some of the lessons are a bit pointless and feel like a waste of time, but from year two onwards they have improved a lot. The contact hours and one-to-one teaching mean you get more for your money than at a traditional university.” 

The historical prestige that Trinity has achieved continues in force these days and the values and ideals of their founders are already very present in each course and in every student who is admitted.

International Sibelius Violin Competition

Being selected is already an achievement

April 2022

The International Violin Competition, named after the great Finnish patriotic composer Sibelius, was founded in 1965 and is held every five years and takes place in Helsinki. 

Sibelius (Jean Sibelius, 1865-1957), is Finland’s Most Famous Composer and representative of the National School of Music. He graduated from the Helsinki Conservatory of Music and later went to Berlin and Vienna to continue his studies. He has written many works incarnating passionate patriotism and strong national pride, and therefore achieving international recognition.  To commemorate him, Finland established the “Sibelius Association” and held an international music competition. 

The Sibelius Society of Finland launched the contest in 1965 in connection with the 100th anniversary of the birth of Sibelius. An Honorary Committee was created and a large number of distinguished musicians agreed to be members. Among them were Sir John Barbirolli, Herbert von Karajan, Yehudi Menuhin, David Oistrakh, Eugene Ormandy, Igor Stravinsky, and Henryk Szeryng.  

The main repertoire of the contest is “A Minor Concert” by Sibelius, which has a distinctive national style and a new writing structure. Because the performance technique is very challenging and breaks conventions, it is not easy for a performer to impress the audience only with charm. In addition, this event is only held every five years, with few opportunities and fierce competition. The competitors are so strong that, it is generally accepted that anyone who gets good results in this contest has already won the category of outstanding artist. 

Young violinists around the world who have not yet turned 30 are welcomed to demonstrate their musical talents and compete with each other. The number of applicants set a new record in 2015 with 234; and only 45 of them were selected for the competition in Helsinki.

Many of the winners of the Violin Competition have become world-famous star violinists. In the fourth competition of 1980, the former player of the Soviet Union, Mulova, won the first place. And in 1995 the price went to the Finn: Pekka Kuusisto. 

Due to the pandemic situation, the 12th Jean Sibelius International Violin Competition had to be postponed to May 18-29, 2022. “We want to do everything possible to ensure the safety and health of our competitors and their hosts, as well as the many musicians, other employees, supporters and the public involved. We are very grateful to all those who participated in the organization of the contest and to our fans who will do this great competition with us also in 2022″ said Lauri Ratia, president of the Sibelius Society and the Violin Competition Committee. 

Manhattan School of Music

Elite education in an intimate environment

February 2022

Founded in 1918, the Manhattan School of Music is a music institute in New York City dedicated to the personal, artistic, and intellectual development of its students, training them in performance and composition.  With humble beginnings as a small community music school, the School is now a renowned conservatory for classical music, jazz and musical theater. Located in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of New York City, it has over 500 undergraduate students and offers undergraduate and graduate and doctoral degrees in voice, instrumental performance, jazz, and composition; graduate degrees in accompanying, orchestral performance, and contemporary performance and a doctorate in accompanying.

Under the leadership of Marta Istomin, president since 1992, the School employs a superb artist-teacher faculty of 250 professional musicians, and is also an active presenter of more than 400 public performances.   Manhattan School of Music’s faculty is made up of members of New York City’s leading performing institutions–the New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center etc.–as well as acclaimed soloists and chamber musicians.

Scores of alumni have made it big in the music world, including classical composer John Corigliano, who has won a Pulitzer Prize, five Grammy awards and an Oscar, as well as actor and composer Harry Connick Jr., who has sold over 28 million albums worldwide.

Receiving education at such great standards is not available for everybody. Admissions are very selective and the entrance fees are high. In fact a recent study concluded that Manhattan School of Music’s overall typical net price combined with high quality education results in a slightly lower value for the money when compared to other colleges and universities in New York. The intimate environment is very appreciated by the majority of the students. However most of them reported problems due to the low number of rehearsal rooms given the number of students. 

About the education program, even though nobody would argue that it is rich and solid, some voices claim that it might be too restricted letting no space for artistic freedom and creativity. Alexa Smith, Chief of Staff and Assistant Vice President of Special Initiatives at Manhattan School of Music, believes that more space should be given to art in the music programs: “There is room for more art in our music programs. We ask our students to learn from one another. We ask our orchestra members and opera casts to grow from their interactions to produce highly creative art. But if we do not come to the stage with equal liberation, this concept is not possible. Artistic liberation comes from a shared idea of what matters. Free expression and interpretation matter. Technique matters. And the person whose music you are singing or playing matters.” All in all, Manhattan School of Music is and will always be one of the best music institutions every undergraduate would love to attend.