Masterclass and Concert at the Music Academy Krakow
22–24 October 2023
The master class and concert at the Akademia Muzyczna im. Krzysztofa Pendereckiego w Krakowie were very nice and enriching experiences. On the first evening, I played four of the five Beethoven cello sonatas (which we also performed at the Vienna Konzerthaus two weeks later) together with my colleague, cellist Matthias Gredler, in a more than full Florianka Concert Hall. The tremendous interest and enthusiasm of both students and professors contributed to a great atmosphere. Last but not least, the fantastic acoustics and a wonderful piano made the concert a very special experience.
![](http://mdw.ac.at/internationalblog/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Konzertsaal-768x1024.jpg)
The next morning, my two-day masterclass began. I really enjoyed working with the students. Everyone played beautifully and had a natural approach to the music. What particularly impressed me was the students’ curiosity, thirst for knowledge, and effort. So I had a very good impression of the academy.
![](http://mdw.ac.at/internationalblog/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Konzertankundingung-768x1024.jpg)
Some of the students were currently preparing for a complete performance of Johannes Brahms’s piano works, which therefore represented a very special focus.
On the sidelines of the class, I was also able to have interesting conversations with my colleagues from Krakow about teaching, stylistics, and organizational matters at universities.
![](http://mdw.ac.at/internationalblog/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Schild-768x1024.jpg)
There was also enough time to enjoy the beautiful old town of Krakow and try culinary specialties.
I am very pleased to have been invited to teach at the Krakow Music Academy’s 2024 summer courses as well.
![](https://mdw.ac.at/internationalblog/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Stadtplatz-1024x768.jpg)
Are you a mdw teacher and interested in teaching in one of our partner institutions in Europe?