Bratislava Music Agency
Záhumenská 3/A
841 06 Bratislava 4
Slovakia
International Youth Music Festival I. 2014
July 10 - 13, 2014, Bratislava
July 10 - 13, 2014, Bratislava
Ensembles
Scala Ensemble
Netherlands
The Scala ensemble is the stepping stone to the Arcato ensemble. It consists of young, motivated string players who do not yet meet the 'Arcato level'. Within the Scala ensemble they are given the opportunity to develop further. The ensemble plays without a conductor. In the Scala ensemble, the young musicians learn to look and listen to others. As a result, playing together also has an important social function. They learn to pay atention to each other, to give each other space, and to deal with each other's qualities and weaknesses. In this way, a healthy discipline gradually develops, which is necessary to achieve the same goal together. Every now and then, the Scala members have the opportunity to join the Arcato ensemble, and gain experience in playing under a conductor. After such a project, the members of Scala have progressed by leaps and bounds. In this way, the flow to the Arcato ensemble comes closer. The Arcato ensemble is a youth orchestra for musically gifted string players from Zutphen and the surrounding area. The ensemble offers its members both musical and technical challenges. The violinists alternately play first and second violin parts. The role of concertmaster is also fulfilled on a varying basis. In addition, it is possible for violinists to learn to play the viola within the ensemble. There is no age limit, but there is a minimum level. As a result, maximum quality of teamwork and fun can be achieved. The choice of repertoire takes into account the qualities and development of the individual players. The choice preferably falls on authentic, non-simplified compositions. In addition to the well-known compositions for string orchestra, we also want to introduce the ensemble and the audience to the less "standard" repertoire. This choice ensures that the members can develop themselves broadly and develop their own musical taste.
Petra Westra
Conductor / Leader
This year, the Arcato Foundation has been working with violin pedagogue Petra Westra (1972) for 25 years. Our vision is therefore inextricably intertwined with her vision of musical development. Now that the orchestras have been in existence for 25 years, we can safely say that a whole generation of string players has grown up, who have been able to develop themselves musically and socially on the basis of Petra Westra's vision. "Together with the children from the three youth ensembles of the Arcato Foundation, I have been working on music as a connecting language for 25 years. I am convinced that making and experiencing music is healthy for the mind, the soul and the body. I want to tell parents and children how much music matters for development, togetherness and happiness." Fun, respect (in the broadest sense), willpower, social safety and being seen are characteristic of our working method and atmosphere that Petra brings. This year, the Arcato Foundation has been working with violin pedagogue Petra Westra (1972) for 25 years. Our vision is therefore inextricably intertwined with her vision of musical development. Now that the orchestras have been in existence for 25 years, we can safely say that a whole generation of string players has grown up, who have been able to develop themselves musically and socially on the basis of Petra Westra's vision. "Together with the children from the three youth ensembles of the Arcato Foundation, I have been working on music as a connecting language for 25 years. I am convinced that making and experiencing music is healthy for the mind, the soul and the body. I want to tell parents and children how much music matters for development, togetherness and happiness." Fun, respect (in the broadest sense), willpower, social safety and being seen are characteristic of our working method and atmosphere that Petra brings. Jan van der Place "Music stands for connecting, bringing different people together." That is what Jan van der Plas (1997) wants to convey in his music. As a conductor, he wants people to play together with compassion and energy. Jan has been a guest player with Amsterdam Sinfonietta and performs with his Duo Saraswati (duosaraswati.nl) both at home and abroad. He is frequently asked by amateur orchestras throughout the Netherlands because of his efficient and positive way of working.
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