Gnesin Musicians in Sicily
From August 14 to 24, the International School of Musical Sciences organized by the Ettore Majorana Foundation was held in Erice, Sicily. Under the joint organization of the Santa Cecilia Conservatory in Rome, the Gnesin Russian Academy of Music, and the Russian House in Rome, the initiative convened 125 musicians from six countries spanning three continents. The event comprised an intensive program of 18 concerts over 11 days, featuring more than 200 works and attracting over one thousand audience members across five venues in the town.
In continuation of an established tradition, musicians from the Gnesin Academy delivered a series of concerts and masterclasses for participants from various nations. This year, the Academy was represented by three faculty members: Olga Vaganova, Dean of the Orchestral Faculty; Nadezhda Ivanova, Associate Professor in the Department of Cello, Double Bass, and Harp; and Alexey Vaker, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Piano Performance. They were accompanied by 21 students from the Piano, Orchestral, and Vocal Faculties.
Daria Pushkova, Director of the Russian House in Rome, stated: «Each year, our conviction strengthens that music requires no translation and genuinely transcends all barriers. For the Russian House in Rome, the active participation of Gnesin Academy musicians in the concert program serves as an opportunity to demonstrate the high standards of Russian music education, introduce emerging talents to Italian audiences, and foster a space for meaningful cultural dialogue between nations.»
The School’s opening concert was dedicated to the 135th anniversary of Sergei Prokofiev. Subsequently, Gnesin musicians presented solo programs and performed in international ensembles alongside students from the Santa Cecilia Conservatory in Rome and the conservatories of Palermo and Trapani. Additionally, they participated in a series of piano evenings and «Musical Aperitifs» featuring chamber music.
Alexander Ryzhinskii, Rector of the Gnesin Russian Academy of Music, commented: «It appears remarkable that we have completed four years of this initiative. Considering the current cultural and political climate, as well as the logistical complexities involved, the first edition seemed nearly impossible to realize. Today, it stands as a prestigious platform that plays a crucial role in the professional development of our students. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Russian House in Rome for its unwavering dedication to promoting Russian art internationally.»
Musicians from the Gnesin Academy also participated in the School’s most notable events. They performed Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Requiem in the town’s main cathedral, while a staged presentation of scenes from Giuseppe Verdi’s opera «Il trovatore» was held in the main square. The musical marathon, held under the overarching title «Voices and Instruments: From Mozart to Prokofiev,» concluded with the concert «Gnesin Soloists.»
Roberto Giuliani, Director of the International School of Musical Sciences, emphasized: «The International School of Musical Sciences was conceived as a meeting place for diverse traditions, and this vision continues to flourish. In Erice, two distinct yet equally valuable traditions converge: the Russian school of instrumental performance and the Italian school of singing. It is compelling to observe their interaction, which invariably generates significant interest among audiences and colleagues.»