CSI work began in earnest the morning after our Opening Ceremony. Here at the Institute, students have the opportunity to take part in both small and large ensembles besides their one-on-one classes. Both tutti and sectional rehearsals – for strings, wind, and percussion – began for Dvorak’s symphony. The chamber groups’ repertoire is based on more masterpieces: rehearsals are now underway for Mozart’s Clarinet Quintet, as well as Bach and Vivaldi concertos. Group work is inspired by the melodies of the most beautiful duets, trios, string quartets, and piano four hands. Meanwhile, our students began learning, rehearsing, and developing the opera scenes, and CSI’s choir and conductors began their practices as well. Guitarist Mateus Dela Fonte’s “Choro” workshop brought the music of Brazil to our participants from across the globe.
A variety of concerts took place during the first week: Crescendo Festival had a wonderful opening with a night of music and literature by Eszter Kruchió (violin), Rose Chen (piano), and actress Krisztina Tarjányi. A brilliant concert by young talents Előd Gábor Ambrusz (piano), Vilmos Mohácsi (double bass), and János Ripka (cello) proved that our performers are not only technical virtuosos but are also capable of providing audiences with extraordinary musical experiences. Over the weekend, we introduced some promising talents to the community of Tokaj, its musically inclined tourists, and CSI participants at a concert in the Wine Museum. Creative Church, a service held in the Reformed Church, shared the values and relevance of the eternal at the intersection of faith and art with the congregation.
Our musicians added some musical inspiration to Sunday services at Tokaj’s local churches with solo pieces for voice, double bass, flute, clarinet, and French horn.
Community events are also a priority at CSI. Every morning at Tune In, our teachers, students, and visitors receive guidance in various areas of life, which they are able to discuss and process during evening small group time. This year, the presentations at Tune In touch on topics related to creativity: Creativity as a Lifestyle, The Origin of Creativity, Creativity and Fear, and Creativity and Grace. Sara Ascenzo, researcher at the Royal College of Music in London, gave one-on-one consultations and workshops, presenting research results to students with questions about careers in music. Topics included Dealing with Music Performance Anxiety, Effective Practice Strategies, and Enhancing Memory in Performance.
The Teachers’ Interview has been one of our most popular events, where our teachers tell personal – and sometimes humorous – stories, and answer questions from the audience. Conductor Delta David Gier (USA), cellist Jozef Luptak (Slovakia), violinist Dag Anders Eriksen (Norway), pianist Sylvia Thereza (Brazil), and trumpeter Janis Porietis (Latvia) discussed the differences and similarities between the lives of musicians in Europe and overseas.
Sunday was a well-earned day of rest for all. The summer weather was perfect for canoeing, hiking, excursions, and, of course, wine tasting. Our Grill Party, held on the banks of the Tisza River, was followed by live music and dancing.