To study vocal in Florence, which was – four centuries ago - the “Melodramma‘s birthplace”.

Florence: the cradle of Italian language – an ideal town for art and studies.

A great Master: Paul Esswood; an extraordinary artist, professor of the Baroque Vocal Interpretation.

An occasion for young singers to meet the leading personalities of the world of Opera - a chance for vocalists from different countries to be united by a great tradition and the same passion of music.
A distinguished experience of study. Not only an excellent studying experience, but the 7 days of Florentine Masterclass will become for each young singer an indelible life period of professional and personal growth.



Programme and Rules:

1. The programme of the course is aimed at perfecting the technique of interpretation of Baroque Music (voice and harpsichord) - Bach, Handel, Monteverdi, Purcell, Schütz, etc.


2. The Masterclass will be held in Florence, at the Auditorium al Duomo, via de’ Cerretani no 54R, from Monday 21st to Saturday 26th February 2005.


3. The Course is open for the participants or graduates from Italian Institutes of music and participants or graduates from foreign Academies and Universities of Music (in both cases with the title of study not former than December 31st 1999).


4. The Course is open for the Countertenors, all female voices and harpsichordists.


5. On Monday 21st February, at h. 10.00, the audition for the selection of regular participants will take place at the Auditorium al Duomo, via de’ Cerretani no 54R, Florence. The candidates that will not take part in the selection or will not be selected, can be admitted to the Course as auditors.


6. The candidates will have to present:

- the application form using the relevant attached form, with an indication of two pieces at their free choice, to present during the audition and with proposals of other pieces they intend to perform during the Masterclass.

- the certificate of payment the “Enrolment Fee” (not repayable) in the value of € 250,00 to be effected on to the current account no. 5512/00 in Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze, Agenzia 28, BIC SWIFT CRFI IT 3F, IT04S0616002828000005512C00, (for not Italian applicants) made out to: Fleming Youth, S.r.l.

– III Masterclass Internazionale “Musica Barocca a Firenze” - Via del Giglio n. 10 - 50123 FIRENZE


7. The applications without the certificate of payment will not be taken into consideration.


8. This documentation must be received by mail (on the address of Fleming Youth - Via del Giglio n. 10 – 50123 Firenze – Italia) or by fax (0039 055 283260) within 1st February 2005.


9. After the audition of the candidates (and in any case before the first lesson of Maestro Esswood) the payment of the following “Attendance Fee” will be requested:
regular participants: € 230,00
auditors: € 30,00
baroque harpsichord course: € 90,00


10. One-day auditor (vocal, harpsichord) attendance fee:
€ 50,00


11. All the participants will have to provide a valid identification.


12. The regular participants will be allowed to take advantage of the free assistance of “basso continuo” for the whole duration of the Course.


13. The Final Concert of the best participants of the Masterclass, with the special appearance of Paul Esswood, will be held on the 26th of February 2005, h. 21.00, at the Auditorium al Duomo, via de’ Cerretani no 54R, Florence.


14. At the end of the concert the best participants will receive a certificate of attendance signed by Maestro Paul Esswood.


15. The organisation intends to highlight to the public the initiative and its participants through appropriate media.


16. Furthermore the activity of the Masterclass predicts a possibility to organize visits to Florentine museums and musical institutions.


17. The organisation reserves the right to change the programme owing to organizational reason, giving a prompt notice to all persons interested.


18. Further information can be requested at:

- The Secretary Office of Fleming Youth, tel. 0039 055 2382 762, fax 0039 055 283260,
e-mail info@flemingyouth.it, or directly visiting the web site www.flemingyouth.it at “Youth Opportunities” - “Masterclass Bel Canto”

- Syrinx-Kotlinski Artists Management & Productions, tel. 0048 601 675155, e-mail: syrinx@post.pl.



Accomodation & Facilities in Florence in 3* and 4* hotels with special rates starting from € 75,00 the double room with buffet breakfast included (rates subject to availability), booking through Worldsitehotels & Travel , Via Ghibellina, 117 r - 50122 Florence - Italy, Tel. 0039 055 2645297, Fax 0039 055 2648959 - e-mail reservation@worldsitehotels.com.

This masterclass is realised with the Patronage of the British Consulate and the co-operation of the City Municipality of Florence.
Main Sponsor: VIVAHOTELS