Festival Program
Optional cultural excursions vary yearly and may include guided visits to leading Italian museums and historic theaters, attendance at an opera or symphonic performance, and curated architectural and historical tours in the city and surrounding region. Additional trips, either before or after the Festival, can be arranged upon request.
An Immersive Musical and Cultural Experience
The Festival program combines intensive musical training with inspiring cultural opportunities. Participants benefit from private lessons, masterclasses, and concert performances while experiencing the artistic treasures of Italy.
Private Lesson
One-on-one sessions where faculty work closely with each participant to refine technique, expand musical imagination, and uncover new expressive possibilities at the piano.
Beyond the Score
A daily class designed to deepen their understanding of the repertoire. Each session focuses on one selected work and its world: the composer’s life, historical context, manuscripts, style, structure, and artistic challenges. Together, we will listen to recordings, watch video materials, compare interpretations, and explore how ideas from theory, history, and performance practice shape the way we play today.
Teaching Lab
This program invites students to experience both sides of the musical process — performing and teaching. Each participant will receive two pieces in advance: one to perform during the festival and one to present in a guided teaching segment. In these short public “mini-masterclasses,” students strengthen their listening, analytical thinking, and self-awareness — skills that directly enrich their own playing and artistic identity.
Concert Performances
Public recitals and concerts in historic Italian venues, showcasing participant achievements.
Chamber Music Class
Students who select Chamber Music as an additional option to their piano lessons will study with Professor Alyona Afonichkina. The class focuses on ensemble playing, musical dialogue, refined listening skills, and stylistic interpretation in chamber repertoire. Participants may also choose to perform in a piano duet, collaborating with fellow festival students and exploring the rich tradition of four-hand repertoire.
Participants will be assigned to one primary professor for private lessons. Opportunities for additional lessons with other Festival faculty, both privately and in masterclass performances, may be arranged in person.
All Festival participants must complete the Code of Conduct, Agreement of Participation, Medical Release, and Waiver forms before or by July1st, 2026, and submit the forms via email to varesefest@gmail.com.
Italy is a member of the European Union. United States and Canadian citizens do not require a visa to participate in the Festival. Festival participants who need an EU visa should contact the Italian consulate in their country of residence