Musica Viva: Florence Festival

Musica Viva: Florence Festival

August 17th
 - 
August 21st, 2025
Full Session: 
August 17th
 - 
August 26th, 2025
Session 1: 
August 17th
 - 
August 21st, 2025
Session 2: 
August 22nd
 - 
August 26th, 2025

Experience an Unparalleled Musical Journey in Florence

Musica Viva: Florence is a 10-day retreat for pianists, singers, and string players, designed for personal growth, artistic discovery, and meaningful connection. Set against the stunning backdrop of Florence, this immersive experience brings together an intimate number of musicians for private study, cultural exploration, and shared musical moments.

Why Attend & Who Should Apply

This retreat welcomes musicians of all levels — including amateurs, educators, college students, and professionals — who value deep learning, cultural curiosity, and artistic community.

If you’re seeking:

  • Personalized instruction
  • Inspiration from new surroundings
  • A supportive, collaborative environment
  • Space to reconnect with your craft

Musica Viva: Florence offers a truly enriching experience.

What Awaits You

Each day strikes a balance between focused music-making, immersive cultural activities, and time to connect with fellow musicians and faculty:

  • 🎻 Private Lessons – Receive up to four one-on-one lessons tailored to your goals with expert faculty.
  • 🎶 Chamber Music – Explore ensemble repertoire in informal, collaborative settings.
  • 💬 Artistic Conversations – Participate in thoughtful discussions on interpretation, performance, and musical heritage.
  • 🍷 Shared Meals – Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine and relaxed, communal dinners with the group.
  • 🏛 Cultural Activities – Take part in Italian language classes, historical dance workshops, wine tastings, cooking classes, and artisan experiences, deepening your connection to Florence’s rich heritage.

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Secure Your Spot
Location
Villa La Stella, Florence
Date & time
Full Session:
August 17th
 - 
August 26th, 2025
Session 1:
August 17th
 - 
August 21st, 2025
Session 2:
August 22nd
 - 
August 26th, 2025

Meet Your Instructors

Brent Chancellor
Brent Chancellor
Piano

Brent Chancellor is a versatile pianist, conductor, educator, and the Founding Artistic Director of the LUX Initiative. With a focus on inclusion and innovation, he has collaborated with Grammy-winning violinist Zach Brock and led orchestral projects that integrate diverse genres. Chancellor has held fellowships with the Allentown and Reading Symphony Orchestras, and served as Music Director for the Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra and Rutgers University Sinfonia.

Dr. Antonella Di Giulio
Dr. Antonella Di Giulio
Piano

Antonella Di Giulio is a pianist, music theorist, and educator with a Ph.D. in Music Theory and Historical Musicology. A sought-after pianist, lecturer and clinician, she has been a faculty member at various institutions, and is the founder of Musica IQ and Webpiano Academy. She is piano mentor at tonebase.

Antonio Mostacci
Antonio Mostacci
Cello

Antonio Mostacci is an esteemed cellist and professor at the Bologna Conservatory. He has performed globally in chamber ensembles, including with the Trio Cameristico Italiano and Trio di Mantova. A laureate of numerous international competitions, he collaborates with orchestras such as the Tiroler Festspiele and Camerata Montegral. His recordings include works by Vivaldi, Brahms, Boccherini, and contemporary Italian composers.

Aliaksandra Zebryna
Aliaksandra Zebryna
Violin/Viola

Aliaksandra Zebryna is a Belarusian violist who has performed with the National Opera of Minsk and the Philharmonic Orchestra of Modena. She has won multiple international awards and serves as a guest principal violist for various European ensembles. A dedicated educator, her students have gone on to win prestigious competitions. She plays a historic 1874 Gabriel Lemböck viola, courtesy of the Heselsteiner Family Foundation.

Dr. Carlos Conde
Dr. Carlos Conde
Voice

Carlos Conde is a celebrated bass-baritone who has performed with major opera houses worldwide, including San Francisco Opera and New York City Opera. He is best known for his roles in the Italian buffo tradition, particularly as Leporello in Don Giovanni and Figaro in Le nozze di Figaro. Conde has toured internationally and serves as a sought-after vocal coach and educator.

Christina Lamberti
Christina Lamberti
Voice

Christina Lamberti has had an international career as a lirico-spinto soprano, transitioning to dramatic mezzo roles. She has performed with Houston Grand Opera, San Francisco Opera, and the Estonian National Opera, excelling in roles such as Eboli (Don Carlo) and Amneris (Aida). A former Adler Fellow at San Francisco Opera, she has worked with legendary conductors and continues to be a distinguished recitalist and educator.

Dr. Robert Gjerdingen
Dr. Robert Gjerdingen
Music Theory/Composition

Robert Gjerdingen is a leading music theorist, best known for his research on historical pedagogy and schema theory. A Professor Emeritus at Northwestern University, his influential books Music in the Galant Style and Child Composers in the Old Conservatories have shaped contemporary understanding of 18th-century compositional training. He is a sought-after speaker and consultant for music institutions worldwide.

Mario Cassi
Mario Cassi
Voice

Mario Cassi is an acclaimed Italian baritone known for his versatility in opera. He gained recognition by winning the "Toti Dal Monte" and "Viotti" competitions in 2002 and the Zarzuela Prize at Plácido Domingo's "Operalia" in 2003. Cassi has performed in leading opera houses worldwide, including La Scala, Vienna State Opera, and Teatro Real, excelling in roles like Figaro in Il barbiere di Siviglia and Marcello in La Bohème. In 2017, he was named "Cavaliere della Repubblica Italiana" for his contributions to opera.

Olivier Cazal
Olivier Cazal
Piano

Olivier Cazal is a distinguished French pianist. He has been recognized in numerous international competitions, securing second prizes at the Maria Canals (1988), Concorso Busoni (1991), Long-Thibaud (1991), and Sydney International Piano Competition (1992). He also won first prize at the Premio de Jaén in 1993. His international career includes solo recitals, chamber music, and performances with various orchestras across over 50 countries. Notably, he recorded the complete piano works of Francis Poulenc for Naxos Records.

Dr. Derek Remeš
Dr. Derek Remeš
Music Theory/Composition

Derek Remeš is a music theorist and professor at TU Dortmund University, specializing in historical composition pedagogy. With degrees from Berklee College of Music and the Eastman School, his research focuses on partimento and 18th-century improvisation. A published scholar and editor of Music Theory and Analysis, he has presented his work internationally. Remeš is a leading expert in Bach’s compositional methods and regularly conducts workshops on historical improvisation.

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Main Event Activities

Learn about the activities that will be taking place.

Retreat Tracks

At Musica Viva: Florence, you can choose one of three flexible tracks based on your interests and goals. Whether you come as a solo musician or wish to explore chamber collaborations, this retreat is designed to meet you where you are. Small ensembles may form organically during the week, and private study is at the heart of every track.

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Vocal Track 🎤

For singers seeking personalized instruction, stylistic depth, and meaningful musical connection.

What to Expect:

  • Private Lessons – Up to 4 one-on-one lessons focused on vocal technique, interpretation, diction, and stylistic nuance
  • Collaborative Singing – Opportunities to sing with others in informal vocal ensembles and chamber groups
  • Workshops & Discussions – Daily explorations of historical vocal practices, ornamentation, phrasing, and musical rhetoric
  • Repertoire Focus – Italian early and classical repertoire, with space for individual project goals
  • Performance Opportunities – Share your work in intimate participant salons or informal group performances

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Instrumental Track 🎻🎹

For violinists, violists, cellists, and pianists interested in both solo and ensemble playing within a supportive, non-competitive environment.

What to Expect:

  • Private Lessons – Up to 4 individual lessons with faculty tailored to your personal goals
  • Optional Ensemble Work – Small chamber groups may be formed for those interested in collaboration
  • Workshops & Conversations – Topics include historical performance styles, partimento, galant style, and personal interpretation
  • Flexible Repertoire – Explore Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, or modern works through your own lens
  • Informal Performances – Opportunities to share solo or ensemble work in a relaxed, welcoming setting

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Chamber Collaboration Track 🎻🎹

For small ensembles (pre-formed or ad hoc) looking to grow together in a historically informed and artistically open setting.

What to Expect:

  • Ensemble Coaching – Up to 4 ensemble coachings per group with expert faculty
  • Individual Lessons – Each member also receives 2 private lessons to refine individual artistry
  • Repertoire – Choose your own repertoire or explore new repertoire together with faculty guidance
  • Daily Learning Sessions – Including interpretation, rehearsal techniques, and historical context
  • Group Performances – Share your progress with others in an informal, celebratory concert environment

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✨ Ways to Experience Musica Viva

Participants can choose the experience package that best suits their goals — whether you want to focus on music-making, cultural discovery, or both.

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🎻 Tier 1: Chamber & Vocal Ensemble Track (For Pre-Formed Groups)

Best for: Ensembles wanting intensive coaching and shared performance experiences

  • 4 ensemble coaching sessions
  • 2 individual lessons per member
  • Masterclasses and discussion sessions
  • Informal performance opportunities
  • Cultural programming included

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🎵 Tier 2: General Admission (For Individual Instrumentalists & Singers)

Best for: Musicians looking for a balance of personalized instruction and optional collaboration

  • 3 private lessons
  • Assigned to an ensemble (optional), or focus on solo repertoire
  • 3 ensemble/performance coachings
  • Daily workshops and group discussions
  • Opportunities to share your work in participant salons or concerts

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🎭 Tier 3: Full Retreat & Cultural Immersion Package

Best for: Those seeking the complete Florence experience — musical growth and deep cultural connection

Includes everything in Tier 2, plus:

  • 1 additional private lesson
  • Full Cultural Activities Package:
    • Italian language & diction workshop
    • Historical dance classes
    • Guided art/history tours
    • Tuscan wine tastings
    • Traditional cooking classes‍

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Where Do I Stay?

The Musica Viva: Florence Festival takes place at the beautiful Villa La Stella in Florence, Italy, where lectures, masterclasses, rehearsals, and meals are provided. Nestled in a scenic location, Villa La Stella offers a tranquil and inspiring environment for participants.

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Accommodation Details:

  • Lodging is not included in tuition fees.
  • A limited number of rooms is available on-site for participants.
  • If you're interested in securing a room, please indicate this in the intake form.

For additional details about Villa La Stella's facilities and services, visit their website here or refer to the FAQs below.

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Schedule of Events

What does a day at the event look like?

8:00 - 9:00 am | Breakfast

Start your day with a nourishing breakfast in the serene surroundings of Florence, where you can enjoy fresh, delicious options to fuel your body and mind. Whether you prefer a hearty meal or a light bite, this is the perfect time to connect with fellow musicians, exchange ideas, and prepare for the day ahead.

9:15 - 9:45 am | Morning Warm-Up & Technique Session

Begin each day with an energizing warm-up session focusing on physical and vocal technique. Led by expert instructors, these sessions enhance breath control, posture, and agility, setting the foundation for a productive day of music-making.

10:00 am - 12:00 pm | Masterclass & Ensemble Rehearsal

Participants engage in intensive masterclasses led by distinguished artists. Chamber and vocal ensembles will rehearse with faculty, refining technique, musicality, and performance style in preparation for festival concerts and competition rounds.

12:00 - 1:00 pm | Lunch

A midday break to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine, recharge, and discuss the morning’s sessions with fellow participants and mentors in a relaxed and inspiring setting.

1:00 - 2:00 pm | Sight-Reading & Historical Performance Workshops

Enhance your musicianship through interactive sight-reading training and historical performance practice. These sessions incorporate Renaissance and Baroque improvisation, ornamentation, and historical notation techniques.

2:30 - 4:00 pm | Specialized Masterclasses & Panel Discussions

Participants choose from a range of specialized workshops tailored to their interests, including historical performance, rhetorical analysis in music, and partimento improvisation. Scholars and performers share insights in interactive panel discussions.

4:30 - 7:00 pm | Cultural Explorations

Participants will also explore Florence's rich artistic and cultural history, visiting renowned landmarks such as the Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Pitti, Santa Maria del Fiore, and historic concert venues. Workshops and tours will provide insight into how Florence shaped Western music, art, and literature, deepening participants' understanding of Renaissance creativity and its modern-day influence.

Ready to invest in your passion?

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Join us for a week of learning and enrichment.

We look forward to hosting you!
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