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Valissima Institute presents the only summer conducting intensive of its kind. Developed exclusively for female pre-college instrumentalists, Valissima offers an elite training opportunity culminating in a public conducting performance with a professional symphony orchestra.

I’m Interested!

Valissima Institute’s program is for highly advanced female instrumentalists with a strong interest in conducting. Significant podium time for each student will be the foundation of instruction by leading faculty in a unique curriculum that promotes individuality and organic musical leadership. Prior conducting experience is not required. 

The program features workshops and masterclasses with leading conductors. Prior years’ guest faculty include Daniela Candillari, Karina Canellakis, Alan Gilbert, and Leonard Slatkin.

Our summer 2023 program is an exclusive opportunity for only eight accepted students who will be awarded full tuition scholarships. Room & board, as well as any travel expenses are the responsibility of the student. (In 2022, we were based in Montclair, New Jersey and room & board fees were $2,000 per student.)

Valissima Institute will take place August 14-August 27, 2023 (preliminary dates), culminating in a public concert conducted by students that may also feature student soloists.

The Valissima Experience

• A proprietary, individual approach to conducting led by faculty who specialize in developing emerging talent
• A supportive environment for students that encourages authentic leadership from within
• An all-day schedule of significant podium time, instruction and playing
• Workshops and masterclasses with internationally leading conductors
• Public performance featuring student conductors and soloists
• A bold and exciting exchange: select concerto soloists will trade off as players and conductors
• Daily video review of podium work
• Chamber music coaching and performance opportunity
• Theory, analysis and ear training

Our Team

Faculty

Michael Gilbert

Senior Artistic Advisor

Katherine Fong

Co-Artistic Director

• 
  

Dov Scheindlin

Co-Artistic Director

• 
  

Austin Chanu

Conducting Faculty

• 
  

DANIELA CANDILLARI

Guest Faculty

• 
  

LEONARD SLATKIN

Guest Faculty

Karina Canellakis

Guest Faculty

• 
  

Alan Gilbert

Guest Faculty

• 
  

Gloria
Parker

Career Advisor

Dr. Juna
Bobby, MD

Resilience Coach

Daniel
Rigamer

Movement Instructor

Board of Directors

Peter Vlachos, Chair

Serena Benedetti, President

Ted Stamas, Secretary

Frank Pantazopoulos, Treasurer

Elizabeth Blake

Michael Gilbert

Miki Takebe

Serena Benedetti

Founder &
Executive Director

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Activities and Events

Institute: August 14-August 27, 2023

Concert: Sunday, August 27, 2023

Location

Montclair, New Jersey USA

Applications

Due: February 28, 2023

Requirements

Advanced female instrumentalists
Interest in conducting
Strong leadership instincts
Age 13-18 OR in Grades 9-12

No formal conducting training or podium experience required

How to Apply

In order to apply, please fill out the form below.  In addition to submitting the form, we ask that you please submit your resume, headshot, and video submissions to info@Valissima.org by February 28, 2023.

Media Submissions

• Submit video performances of 2 contrasting movements or works on your chosen instrument that show your musical skill and personality. These can be movements of a concerto, sonata, solo Bach, or any other work that showcases you. You can send us links to YouTube, a dropbox, drive, or mp files.  If you do not have access to quality recording equipment or do not have recordings available, please indicate that to us in your submission email. We will follow up individually with other options for live auditions. 
• Submit a video of you conducting. This is just for us to see how you communicate musical ideas with your hands; we don’t expect you to have absolutely any formal conducting training yet.  If available, please share a video of you conducting a group of any instrumentation or size. If you don’t have access to a group to conduct, it is perfectly acceptable to submit a video conducting yourself or a friend as you sing a simple melody or song (Happy Birthday, National Anthem, Folk Song, Suzuki Piece, etc.) 

After we have reviewed your email we will hold an interview (in person or via Zoom depending on availability)  as a second round, where the topic will be music and leadership, and what interests you about conducting.  

Thank you for your application! We look forward to reviewing your materials and getting to know you.

Questions?

info@valissima.org
703.209.0850