The Musikplattform regularly organises workshops in the form of a masterclass or a weekend course. Pieces of music are often listened to and discussed together as a group. The courses are suitable for every level.
On 15 and 16 October 2016 we organised another piano weekend. This time Patrizio Mazzola joined us as teacher; alongside his work as a soloist he also teaches at the Bern University of the Arts and the Lucerne School of Music.
Over the piano weekend, a wide variety of pieces were listened to and discussed as a group in 45-minute lessons. Attention was paid to clean pedalling, suitable fingerings and clear part-writing. Staying "in contact with the keys" was also specifically addressed.
The large turnout and positive feedback reflect the success of the weekend.
The Musikplattform's first masterclass was organised in cooperation with the SWISS CHAMBER CONCERTS and was aimed at pianists. In André Desponds, lecturer in improvisation and chamber music at the ZHdK, participants had a first-class musician and a friendly teacher at their disposal for a whole weekend.
The participants first performed their prepared pieces to the group. André Desponds gave tips and tricks for mastering difficult passages, addressed pedal technique and introduced various exercises. Hand, body and eye movements were analysed and possible improvements pointed out.
Participants then always had the opportunity to practise the techniques covered in their own practice room and to refine their pieces. Alongside the music and the pleasant atmosphere of the Musikschule Zollikon, the culinary side was not neglected either. A demanding but interesting and instructive weekend ended with an excursion into jazz improvisation late on the Sunday afternoon.
The SWISS CHAMBER CONCERTS are a Switzerland-wide forum for chamber music. Leading musicians from across the country perform with renowned guests from abroad in a national concert series in Basel, Geneva, Lugano and Zurich. Five to six concerts are held per season at these four locations, along with guest concerts and tours at home and abroad as well as regular appearances at well-known festivals.
As the flexible ensemble of the concert series, the SWISS CHAMBER SOLOISTS are known not only for exemplary interpretations of famous chamber works but also for their bold programming. Besides several world and first performances each year, they produce widely noted CD recordings for labels such as ECM, Neos, Claves and Genuin.
More information about SCC: www.swisschamberconcerts.ch