2018 Piano Faculty
Ji-Hyun Cho
Dankook University
Korea
Enrico Elisi
University of Toronto
Canada
Thomas Lanners
Oklahoma State University
USA
AmiCa (Associazione musicale internazionale del Calatino), was founded in September 2010 due to a vital urge to spread musical culture in Sicily, in particular in the so-called Calatino: a breathtaking area that can be the perfect frame for the high-profile artistic activity that we propose.
AmiCaFest is a varied reality that embraces additional activities such as exhibitions, book presentations, cultural classes, etc. AmiCaFest places the student in a full-Sicilian-immersion environment, surrounded by a total experience of everyday life, from the lodging to the authenticity of worldwide-loved food. The spirit of AmiCaFest is to provide international students with an unforgettable experience, through many opportunities, including piano lessons and masterclasses with renowned artists, and the chance to perform with the Bellini Symphony Orchestra at the Teatro Massimo Vincenzo Bellini in Catania, the historical Opera House named after the composer Vincenzo Bellini. The theater, which seats 1,200, was inaugurated on May 31, 1890 with a performance of the composer’s masterwork, Norma.
AmiCaFest will be held between the 13th (arrival date) and the 26th (departure date) of June, 2018.
AmiCaFest takes place in Grammichele, a very unique hexagonal town in the province of Catania, in Sicily (southern Italy). Grammichele was built in 1693, after the violent earthquake that destroyed the old town of Occhiolà. It is part of the historical area called Calatino, a perfect frame for the high-profile artistic activity that we propose.
The Tuition cost for Festival Participants is extremely competitive: €1,450.00. If you apply by January 31 you will get a 5% (€70.00) discount on the tuition. Go to the Tuition page for more details.
Three individual lessons, one masterclass, chance to win a scholarship, Concerto Competition admission (if requested in the application), participation in a shared solo recital, admission to any of AmiCaFest activities, housing in a family environment, transportations and tours, etc. Check the complete list for Festival Participants here.
The Application Fee will be paid after filling out the application form (due March 10). If you are accepted, the Tuition can be payed in two installments: Deposit by March 30 and Balance by April 10. You can also pay the Tuition in full by March 30. If you apply by January 31 you will get a 5% discount on the Tuition, which will have to be paid in full by March 30.
We consider very carefully the affinities we are able to catch through the forms we make fill out to both hosts and guests.
The Application Fee is non-refundable. Tuition Fee refunds for cancellation will be honored upon receipt of written notification according to the policy stated in this page.
You have at least 4 hours of practice per day guaranteed!
Definitely! We offer an Auditors & Guests program: explore it here.
We are a no-age-limit festival.
Thank you so much for an amazing experience! The organization of Amica fest was really beyond spectacular, everything from the cute folders we received with the sticky notes, to the water left for us in all the facilities, and Luca and Lorella at the office catering to our every whim 24/7, made us feel so welcomed and cared for. The scheduling was also great, with a perfect balance between fun activities and productive classes. The excursions themselves were fantastically planned, from making authentic pasta with Italian grandmas, to visiting the castle by the sea in Catania, I really felt that I experienced as much of the genuine culture as I possibly could have in 10 days. The faculty was also great, we received a lot of guidance and because they came with us to the trips, we could get to know them a little better than other festivals. Finally, the host families and everyone in the town was just so warm and friendly, I felt right at home on the second day. They really could not have treated us better, making delicious homemade food for us, and I really feel like I've made bonds and memories I will not forget my entire life. Thanks again!
This was such a beautiful experience for myself and also the participants and faculty. The hosting with the families, becoming a part of Grammichele and getting to know all the beautiful people here was a very special part of the festival. Working with the Orchestra and pianist was a very beneficial part of my learning experience and professional experience. I definitely recommend this festival and hope to be a part of it in the future as well.
The hospitality of the people in Grammichele and the staff of Amica Fest was amazing. I felt very at home and comfortable throughout the festival and had a great learning experience. Amica Fest is an amazing program for growing pianists to learn from different professors and also other fellow piano students over the world. It provides amazing opportunities to perform, create connections and experience the Sicilian culture in a friendly environment and I would recommend it to all piano students who wish to enjoy their summer in a productive but also a fun way.
It was a very unique and memorable experience. A great combination of learning music, meeting new people, experience a new culture, and enjoying the great food. Would definitely be down participate again next year!
Everything was planned and executed extrememly well! Everyone in the community made the event even more special! I loved AmiCaFest! It was a complete historical, cultural, and musical immersion!
My experience with AmiCa last summer was wonderful. I performed two solo recitals through AmiCa and both were received by supportive audiences. AmiCa members led organizations for both events to be successful. AmiCa staffs were always supportive and generous, and it was my great pleasure getting to know the them and performing both recitals. I appreciate all the time and efforts they put in to make my recitals in Sicily successful- advertising, making program notes, introducing me to Sicily residents attending music concerts. Music is a humanly expression that allow people to connect- despite the language barrier, we shared a great time together, and warmth of AmiCa staffs made my musical and overall experiences in Sicily truly special and memorable!
AmiCa is an amazing, intellectually stimulating experience – a reframing of meanings around a common theme that lingers in the memory long after the festival is over. The range of activities including exhibitions, concerts, and lectures, crossing an eclectic variety of perspectives, are refreshingly imagined and thought-provoking. Grammichele is a perfect setting to experience and contemplate these events, a warm, enthusiastic community with a beautiful town square set against the rolling hills of the beautiful Sicilian countryside.
