Program co-Sponsored by Salvi Foundation – Colombia, French Embassy, the National University of Colombia, Foundation Mazda Colombia and Salvi Harps.
Cartagena, Colombia – From January 17- 22 acclaimed French harpist, Emmanuel Ceysson returned to Bogotá to teach masterclasses to talented young harpists from throughout Colombia and perform in a recital sponsored by Foundation Mazda Colombia. The classes were part of a series offered through the Salvi Chair in Harp Studies of the Universidad Nacional. Participants included 18 students of faculties from the National University of Colombia, Batuta Bogotá, Batuta Manizales, Foundation Juan N. Corpas University, Caldas University and Unimúsica. The program was organized by Sandra Meluk, artistic director of the Salvi Foundation – Colombia, Salvi Harps, the Embassy of France, the National University of Colombia and the Foundation Mazda Colombia.
"I have seen remarkable growth in the student’s abilities since my last visit in August, 2007," says Emmanuel Ceysson. "They have continued to work diligently and I can see the results – the students are beginning to relate more intimately to the music they are performing and they have acquired a better understanding of how applying the Alexander Technique to their body movements has a positive impact on the way they approach playing the harp."
Ceysson also discussed the importance of understanding the context of each musical piece played. According to Emmanuel, "learning the context and meaning behind each piece of music helps the harpist better interpret the music they are performing."
On January 21, Ceysson performed works by Bach, Liszt, Zabel, Hindemith, Tournier, and Walter-Kune in a recital sponsored by the Foundation Mazda Colombia. The filled to capacity concert was held in the Fabio Lozano Auditorium of the University Jorge Tadeo Lozano in Bogotá.
"Through our on-going collaboration with organizations such as the National University of Colombia, the Embassy of France, Salvi Harps and, recently, the Foundation Mazda Colombia, Salvi Foundation Colombia hopes to continue to bring high level professional harpists to this country to enhance educational opportunities for both teachers and gifted and talented music students," says Julia Salvi, Salvi Foundation president. "We are confident that such exchanges will inspire these young musicians and lead to a greater level of professionalism among students studying the harp, which ultimately will expand their career opportunities. In addition, concerts by visiting artists such as María Luisa Rayan (2006), Emmanuel Ceysson (2007-2008), Sivan Magen (2007) and Catrin Finch (2008), further increases the awareness of the harp and its repertoire among the general public."
The next Salvi Foundation Masterclass will be taught by Emmanuel Ceysson and will take place from August 15 to 24, 2008 in Bogotá. For further information regarding the Salvi Foundation Masterclasses, please contact Sandra Meluk at smeluk@cartagenamusicfestival.com.
Click here to download a copy of the original press release in PDF format.
