Introduction
The Master of Arts in Classical String Performance is a one-year, full-time programme, which may be extended over two years at the discretion of the course leader and studio masters. The programme offers advanced tuition in violin, viola, cello and double bass as well as coaching in the repertoire of chamber music and string chamber orchestra. The programme also welcomes applications from pianists who particularly wish to engage with string chamber music repertoire.
The MA in Classical String Performance exists within a highly specialised interdisciplinary context, which allows this unique programme to operate beyond the normal parameters of the conservatoire or university music department environment. While maintaining the continuation of the well-known string playing traditions the programme also aims to cater for the emerging needs of musicians entering into the global cultural life of the 21st century.
The exceptionally high quality of teaching by distinguished internationally renowned faculty as well as the excellent facilities offered by the University of Limerick campus provides students with ideal conditions in which to prepare for international competitions, auditions and professional life in classical music performance.
The Irish World Academy Strings ‘Academos’ – is operated as a professional string orchestra in association with its parent body the Irish Chamber Orchestra. The presence of the Irish Chamber Orchestra on the University of Limerick campus gives young string players insight into the professional world and experience of an internationally acclaimed chamber ensemble.
The MA programme also benefits from long time partnership with MusicaEuropa (Italy) organising the World Youth Orchestra and the International Festival of Young Musicians. This project, created in collaboration with key international partnerships, won the European Union competition for culture every year since 2001.
In recent years the international student group is gathered from many parts of the world including Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, Malaysia, United Kingdom, Italy, France, Spain, Romania, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Ireland. Visiting tutors and ensembles have included Mauricio Fuks, George Pauk, Isobel Faust, Duncan McTier, Hugh Maguire, Mihai Dancila, the RTE Vanbrugh String Quartet, Fidelio Trio, and the Xenia Ensemble.
Faculty:
- Course Director/Cello: Ferenc Szucs
- Visiting Professor of Violin: Mariana Sirbu
- Visiting Professor of Viola: Bruno Giuranna
(www.giuranna.it | brgiuranna@gmail.com) - Visiting Professor of Double Bass: Michael Wolf
(www.wolfbass.com | michael_wolf@online.ms)
18 February, 2008
