Keybord Days – apply for a masterclass and improvisation workshop!

Keyboard Days – a three-day celebration of keyboard instruments – include not only an exhibition and recitals but also masterclasses, improvisation workshops and panels. These events form the educational part of the Misteria Paschalia Festival.

Masterclasses to be conducted by Jean-Luc Ho, Justin Taylor and Pierre Hantaï are addressed to students and graduates of music universities in Poland and abroad who specialise in the performance of music using historic keyboard instruments. They will be an opportunity to improve early music skills under the eye of the most famous harpsichordists. This is only an occasion to learn but also to exchange experiences and inspirations.

Masterclasses will be held according to the schedule below:

25/03/2024 10.00 a.m. – 12.00 p.m. Jean-Luc Ho

26/03/2024 10.00 a.m. – 12.00 p.m. Justin Taylor

27/03/2024 10.00 a.m. – 12.00 p.m. Pierre Hantaï

Every day four harpsichordists will take part in Masterclasses in co-operation with the instructors, presenting fragments of their repertoire.

The Improvisation Workshops will focus on the spontaneous creation of music, which was an integral part of the performing practice of past epochs. Conducted by an outstanding harpsichordist and organist Patrick Ayrton, these workshops will allow participants to develop their composing and improvisation skills not only with keyboard instruments. It is also a great opportunity for young musicians and enthusiasts to expand their skills and find inspiration in the sounds of the past. The workshops are addressed to instrumentalists and vocalists; they are open to students and graduates of music universities in Poland and abroad, as well as amateurs interested in the performance of historic music.

The Improvisation Workshops will be held according to the schedule below:

25/03/2024 1.00 p.m. – 3.00 p.m. St. John Passion by J.S. Bach

26/03/2024 1.00 p.m. – 3.00 p.m. Renaissance polyphony

27/03/2024 1.00 p.m. – 3.00 p.m. Monteverdi’s Vespers

Every day maximum 20 instrumentalists and vocalists can take part in the Improvisation Workshops.

Apart from improving performing skills, these events are also aimed at building a strong community of early music lovers. By sharing their knowledge and experience, participants can build relationships and inspire each other. In addition, panels, an exhibition of historic keyboard instruments and lectures accompanying recitals will play an educational role by providing information about the context, performing techniques and other aspects of early music.

One of the important goals of the festival, carried out by supporting and promoting young talents, is to arouse inspiration. The festival will become a place for a new generation of artists – a source where they can look for motivation to continue the tradition of early music performance and draw upon the wealth of the heritage of the past. Because of their exceptional educational events, Keyboard Days and Misteria Paschalia will be not only a celebration of early music but also a space in which passion, science and inspiration meet in a harmonious dialogue.

Terms of participation – Masterclasses, Improvisation Workshops

Keyboard Days! Misteria Paschalia 2024

Masterclasses are addressed to students and graduates of music universities in Poland and abroad who specialise in the performance of music using historic keyboard instruments.

The Improvisation Workshops are addressed not only to instrumentalists, vocalists, students and graduates of music universities in Poland and abroad but also to enthusiasts.

The deadline for registration for Masterclasses and the Improvisation Workshops is 10^th March 2024.

Both Masterclasses and the improvisation workshops will be conducted in English.

The final decision on qualification for the Improvisation Workshops and Masterclasses is made by the instructor. The number of places is limited.

The confirmation of qualification will be e-mailed by 15^th March 2024.

LINK TO THE SURVEY: HERE