Vivaldi Project

2012 Institute

• In the small space of four days, I have been challenged and stimulated in all of the best possible ways.  From the seeds that have been planted here, I will grow a new style of playing Baroque music which will be more creative and expressive.  I feel I have been given a set of tools with which to build a much bigger house to live in, but I also feel as though I have already outgrown my current home!  I am a better player than I was a week ago, despite being a seasoned chamber musician, soloist, and college professor.  As an added perk, I also gained a lot of new ideas for teaching my college students.  Liz and Stephanie are not just artists, they are communicators---both musical and verbal---and that is a rare and wonderful combination.  I highly recommend this class for teachers, even those with years of performing experience, who want to get beyond the cliches, and to grow artistically.  Marie-Aline Cadieux
• EMMI is a fantastic seminar on 18th-century string playing techniques.  The faculty (Liz, Stephanie, and Anne) are not only skilled and inspring performers but also have a knack for explaining complex concepts clearly and succinctly.  I'm inspired and looking forward to practicing!
• Liz and Stephanie have excellent insight into the interpretation and function of early performance practice and could give musical examples that supported their views.  The dance classes were a unique application to the music performance.  The close working relationship between the two was supported by the fact that Liz and Stephanie and Paige were all speaking the same vocabulary and taught with the same principals in mind. Jessica Hoffman
•  It was such a wonderful introduction, but yet so intelligent and deep. I want more! Would have loved more dance ---Stephanie's brain and delightful playing ---Elizabeth's brain and delightful playing ---Alexandra's wonderful humane gift. Marie-Elaine Gagnon
• Excellent.  [Liz and Stephanie] presented a thorough and broad range of perspectives that touched upon every aspect of performing and teaching the string lit. from the 18th century.  Great attitude. Packed with information. Balanced program. Pleasant atmosphere. Relaxed.  It was refreshing to spend four days with Liz and Stephanie.  Infectious enthusiasm, intelligent and scholarly approach to the music.  Thank you! 
• 10 on a scale of 1-10.  I enjoyed the rehearsals the most. I loved being able to discuss and play.  Trio sonata session was great! I could have even gone another day! Thank you for a fabulous week.  I am excited to be in this environment---great to have a hands on experience (vs. lecture).  And Stepahnie, Liz, and Anne have been so generous with their time, and their enthusiasm---has been an inspiration!  David Murray
• [Liz and Stephanie] covered a lot of material - and almost overwhelming amount - in a short time.  . . I wish I had prepared a piece for the master class.  I think it would be a good idea to encourage everyone to play if possible . . I could really hear the difference when the performers used suggestions from Stephanie and Liz.  . . At first I wasn't sure I waned to have a concert, but the concert was really fun, and it was nice to hear the feedback from the audience, and to hear what the other workshop participants had to say about the week.  All in all it was very enlightening, and I would return.  I really appreciate that Liz and Stephanie are respectful of musicians who don't choose to play in this way.  I have heard a lot of "period performers" who make derogatory comments about modern playing, and I love Stephanie and Liz's whole approach which is very open and inviting and non-judgemental.  AND THEY ARE BOTH FABLOSUTELY FABULOUS MUSICIANS. Madeleine Mckelvey
• [Liz and Stephanie] addressed [18th-century performance practice on modern instruments] very well.  And it is an important issue.  I would love to see courses from this POV in Universities throughout the country.  There are many people like myself, who could be very interested as long as they don't have to change instruments.  EMMI was truly mind-opening and enriching in a major way.  Liz and Stephanie not only have mastery of the subject matter, but they have the ability to articulate and communicate with empathy and sensitivity.  I look forward to continuing this musical exporation and also to continued dialogue and friendship.
•  I highly recommend this course for those who are curious about the way they have been taught to play in the Baroque style.  I promise you will come away with new ideas, and a continued interest in seeking and perfecting  a more correct way to play in this style.  . . . Performance is te best way to learn.  The masterclass and performing together with feedback during the orchestra sessions was very good. 

 

 

 

 

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