We asked our professors to answer some questions for the festival this year.
We will be introducing answers from Prof. Jaroslav Kulhan from Panocha Quartet and Prof. Tamás Varga this time.
【Prof.Kulhan】
Academy： What is your opinion about the benefit of attending the masterclass in Kusatsu as a student?
Prof.Kulhan：As to benefits for students- I think there is very important moment to meet professors from foreign countries, to get new impulse, new ideas and to make contacts not onlywith professors, but also with fellow students. They have alsochance to use and to communicate in foreign language and so to improve also on this field.
Academy： What attracts you to join for the festival as a teacher and an artist?
Prof.Kulhan：I think there are many wonderful things at the KusatsuFestival and Academy. For example new ideas, concerningrepertoire. (Sometimes neglected pieces). As to our quartet, we never heard name J. Zarebski before. Few years ago weplayed his wonderful Piano Quintet with Mr. Okada here. Since that time is this wonderful music as a part of ourrepertoire. We also had very nice experience and privilege to play together with such outstanding artists like S. Collot, W. Boettcher, W. Schulz, T. Indermühle and others.
Academy: Is there any Mozart piece(s) which has a special meaning or memory for you? (questions relating with the theme of this year)
Prof.Kulhan：Well, that’s very personal…. As to me, for me has very special meaning Requiem, Zauberflöte, three last Symphonies. I think there is summa summarum of Mozart’s knowledgeand profound human wisdom. The same level are, (I think), last string Quintets.
【Prof.Varga】
Academy： What is your opinion about the benefit of attending the masterclass in Kusatsu as a student?
Prof.Varga：As a classical musician, we spend most of our time with studying and playing compositions of European composers. These compositions are very often based/attached to volksmusic. I think it is very important to meet people (teachers) who can explain the origin, the meaning of the compositions. Also the experience, that the teachers brings through their musical activities for many years, can help the students for a better understanding of the intention of the composers.
Academy：What attracts you to join for the festival as a teacher and an artist?
Prof.Varga：The Kusatsu Festival has a very friendly atmosphere. All staff members are working very hard on the success of the festival, and I think everyone, teachers and students get 100% what they need. I like the idea, that we are not only teaching, but also playing many concerts during the festival. We learn new pieces and get the chance to play chamber music together with fantastic colleagues.
Academy： Is there any Mozart piece(s) which has a special meaning or memory for you? (questions relating with the theme of this year)
Prof.Varga：I love the string quartets/quintets and flute quartets of Mozart especially. He was a real genius, and even after nearly 250 years his music is still actual, fascinating and touching.
Our festival offers masterclasses and daily concert from Aug. 17th to Aug. 30th.
If you are interested in attending the masterclass or listening the concert, please contact info@kusa2.jp
