The ZêzereArts Festival presents a course for advanced string students, in the Médio Tejo region of central Portugal. Nine days spent in an idyllic location, with an intense program of individual lessons, chamber music, and participation in the ZêzereArts Festival Orchestra.
This is a magnificent opportunity to learn and perform with experienced musicians and pedagogues, alongside intense music-making in the ZêzereArts Festival.
Brian MacKay | Orchestra
Eliot Lawson | Violin
Wiesje Miedema | Violin
Luís Pacheco Cunha | Violin, Chamber Music
Jorge Alves | Viola, Chamber Music
Catherine Strynckx | Violoncello
Adriano Aguiar | Double Bas, Chamber Music
. Advanced Students of Violin, Viola, Violoncello and Double Bass;
. Chamber Music Groups
‘Home’ for your time here will be the charming, historic city of Tomar. The area is steeped in Knight’s Templar history and is dominated by spectacular scenery and buildings like the village of Dornes on the Zêzere river and the Convento de Cristo in Tomar. This is a unique opportunity to experience these historic buildings not merely as tourist attractions but as living, working spaces. Students will be lodged in the Convento itself. Rehearsals, lessons, and concertos will take place in Tomar and in Ferreira do Zêzere and in several other venues.
– Individual lessons in Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass
– Chamber Music masterclasses for existing groups choosing the Chamber Music only option
– Chamber Music masterclasses for groups formed at the festival
– String ensemble and orchestra rehearsals
– Daily relaxation workshop
– Concerts
All activities will be supported by our resident pianist, Taíssa Poliakova Cunha.
Chosen from:
Stravinsky – Suites 1 e 2 para pequena orquestra
Ravel – Le Tombeau de Couperin
Sibelius – Pelléas et Mélisande
Debussy (orq. Ravel) – Sarabande e Danse
Fauré – Masques et Bergamasques
Respighi – Trittico Botticelliano
Lennox Berkely – Sinfonietta
Falla – Suite El Amor Brujo
Michael Tippett – Divertimento
Beethoven – Sinfonia no 2
Mozart – Sinfonia no 39
Haydn – Sinfonias nos 95 e 97
Sample
09:00 – 09:45 – Daily Relaxation Workshop (optional)
10:00 – 13:00 – Individual Lessons and Chamber Music Coaching
13:00 – 14:00 – Lunch
14:30 – 16:45 – Individual Lessons and Chamber Music Coaching
17:00 – 19:30 – Orchestra Rehearsal
20:00 – Dinner
Evenings – Concerts and other activities
Attention: reduced price available up until the 21st of April.
(closing date for applications 20th of June)
Fees cover the cost of all activities including full board and transport to and from festival events. Travel to and from Tomar to attend the course is not included.
Upon acceptance, a non-refundable deposit payment (50%) will be required to secure your place. After the 1st of June, full payment will be required upon acceptance. Students under 18 will be asked to send a letter of authorisation from a parent or guardian and will be required to pay an insurance supplement of €10.
Balance due by the 30th June
Payment to be made by international bank transfer (bank details will be communicated upon application).
550€ – Individual Masterclasses
475€ – deadline 21st of April
400€ (per player) – Chamber Music Groups (group application)
370€ – deadline 21st of April
Applications accepted up until the 1st of July 2025
Upon acceptance of your application a non-refundable deposit of 50% is payable to secure your place
The IBAN for payment will be sent to you upon acceptance
Applications made after the 15th of June 2025 must be secured with payment in full
Students under 18 will be required to provide a written authorisation from their parent or guardian and will incur an additional charge of 10€ for insurance