PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL – ITALY August 1 – 11, 2027
PIMF Vanoli-Cremona
August 1 – 11, 2027
Cremona, Italy
The Philadelphia International Music Festival is an intensive classical music training program created in 1997 to provide a setting for young musicians to study with principal players and other members of The Philadelphia Orchestra. The program, co-founded by Sandy Marcucci and Kimberly Fisher, Principal Second Violin of The Philadelphia Orchestra, began as a six-day program for local musicians. It soon blossomed into a four-week summer festival hosting students from throughout the United States and around the globe and now includes winter programming as well. In 2021, PIMF added to its myriad programming “Music in the Mansion”―a winter solo performance intensive for advanced string players held annually at the luxurious Casa Tranquila Estate in Miami, Florida, where students study with members of The Philadelphia Orchestra to prepare for upcoming solo performances and competitions. That popular program underpins the new PIMF Vanoli-Cremona Music Festival in Italy, which started in the Summer of 2025, for piano and string musicians. Students work with faculty from The Philadelphia Orchestra and the Curtis Institute of Music and deepen their musical connection with explorations of this fascinating and historic part of the world.
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PIMF Vanoli-Cremona
August 1 – 11, 2027
Cremona, Italy
Cremona Violin Museum | Museo del Violino di Cremona
TABLE OF CONTENTS STUDENT TOUR ............................................................................. 1 FRIENDS & FAMILY TOUR ........................................................... 2 BERGAMO ......................................................................................... 3 VERONA ............................................................................................ 5 MANTOVA ........................................................................................ 7 L’ALBERETA SPA AND WINERY .................................................. 9 BRESCIA ........................................................................................... 11 CREMONA ....................................................................................... 13 LAKE GARDA AND SIRMIONE .................................................... 15 BRENTA DOLOMITES .................................................................. 17 PIMF VANOLI-CREMONA FACULTY ......................................... 19 PIMF “MUSIC IN THE MANSION”.............................. Back Cover A program of Sandy Marcucci International Camps, Inc. Powered by BeyondPerformanceGroup.com ii
PIMF Vanoli-Cremona
August 1 – 11, 2027
Travel Itinerary
Cremona, Italy
STUDENT TOUR FLIGHT #: AA 298 ARRIVAL: AUGUST 2, 2027
AUGUST 2
AUGUST 3
AUGUST 4 – AUGUST 7
MORNING:
Arrival at Milan Malpensa International Airport
AFTERNOON:
Explore the historic “two-tiered” city of Bergamo
EVENING:
Check-in to the Hotel Impero Cremona and Welcome Dinner
MORNING:
Breakfast
AFTERNOON:
Discover the exquisite beauty of Verona—The setting of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”
EVENING:
Late Dinner
MORNING:
Breakfast
AFTERNOON: EVENING:
AUGUST 8
AUGUST 9
AUGUST 10
HOTEL: HOTEL IMPERO CREMONA DEPARTURE: AUGUST 11, 2027
Vanoli Cremona Music Festival with members of The Philadelphia Orchestra Evening Performances/Masterclasses and Dinner
MORNING:
Breakfast
AFTERNOON:
Vanoli Cremona Music Festival with members of The Philadelphia Orchestra; prepare for Grand Finale Performance
EVENING:
PIMF-Vanoli Cremona Music Festival Grand Finale Performance and Dinner
MORNING:
Breakfast
AFTERNOON:
Explore the beauty of Simione on Lake Garda—home to the ancient Castello Scagliero di Sirmione fortress
EVENING:
Farewell Dinner at the Ponchielli Opera House, Cremona
MORNING:
Breakfast
AFTERNOON:
Choice: Free day in Cremona or add-on trip to explore the uniquely isolated and stunning Brenta Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
EVENING:
Dinner on your own—Enjoy your final night in Italy your way! 1
PIMF Vanoli-Cremona
August 1 – 11, 2027
Travel Itinerary
Cremona, Italy
FRIENDS & FAMILY TOUR FLIGHT #: AA 298 ARRIVAL: AUGUST 2, 2027
AUGUST 2
AUGUST 3
HOTEL: HOTEL IMPERO CREMONA DEPARTURE: AUGUST 11, 2027
MORNING:
Arrival at Milan Malpensa International Airport
AFTERNOON:
Together with PIMF-Vanoli Cremona Music Festival students, explore the historic “two-tiered” city of Bergamo
EVENING:
Check-in to the Hotel Impero Cremona and Welcome Dinner
MORNING:
Breakfast
AFTERNOON:
Together with PIMF-Vanoli Cremona Music Festival students, discover the exquisite beauty of Verona—The setting of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”
EVENING:
Late Dinner
AUGUST 4
Day trip to the historic Renaissance city of Mantova
AUGUST 5 - 6
Overnight stay at the Luxurious L’Albereta Spa and Winery in Erbusco, Italy.
AUGUST 7
AUGUST 8
AUGUST 9
AUGUST 10
Day trip to Brescia - the “Lioness of Italy” MORNING:
Breakfast
AFTERNOON:
Explore Cremona, the City of Violins, as PIMF-Vanoli Cremona Music Festival students prepare for the Grand Finale Performance
EVENING:
PIMF-Vanoli Cremona Music Festival Grand Finale Performance and Dinner
MORNING:
Breakfast
AFTERNOON:
Together with PIMF-Vanoli Cremona Music Festival students, explore the splendor of Simione on Lake Garda—home to the ancient Castello Scagliero di Sirmione fortress
EVENING:
Farewell Dinner at the Ponchielli Opera House, Cremona
MORNING:
Breakfast
AFTERNOON:
Choice: Free day in Cremona or add-on trip to explore the uniquely isolated Brenta Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
EVENING:
Dinner on your own—Enjoy your final night in Italy your way! 2
PIMF Vanoli-Cremona
August 1 – 11, 2027
Cremona, Italy
BERGAMO “Upper city allure meets alpine gateway elegance!” Known as the “City of the Two Cities,” Bergamo seamlessly splits into the historic Città Alta perched high above, and the sleek Città Bassa below. Gliding up on the century-old funicular brings you straight to cobblestone streets enclosed within the 16th-century Venetian Walls—a UNESCO World Heritage site. At the center lies Piazza Vecchia, flanked by the Romanesque Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and the marble-clad Colleoni Chapel. Between discovering the legacy of bel canto opera master Gaetano Donizetti and exploring fine art collections at the Accademia Carrara Museum, you can pause for a bowl of traditional casoncelli pasta or grab a scoop of authentic stracciatella gelato—invented right here in the heart of the high city! 3
PIMF Vanoli-Cremona
August 1 – 11, 2027
Day Trip to Bergamo
Cremona, Italy
August 2, 2027
(Approx. 1 hour and 15 minutes drive) ~10:05 AM Arrival at Malpensa Airport. Orientation on board for exploring Bergamo. 12:00 PM Departure via coach from Malpensa Airport for the historic city of Bergamo—a fan favorite for history and beauty lovers. You will enjoy a scrumptious Italian Schiscetta (with wine for Friends & Family!) to eat along the way. 1:15 PM Arrival at Bergamo for guided tour. 6:15 PM Departure from Bergamo for Cremona. ~ 7:30 PM Arrival and check-in to rooms at Hotel Impero Cremona. 8:30 PM Welcome Dinner in Cremona.
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PIMF Vanoli-Cremona
August 1 – 11, 2027
Cremona, Italy
VERONA “The Little Rome” Visiting Verona—which is your favorite era? Its arena is as spectacular as Rome's Colosseum and possibly better-preserved, with most of its original seating and exterior arches from 30 AD. Step into the elegance of Renaissance Italy in this extraordinary historic city of grand palaces, picturesque piazzas, and timeless Italian charm. Such romance Shakespeare chose it for Romeo and Juliet for good reason—and the Centro Storico (historic center) drips with atmosphere.
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PIMF Vanoli-Cremona
August 1 – 11, 2027
Day Trip to Verona
Cremona, Italy
August 3, 2027
(Approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes drive) 7:00 – 7:45 AM Breakfast at Hotel Impero Cremona. 8:00 AM Departure from Cremona to Verona. 9:30 AM Arrival in Verona. 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM Guided tour of the historic center + Arena entrance. Led by a licensed tour guide, covering the city’s most iconic landmarks: Piazza Bra, Via Mazzini, Piazza Erbe, Piazza dei Signori, courtyards, and views of Roman and medieval Verona. An interior visit of the Verona Arena amphitheater, with a historical explanation. 12:30 – 2:00 PM Enjoy lunch in the city center, just a short walk from the main points of interest. 2:00 – 5:30 PM Enjoy your time exploring Verona! Pro Tip # 1: Juliet’s Balcony is VERY popular, so allow time! Just a few blocks away is the very photogenic Porta Borsari, an arched limestone gate that dates to the 1st-century (FIRST!) and served as the main entrance to the city. Pro Tip # 2: Stroll across the river to Giardino Giusti, the splendid gardens around the palazzo of a 15th-century wool merchant. It’s a €13 ticket but a lush way to end the day. Add-On Option for History Lovers: Exclusive archaeological experience. Meet with a local archaeologist for a guided activity inside the underground archaeological area of Corte Sgarzerie, exceptionally opened for the group. The site preserves the remains of the Roman Capitolium, the main temple of ancient Verona, now visible beneath the current street level. 6:00 PM Departure from Verona to Cremona. ~ 7:30 PM Arrival at Hotel Impero Cremona. 8:00 PM Group dinner in Cremona.
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PIMF Vanoli-Cremona
August 1 – 11, 2027
Cremona, Italy
MANTOVA “Where Renaissance romance floats on the water!” Embraced on three sides by serene, lotus-covered lakes, Mantua (Mantova) feels like an idyllic floating realm straight out of a storybook. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it stands as a testament to the grand vision of the Gonzaga dynasty and Renaissance genius Giulio Romano. Wander through the colossal Palazzo Ducale, featuring Andrea Mantegna’s breathtaking Camera degli Sposi frescoes, or step into the whimsical Mannerist architecture of Palazzo Te with its dramatic Room of the Giants. Centered around medieval piazze, ancient Romanesque towers, and literary ties to Virgil and Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Mantova serves up equal parts history, romance, and local delicacies like pumpkin-filled tortelli di zucca and crumbly sbrisolona cake.
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PIMF Vanoli-Cremona
August 1 – 11, 2027
Day Trip to Mantova
Cremona, Italy
August 4, 2027
(Approx. 1 hour and 15 minutes drive) 7:00 – 8:15 AM Breakfast at Hotel Impero Cremona. 8:30 AM Departure from Cremona for Mantova. 10:00 AM Arrival in Mantova. 10:30 AM Guided tour in Mantova. 1:00 PM Enjoy lunch and exploring this stunning Renaissance city. 6:30 PM Departure from Mantova to Cremona. ~8:00 PM Arrival at Hotel Impero Cremona. 8:30 PM Group dinner in Cremona.
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PIMF Vanoli-Cremona
August 1 – 11, 2027
Cremona, Italy
L’ALBERETA SPA AND WINERY Family & Friends “go ham” on the dolce vita (or is that go prosciutto?) at L’Albereta Spa and Winery. Perched atop an idyllic mountain vineyard, its natural outdoor beauty lets you soak in the warm sun and vista views, the smorgasbord of Italian food and wine treats, with a giant indoor pool, sauna, steam room and spa. The pampering. The luxury. The glamour. Try to keep the details to yourselves afterwards because mere mortals may not be able to handle it.
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PIMF Vanoli-Cremona
August 1 – 11, 2027
Cremona, Italy
Overnight Trip to L’Albereta Spa and Winery
August 5 – 6, 2027
(Approx. 1-hour drive) August 5 7:00 – 8:45 AM Breakfast at Hotel Impero Cremona. 9:00 AM Departure from Cremona to L’Albereta Spa and Winery. 10:00 AM Arrival at L’Albereta Spa and Winery; store overnight bags and review resort offerings. 11:00 AM Winery Tour at L’Albereta Winery. 12:30 PM Enjoy lunch—choose any one of the spa's restaurants for a scrumptious lunch before enjoying the myriad options offered on-site! 3:00 PM Check-in to rooms at L’Albereta Spa.
Lunch and dinner are “on your own” for the first day at L’Albereta, as are spa treatments. Enjoy the pool throughout your visit and even after checkout on Friday (luggage will be stored). You may explore the area around the resort independently by cab.
August 6 7:00 – 9:00 AM Breakfast at L’Albereta Spa 9:00 AM Relax by the pool or indulge yourself in the many offerings at this world-class spa. 12:00 PM Check-out from rooms at L'Albereta Spa. Baggage will be stored. Lunch is on your own, so try another culinary delight before continuing your relaxed day at one of Northern Italy’s most acclaimed health spas! 5:00 PM Departure from L’Albereta Spa and Winery for Cremona. ~ 6:00 PM Arrival at Hotel Impero Cremona. 8:00 PM Group dinner in Cremona.
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PIMF Vanoli-Cremona
August 1 – 11, 2027
Cremona, Italy
BRESCIA “Hidden gem!” | “Authentic Italy without the crowds!” Click-bait headlines like these are actually accurate descriptions of Brescia, an underrated mix of Roman heritage and Renaissance architecture smackdab in the middle of northern Italy's food and wine belt. It's home to the impressive Archaeological Park of Brixia, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Santa Giulia Museum, a former Benedictine monastery that now showcases 11,000 years of history (not a typo!). Brescia's beautiful piazze are lively and lovely examples of architecture from medieval, Renaissance, and Art Deco periods, and the perfect setting for a meal in the city's iconic slow food style, a refreshing flute of the local Franciacorta bubbly, or just a scoop of gelato while watching the cityscape unfold.
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PIMF Vanoli-Cremona
August 1 – 11, 2027
Cremona, Italy
Day Trip to Brescia
August 7, 2027
(Approx. 1-hour drive) 7:00 – 8:15 AM Breakfast at Hotel Impero Cremona. 8:30 AM Departure from Cremona for Brescia. 10:00 AM Arrival in Brescia for guided tour. 1:00 PM Lunch and time to explore the architectural delights of Brescia. 7:00 PM Departure from Brescia to Cremona. ~8:00 PM Arrival at Hotel Impero Cremona. 8:30 PM Group dinner in Cremona.
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PIMF Vanoli-Cremona
August 1 – 11, 2027
Cremona, Italy
CREMONA Festival participants will be working hard at polishing their skills and improving their technique and becoming true Cremonese for most of the week. In between lessons, practice, rehearsals and performances, they’ll explore this compact capital of violins with an insider tour of a lutherie, getting up close to unpriceable instruments, researching every gelato flavor on offer, and vibing with music history with every step.
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PIMF Vanoli-Cremona
August 1 – 11, 2027
Cremona/Soncino: Grand Finale Day
Cremona, Italy
August 8, 2027
7:00 – 8:15 AM Breakfast at Hotel Impero Cremona. 8:30 AM Explore Cremona—the Violin Capitol of the World—while students prepare for the afternoon Grand Finale. Be sure not to miss the shopping district! It's “delicious!” 12:00 PM Lunch on your own in the “City of Violins”. 3:30 PM Departure from Cremona for Chiesa di San Giacomo in Soncino. 4:30 PM Grand Finale Performance at Chiesa di San Giacomo. 8:00 PM Grand Finale Dinner in Soncino. 9:30 PM Departure from Soncino for Cremona. ~10:15 PM Arrival at Hotel Impero Cremona.
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PIMF Vanoli-Cremona
August 1 – 11, 2027
Cremona, Italy
LAKE GARDA AND SIRMIONE This “pearl of Garda” is perched on the tip of a long, narrow peninsula in the southern part of Lake Garda. Castello Scaligero di Sirmione is a fortress that dates back to the 14th century and one of Italy’s best-preserved castles and unavoidable when entering this jewel, as you have to walk across a bridge that spans its moat to enter Sirmione. The views from the castle walls (coming straight up out of the water) or from its tower (leg day but worth it) are dizzying and divine! In addition to yet another charming old town, Sirmione boasts the Grotte de Catullus, a 1st century BC Roman villa that’s still an active archeological site, which may be the home Catullus wrote about, but it may be more famous for a scene filmed with Timothée Chalamet for 2017’s “Call Me By Your Name.” Sirmione has beaches lined with rocks (or actual slabs of rock!) and thermal spas where you can relax and soak like the Romans did. 15
PIMF Vanoli-Cremona
August 1 – 11, 2027
Day Trip to Lake Garda/Sirmione
Cremona, Italy
August 9, 2027
(Approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes drive) 7:00 – 8:45 AM Breakfast at Hotel Impero Cremona. 9:00 AM Departure from Cremona for Sirmione. 10:30 AM Arrival in Sirmione. Enjoy exploring “The Pearl of Lake Garda”. 1:00 PM Lunch on your own in Sirmione. 2:00 PM Continue exploring the city of endless beauty. Be sure not to miss the ancient Roman ruins—just a short walk from the charming shopping district! 6:30 PM Departure from Sirmione for Cremona. ~ 8:00 PM Arrival at Hotel Impero Cremona. 8:30 PM Farewell Dinner at the Ponchielli Opera House, Cremona.
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PIMF Vanoli-Cremona
August 1 – 11, 2027
Cremona, Italy
BRENTA DOLOMITES “Sheer peaks, alpine lakes, and dramatic limestone spires!” Rising dramatically to the west of the Adige River, the Brenta Dolomites (Dolomiti di Brenta) offer one of the most breathtaking alpine landscapes in all of Europe. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage area, this distinct mountain group is famous for its towering rock monoliths—like the legendary needle-like Campanile Basso—and its rich wildlife within the protected Parco Naturale Adamello Brenta. As the birthplace of the historic Via delle Bocchette iron-rung climbing trails, these jagged peaks overlook turquoise mountain waters like Lake Molveno and chic alpine resorts like Madonna di Campiglio. Whether soaking in panoramic views from highmountain rifugi or exploring pine-scented valleys, the Brenta range delivers pure mountain magic. 17
PIMF Vanoli-Cremona
August 1 – 11, 2027
Cremona or Add-On Day Trip to Brenta Dolomites
Cremona, Italy
August 10, 2027
Free Day in Historic Cremona 7:00 – 8:15 AM Breakfast at Hotel Impero Cremona. 8:30 AM Explore Cremona—the Violin Capitol of the World. 1:00 PM Lunch on your own in Cremona. Afternoon Continue exploring the historic city of Cremona. If you have yet to climb the Cathedral Torrazzo, now is the time—you get stunning panoramic views of Cremona. Another fun to-do is visit the Museo del Violino (Violin Museum), which houses the world's largest collection of Stradivari's original workshop artifacts, tools, and molds. The museum's core collection houses several notable Stradivari instruments—including the famous 1715 "Cremonese" violin— alongside works by the Amati and Guarneri families. 8:30 PM Dinner on your own in Cremona—Enjoy your last night in Italy your way!
Optional: Add-On Day Trip to Stunning Brenta Dolomite Mountains (Approx. 2 hour and 30 minutes drive) 7:00 – 7:30 AM Quick Breakfast at Hotel Impero Cremona. 7:30 AM Departure from Cremona for Brenta Dolomites. 10:00 AM Arrival at Brenta Dolomites for guided tour. 1:00 PM Lunch on your own in Brenta. 2:00 PM Enjoy exploring the splendor of the unique isolated Brenta Dolomites. 5:30 PM Departure from Brenta Dolomites to Cremona. ~8:00 PM Arrival at Hotel Impero Cremona. 8:30 PM Dinner on your own in Cremona—Enjoy your last night in Italy your way! 18
PIMF Vanoli-Cremona
August 1 – 11, 2027
Cremona, Italy
PIMF VANOLI-CREMONA FACULTY Kimberly Fisher joined The Philadelphia Orchestra in 1992 and became principal second violin in 2002. She has appeared as soloist with numerous orchestras, including repeatedly with The Philadelphia Orchestra (her debut was in February 2002), and the Vancouver and Victoria symphonies in Canada. As a recitalist and chamber musician she has performed across the United States and Canada, and in many countries in Europe, Asia, and South America in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Mogador Theater in Paris, the Kimmel Center, and the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, and in collaborations with internationally renowned artists such as Wolfgang Sawallisch, Christoph Eschenbach, and Jean-Yves Thibaudet, and many others. Ms. Fisher has been awarded multiple Canada Council grants and was invited to perform as soloist at the Governor General’s concert in Canada. She has been featured on National Canadian Radio and on Canada’s CBC television. Her teachers included her father, Lawrence Fisher; Yumi Ninomiya Scott; Aaron Rosand; David Cerone; and Jascha Brodsky. In 2017 she received The Philadelphia Orchestra’s C. Hartman Kuhn Award, given annually to “the member of The Philadelphia Orchestra who has shown ability and enterprise of such character as to enhance the standards and the reputation of The Philadelphia Orchestra.” In 1997 Ms. Fisher co-founded the Philadelphia International Music Festival (PIMF), a highly successful summer music program in residence at Bryn Mawr College, to encourage and inspire musicians of all levels. Originally just for string players, the Festival now includes all symphonic instruments plus piano and features innovative specialty programs to help students prepare for auditions, improve practice, and address performance issues. PIMF includes students of all ages and all levels who attend from around the world to study privately with musicians of The Philadelphia Orchestra. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, PIMF was one of the first music programs to successfully adapt to virtual access to master classes, lessons, and full summer camp for students. Ms. Fisher is an active pedagogue whose students have performed as soloists with major orchestras, have attended distinguished music conservatories, are members of professional orchestras, and have won many awards and competitions. Her energetic, communicative teaching style has led to invitations to present master classes, lessons, and seminars around the world. John Koen has been a member of The Philadelphia Orchestra since 1990. He was promoted to Acting Assistant Principal, and then Acting Associate Principal Cello from 2011 to 2016. He graduated from The Curtis Institute of Music, where he studied with David Soyer and Peter Wiley of the Guarneri Quartet. He has collaborated in chamber music with Emanuel Ax, Joshua Bell, Christoph Eschenbach, Stephen Hough, Lang Lang, Wolfgang Sawallisch, JeanYves Thibaudet, and many others. 19
PIMF Vanoli-Cremona
August 1 – 11, 2027
Cremona, Italy
PIMF VANOLI-CREMONA FACULTY Mr. Koen became the Music Director of the Philadelphia Chamber Ensemble in 2022. He performs as a recitalist and as a soloist with orchestras across America as well as in Europe. He has given master classes in universities from Seoul to Sofia and has been artist faculty at Temple University since 2006. His recording of "Seven Mad Gods" by Robert Maggio was nominated for GLAAMA’s "Best Instrumental Performance.” He received the C. Hartman Kuhn award from The Philadelphia Orchestra for “a musician who has shown both musical ability and enterprise of such character as to enhance the musical standards and reputation of The Philadelphia Orchestra.” His interests include reading, languages, traveling, food and health, technology, and playing with his two cats. GRAMMY Award winning pianist Mark Livshits is one of the most highly sought after soloists and chamber musicians in Philadelphia. He appears frequently in concert with members of the Philadelphia Orchestra, as well as with the orchestra as a substitute in the keyboard section. In addition to performances at the Salzburg Festival, solo recitals at the Shanghai Oriental Arts Center, and Bilbao Philharmonic Society, Dr. Livshits has also worked closely with musicians such as Yannick Nezet Seguin, Stephane Denève, Michael Tilson Thomas, Nikolaj Znaider, Nathalie Stutzman, Leonidas Kovakos, Gil Shaham, Lynn Harrell, Midori, Christoph Eschenbach, Alisa Weilerstein, Measha Brueggergosman, Daniel Lozakovich, Dave Brubeck and Deutsche Grammophon recording artist, YeEun Choi under the auspices of IMG Artists and the Anne-Sophie Mutter Foundation. In 2015, he was called to replace Yannick Nezet-Seguin in a chamber music performance of Brahms Third Quartet for Piano and Strings with members from the Philadelphia Orchestra and has been invited to perform in chamber programs with members of the orchestra since then. He is often called to play orchestral piano in the orchestra as well. Dr. Livshits has received invitations to perform for dignitaries such as Secretary of State Colin Powell and President Joe Biden. Dr. Livshits currently serves on faculty as the head of collaborative piano at the University of Delaware and as staff pianist at the Curtis Institute of Music. He also serves on the faculty at the Philadelphia International Music Festival. Mark Livshits is a Steinway Artist.
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PIMF Vanoli-Cremona
August 1 – 11, 2027
Cremona, Italy
PIMF “Music in the Mansion” Winter Solo Performance Intensive
December 28, 2026 – January 2, 2027
MIAMI, FL (DECEMBER 28, 2026–JANUARY 2, 2027) ― One of PIMF’s most popular programs EVER is the winter break intensive for strings at Miami’s beautiful Casa Tranquilla estate. Designed for advanced string players 13-19 years of age preparing for upcoming solo performances and competitions, this unique mini-camp gathers twenty-five talented young musicians to rev up their skills and start the new year on a high note. Days are packed with a laser focus on skill building and technique refinement, while the evenings are opportunities to perform and be challenged in Master Classes. This program includes: four private lessons, daily 30-minute workout sessions with assigned faculty accompanists, daily hourlong solo performance classes, five hours of required daily private practice, and a week-ending Grand Finale Recital. The mansion offers indoor and outdoor spaces for private lessons and studio classes with faculty that include Kimberly Fisher (Principal Second Violin, The Philadelphia Orchestra), Richard Amoroso (violin, The Philadelphia Orchestra), and John Koen (cello, The Philadelphia Orchestra), as well as daily workouts and coaching sessions with piano accompanists. And throughout, a spectacular gourmet menu, complete with daily High Tea prepared by a gourmet chef, in a world of elegance and pampering to elevate young musicians’ entire educational experience. In an entirely new way to study their craft, Music in Mansion surrounds them with beauty and excellence so the only thing they need to focus on is performance. String players are invited to start 2027 with fresh insights and inspiration, new connections, and glowing memories. Music in the Mansion fills to capacity each season, so early auditions are advised.