In the 2001 season, chamber music will expand under the direction of Gary Kosloski and Mark Gibson. Music of Brahms will be featured, along with other challenging chamber works from the string and wind literature. Concerts will be performed twice weekly in the intimate chamber music hall at the Chiostro di San Micheletto. During the final week, the ensemble will play for Festival productions of H ndel's Agrippina and Mozart's Don Giovanni . Participants are coached and conducted by a faculty of internationally recognized artists.
All instrumentalists take Italian language classes and receive stipends for their participation.
The Studio program, under the direction of Claudia Catania, is specifically designed for less experienced singers and offers Italian song literature, operatic literature, and staged scenes selected according to the needs of each student. This program provides an ideal opportunity for younger singers to establish the basics of their craft. High standards are demanded, but in a nurturing and supportive atmosphere warmed by the sun and spirit of Italy. All Studio participants will receive daily Italian classes, weekly voice lessons and coachings, and two Studio master classes a week. All Studio participants will have the opportunity to perform in a final public concert in Lucca.