Austrian International
Piano Seminar and Festival

Ebenfurth, Austria
July 25, 2008 - August 11, 2008

Concert Opportunities and Summer Study
for Advanced Pianists

Faculty for the Austrian International Piano Seminar and Festival
Adam Wibrowski, Conservatory of Paris
Dr. William Wellborn, San Francisco Conservatory

Dates and Program Eligibility
The dates for the 2008 Austrian International Piano Seminar and Festival are July 25-August 11. Arrival and check-in at the dorm will be on Friday, July 25. Departure is on Monday, August 11. The program is open to advanced pianists of various ages, including teachers and auditors.

Location and Special Excursions
The Austrian International Piano Seminar and Festival is located in the charming town of Ebenfurth, Austria a region rich in musical tradition. Less than an hour from Vienna, Ebenfurth is close to the birthplaces of composers Franz Liszt and Franz Joseph Haydn. Ebenfurth is also centrally located from Vienna, and the palaces of Eisenstadt and Esterházy, points of interest which we shall also visit.
Our program includes trips to Haydn’s birthplace in Rohrau and Liszt’s birthplace in Raiding. An excursion to Vienna allows us to see the magnificent city that was once the home of Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, and Schubert, and to immerse ourselves in the rich Austrian musical tradition. We will also attend a performance of Verdi’s La Traviata at the nearby St. Margarethen Opera Festival. Swimming is also possible nearby in the lovely Neufeld Lake.
Festival concerts will include:
     July 26, 2008 at the Magna Racino
     July 27, 2008 in Neufeld
     Aug 1, 2008 Concert in Baden featuring prizewinning pianist Romain Descharmes
     Aug 2, 2008 in Wiener Neustadt at the Maria Theresa Military Academy
     Aug 9, 2008 Gala Final Concert in Ebenfurth

Lodging
Students will be housed in the modern and spacious sports dormitory facility in Ebenfurth, which is convenient to the practice and teaching facilities at the nearby Ebenfurth School. For family members who may also wish to visit during the session, or for those participants who prefer not to stay at the dorm, lodging is also available at various hotels in and around Ebenfurth.

Travel
Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from Europe. Participants should fly in to the Vienna airport and plan to arrive by 14:00 on July 25. Dr. Wellborn will personally greet those arriving in Vienna on this date, and escort them by pre-arranged taxi vans for the short drive to Ebenfurth.

Music Study and Performances
The Austrian International Piano Seminar and Festival provides an exciting opportunity for intensive study and performance for advanced pianists. Students study with both Mr. Wibrowski and Dr. Wellborn, and will receive a minimum of 5-6 private lessons and masterclasses, in addition to the public performances, during the session. Participants should prepare a 30-60 minute program that is ready for coaching and public performance. In addition to solo music, there is also coaching for duos in four-hand repertoire.

Festival concerts are held in Vienna, Ebenfurth, Neufeld, the elegant resort town of Baden, and at the beautiful 18th century concert room at the Maria Teresa Military Academy in Wiener Neustadt.

Tuition and Meals
The cost for the eighteen-day program is $1650 USD. This fee includes the cost of lessons, dormitory lodging, and the breakfast and luncheon meals. Although the dinner meal is not provided, numerous restaurants are within walking distance, and as a rule, the group usually dines together.

Application
The deadline for receipt of applications is April 25, and participants will be notified of acceptance no later than May 1. Since enrollment is limited to 20 pianists, early application is encouraged. Please include a CD of your playing, approximately 20-30 minutes in length, featuring at least two or three contrasting works, along with a current resume. The Austrian International Piano Seminar and Festival is also open to music teachers who wish to participate as either a performer or an auditor. For auditors, the tuition fee is $1000 USD and no tape is required.