I mentioned this in a previous thread, but it was a bit buried, so I thought I’d give it its own post.
My son found out this morning that he’s received a partial scholarship (they don’t give full scholarships except to vocalists who are successful in a competition they have) to attend this program this summer: https://www.viennasummermusic.com/composers-forum
It sounds like a dream for him, but I haven’t heard back from him yet about whether he’d been able to track down any previous participants, or professors who might know about it. So I’m just wondering if anyone here has done it.
I did see one comment on a Youtube video that was negative, but without details. It was from someone who apparently participated a couple of years ago (it seems that the festival is only about three years old). I know that there is usually at least one disgruntled malcontent in these kinds of things, so it could be that. But I would like to be certain. Even with the scholarship, it’s a chunk of change, and I also don’t want my son to be disappointed with it when he goes (I can’t imagine how working on compositions in Vienna could possibly disappoint him, of all people, but, again, I want to be sure).
As it turns out, my son forgot to mention (he just told me now…heh) that the chair of the composition department was the one who suggested students apply to the program–seems like a good sign!
The guest composers are top notch:
"Amongst the guest faculty, prominent composers such as Lei Liang, Pierluigi Billone, Beat Furrer, Oliver Weber, Ulrich Drechsler, Reinhard Fuchs, Clemens Gadenstätter, and other visiting guests will join the festival. "
The Ariditti Quartet is well-known; in this case the violinist Arditti will be there for solo work.
Here is a comment on PHACE: “Ensemble PHACE is one of the most renowned ensembles in the country. Founded in 1991 by composer and conductor Simeon Pironkoff (then still as ensemble on_line ) the ensemble courageously tackles both complex pieces and innovative ways of playing and, in the process, moves effortlessly through a variety of styles and disciplines.” and website: https://phace.at/
In our experience, the students pretty much know which festivals are good. Perhaps because Berklee is less classical that isn’t true there? Professors, peers and bulletin boards are sources of info.
This looks like a great program and I think you can stop worrying. Maybe your son can find out whether Berklee contributes. In our experience, summer festivals are a necessity and many of the good ones are in Europe.
Your son will have a piece played by excellent musicians, build his resume, make connections with teachers, and start joining a global community of young composers. Be excited! (as long as it is affordable)