The academic and artistic encounter ‘Instrumenta Verano’ began a process that will gradually merge into the Centro Eduardo Mata Espacio para las Músicas. Bearing this goal in mind, at the same time as becoming an established reference for music education, Instrumenta has analysed, throughout its 6 years of existence, the specific needs of its participants. Thus the original format of Instrumenta renews itself, adapts and transforms year by year, so that it can offer a programme each time better suited to the demands of the future musicians.

In our previous edition Instrumenta decisively changed direction as we decided to focus less on orchestral practice and concentrate on chamber music instead. Apart from individual tutorials, the students had the opportunity of joining string quartets, small ensembles and cameratas, all of which were coached by a distinguished body of professors, explicitly comprised by experts in the subject.

For our 5th edition, we are glad to announce that we will go one step further. The chamber music workshops become more central as they transform into projects that make the central axis over which the academic and artistic activities are built.

The 10th of December 2008 marks the 100th anniversary of French composer Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992). We consider it extremely important to render homage to this great pillar of XX Century music – not only due to the endless importance of his oeuvre and the uniqueness of his worldview – but also because of his outstanding work as a teacher. Hence Instrumenta adopts as aesthetic focus a constant preoccupation throughout Messiaen’s life: the relationship between music and colour. We chose an emblematic piece by the composer that will be performed by students and professors in the closing concert, ‘The colours of the Celestial City’, from which we borrowed the title for this edition.

Academic projects

Messiaen Project

A student ensemble will work on Olivier Messiaen’s ‘Couleurs de la Cité Céleste’ and will perform it in the closing concert.
The resident pianists will present a concert with the ‘Vingt regards sur l'Enfant-Jésus’ for piano solo.
Two other emblematic pieces will be in the programme: the Quartet for the End of Time, and ‘Le merle noir’.

Workshop:

•    Couleurs de la Cité Céleste
Master class:

•    Quartet for the End of Time
Historias Revueltas

One of the most ambitious projects of Instrumenta Verano 2008. Ensambles of various configurations will work on pieces by Mexican composer Silvestre Revueltas, with musicologist Roberto Kolb as their coach. This will result in a concert for children with marionettes by puppeteer Pablo Cueto. The works will include: Sensemayá (chamber version), Éste era un rey, Troka, Escenas infantiles and el Renacuajo Paseador.

Baroque Project

Baroque violinist Manfred Kraemer will lead a string ensemble through this exploration of Baroque interpretation. Harpsichordist Eunice Padilla and Baroque violoncellist Nina Diehl will join him.

Classical Project

Workshops:

•    Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven: the Sonata

Also led by maestro Kraemer, this workshop is designed for string players who wish to work on sonatas of the classical period coached by a recognised expert in the subject.

•    Camerata Mozart

Do we really know Mozart? Is his music really all about balance, symmetry and perfection? To what extent have the editions of his music been influenced by his biography? Canadian musicologist Cliff Eisen joins the faculty of Instrumenta in order to discuss these topics in a workshop where the students will have the opportunity to question their approach to the music of the second half of the 18th century.

Strauss Project

•    Strauss/Wagner: fanfare

From the oldest and most elemental music, down to the sophistication of German Romanticism, fanfares have always been fundamental within the brass repertoire. The members of Manhattan Brass, together with brass coordinator Tim McKewon, will join the students in a workshop dedicated to this curious genre.

•    Sonatina no.2

Professor Thomas Indermühle will be in charge of this workshop. The students of wind instruments will work Richard Strauss’s Sonatina no.2, also known as ‘The jolly workshop’.


General Technique for Winds

The education of a flutist will traditionally differ considerably from that of a trumpet player, considering the particularities of each instrument, their use, and consequently the difference in their repertoires. However, Professor Keith Underwood has developed an approach to the fundamental elements of breathing that is truly enriching for any musician whose sound production depends on an air column. 

String quartets
Workshop:

•    Chamber Music

The Cuarteto Latinoamericano will be in charge of the Quartet workshops.

•    Forming new teachers

Maestro Jorge Risi, internationally renowned for his work as a teacher and violinist, will offer this workshop introducing new methods in music education.