In Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, Italy, the International Academy of Music’s annual music festival invites young musicians from around the world to showcase their talent through classical music. The International Academy of Music teams up with the town of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, the city of Lucca, the region of Tuscany, and various other local organizations in order to present the festival. Every year, the festival is held June 25th to July 8th, giving the townspeople of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana a chance to enjoy beautiful music created by the students and faculty alike. This year, the International Academy of Music presented its fourteenth festival titled ‘XIV Festival 2016.’
Works by composers ranging from Beethoven to Debussy to Balakirev were featured in ‘XIV Festival 2016.’ Each student at the International Academy of Music performed at least one solo piece and one chamber music piece, which is a collaborative piece between two or more musicians. Although students were busy practicing and making music, they were given the chance to go sightseeing in Lucca, Tuscany. Students also frequented local shops and gelaterias, getting a feel for the local atmosphere and making irreplaceable friendships along the way.
A student of the International Academy of Music, Francesca Bernard, tells JSR, “I’m definitely coming back next year. It was such a great experience playing with other student musicians around the world, and I’m so glad that I decided to spend my summer here.”
Directors of the International Academy of Music Efrem Briskin, Massimiliano Mainolfi, and Piero Gaddi gave a speech at the final concert of the festival, congratulating all of the students and faculty on completing another successful International Academy of Music festival. They then proceeded to award certificates of participation to each student.
“We created so much beautiful music in the town of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana thanks to all of you. These past couple of days have gone by so quickly, yet you’ve all given wonderful performances. Thank you so much for being a part of this year’s festival.” Director Massimiliano Mainolfi stated.
