Cortona Sessions for New Music

PROGRAMS

The Cortona Sessions offers four ways for both musicians and music lovers to attend the Sessions and enjoy two weeks of la dolce vita!

The composition program at the Cortona Sessions is designed for composers at both university and professional levels. Composers attending the Sessions will receive world premiere performances and make connections leading to future commissions, collaborations, and performances of their music. In addition, composers will receive private and group coachings from our composition faculty and have the opportunity to present their music and philosophy to their peers. All composers also enjoy the opportunity to participate in the annual Iron Composer Competition. Click here for more info!

The performance program at the Cortona Sessions is designed both for performers with an existing passion for new music, and for performers seeking to develop their understanding and appreciation for new music. Performers receive private coachings and masterclasses on both premiere and standard repertoire, and have the opportunity to compete in the Cortona Sessions Contemporary Performance Competition. The winner receives a cash prize and the opportunity to commission a Cortona composer, sponsored by the Sessions. All performers will have multiple opportunities to perform throughout the Sessions. Click here for more info!

 

Beginning in 2015, the Cortona Sessions will further its mission to promote and encourage contemporary chamber music through its Contemporary Chamber Music Initiative and the Cortona Saxophone Sessions. The CCMI will provide financial assistance for pre-formed ensembles to attend the Cortona Sessions, allowing them to have new works written for their instrumentations, and to perform in mixed groups with other participants and Sessions faculty. The Cortona Saxophone Sessions are a one-year initiative to encourage students wishing to attend the World Saxophone Congress following the Sessions. The Saxophone Sessions are an 8-day intensive with the h2 Quartet that will provide coaching, performance opportunities, and premiere concerts with Sessions composers.

The auditor program at the Cortona Sessions is intended for performers who want to attend the festival without the pressure of performance, or for composers wanting to make connections and learn from lectures and concert presentation without receiving premiere performances during the Sessions. Auditors can enjoy all aspects of the festival, and are free to sit-in on any and all lessons, coaching, lectures, and rehearsals, as well as attend all festival events. Click here for more info!

The groupie program at the Cortona Sessions is for anyone who simply wants to spend two weeks in Cortona and enjoy amazing new music alongside the beauty of Cortona. This is specially designed for partners/spouses of participants and all lovers of new music! Groupies are invited to attend all performances and lectures and also able to enjoy other festival events like the Florence day-trip, banquet dinners, and wine tour. Click here for more info