The Composition Masterclass is addressed to all composers who wish to present their works to Giorgio Colombo Taccani, discussing topics ranging from the most technical aspects to reflections on writing and contemporaneity, with particular attention to the analysis and in-depth study of some of the most representative pieces of the 20th and 21st centuries.

An integral part of the Masterclass will be a Workshop on composition for solo guitar, curated by Giorgio Colombo Taccani and Elena Casoli. The aim of the Workshop is to work in close contact with the guitarists participating in the same Workshop and in the Masterclass held by Elena Càsoli, developing together new works for guitar, composed by the participants in the Masterclass, but also focusing on common moments of reflection and investigation. Under the guidance of the teachers, the relationship between composer and performer will be examined, as well as the relationship between sign and interpretation, or other topics that may interest the participants, in an atmosphere of dialogue and transversal interaction, working on the development of new pieces for guitar.

The organisation of the course includes a selection process, after which pairs of guitarists and composers will be formed. Each composer attending the course will write a piece for solo guitar, entrusted to each guitarist; the organisation will then arrange for each composer to be in contact with a guitarist to exchange drafts and ideas, so that the piece can be finalised in a profitable way during the Masterclass. During the five days of the course it will be possible not only to present one’s own work (for any ensemble) and work with the teacher, but also to have the opportunity to collaborate with a guitarist in the creation of a new work, following the path from the commission to the first public performance, in a concert to be held during the last day of the Masterclass by Foresty International Music Festival.

A live (audio and video) recording of the concert will be made, which will be given to each composer and guitarist and (by prior agreement with them), published on the social pages and website of CdM San Michele and Foresty International Music Festival. In case you would like to make further recordings at CdM, see the “After Masterclass” section.

The residency at Casa San Michele and in the neighbouring village (Montaldeo) will offer the possibility to share ideas and experiences of our artistic activity also in our free time.

Sharing music, experiences gained during one’s artistic career and considerations about repertoire, piano interpretation, study methodology and the future of the performing arts. To share a magical space, immersed in the beauty of nature and equipped with all comforts, a brand new piano room equipped for professional sound recordings, spacious rooms with a view and even a SPA. This will be the philosophy behind Piano Symposium, a three-day workshop reserved for a small group of pianists: an opportunity to work closely with two young and established artists, winners of international prizes and authors of prestigious recordings, but above all enthusiastic about sharing what they have learned (and continue to learn) through in-depth study with outstanding teachers and a concert activity in full swing.

The course is open to pianists of all ages and repertoire predilections. The pieces indicated at the time of enrolment will be studied individually, observing the technical, stylistic and interpretative aspects. There are no maximum limits on the amount of repertoire to be proposed: it will be agreed with the teachers on which pieces to focus particular attention; the minimum limit is fifteen to twenty minutes of music.