This file is being constantly updated.
Please check frequently the website for the latest version.
September 15 , 2009
Q: What does IBLA stand for?
A: IBLA is the name of the ancient Baroque quarters of Ragusa - Ibla, the southernmost province of Italy in Sicily. Ragusa and Ibla are two sister cities built on two 300 meters above the sea hills. Ibla is the ancient part of the city and Ragusa is the more modern one. The Monti Iblei (Ibla Mountains) that surround the area take the name from the ancient Ibla. The Mediterrenean coast line is only 18 minutes away. The coastline overlooks the island of Malta. The closest airport is Catania Fontanarossa Airport, 2 hours away. For some images of Sicily please visit Images of Sicily, views of Ragusa Ibla and Images of Sicily, Villa Zinna at the Zinnafondo Estate
Q: When is the application deadline? Is there a postmark dealine or a receive-in-office deadline?
A: The office in New York accepts applications all year round. We recommend to apply from October through February. Deadline are often indicated in the website or in printed materials. However they are to be considered as an indication of time frame. Deadlines are not severely enforced unless we are in the last 3 months leading to the competition itself. To obtain a deadline extension you simply need to contact the office, motivate and request it. You will very likely be granted your request. Please do not panic and employ expensive mailing services, registered mail and or express mail because of fear of missing a deadline! You will be surprised of how quickly regular mail reaches New York City from everywhere in the world. Again, the office will do what necessary to help you reduce mailing expenses and it will easily grant extension/grace times when requested.
Q: Are there traditional competition rounds or/ and are there selected days for each specific category and division? Can I be eliminated in any round?
A: No, you cannot be eliminated as there are not traditional rounds in this competition. If you are admitted to compete, you will play all your scheduled performances. You will perform public concerts in the days prior and following your Jury performance. The public performances will offer you the possibility to get over anxiety, fears, jetlag and what else can affect your psychological status. This competition is very different from the traditional format you may be generally accustomed to. The competition is structured as a sequence of concerts and recitals, where contestants are never judged against each other as in a ‘horse race’: in fact extreme attention is given to the fact that the evaluation is made against a standard of excellence and not against each other. As a consequence, all categories and divisions take place throughout the competition in order to avoid direct confrontation among contestants at all times when possible. Also during the judging procedure, all comparisons between the qualities of performances of individual contestants are discouraged. Again, all comments are made against a standard of excellence and not against each other. When comparisons are made during jury debates, the reference is always the standard of excellence. As a consequence of this system there may be multiple prize winners: if the jury is in front of two excellent (let us say Bach) performances, it will be able to give two separate (Bach) awards or mentions.
Q: Is the music program really a free choice? Could I know what previous winners have performed?
A: Yes, we strongly encourage a free choice in presenting the music program. This is not a school jury therefore you do not have to show that you are a good student, that you know a variety of style or a variety of languages (singers). You are expected to be a young professional, who knows him/her self, and what he/she performs best. Again, You are expected to perform music you feel you perform at its best. The program should represent your musicianship, your taste, your passion, your expertise, your identity in the music world or what you wish to be known for. Very creative programs are encouraged. You are free to present a program of all contemporary music or all baroque, all classic, all romantic or any combination. You may also perform monothematic programs, music of only one composer of any style and period, if you wish to do so. Unpublished works are also welcome. As a winner you will be required to perform the same program or a selection of it. If you play everything very well you will qualify as a top winner. If you perform very well only a part of your program you may qualify for a specific award or honorable mention. This competition should serve as a venue to express your musical personality in its fullness. The only obligation is to stay within the time duration indicated for your category. You may play a shorter program, should you wish so. You may play a longer program only under specific circumstances and only if approved by the foundation office.
Q: And what about the program for the Bartok’ – Kabalevsky – Prokofiev Competition?
A: In this case you are expected to perform any work of these composers of your own choice, in any combination (all music of one composer, or any combination of the three, including solo music, concertos and instrumental ensemble)
Q: Can I change my competition repertoire?
A: Yes. We want each performer to perform at his or her best. You can make program changes up to the moment you check in at the office in Italy. At that time you will be requested to bring a printed final list of your music program, in the exact order you are planning to perform it for the international jury, indicating your full name, your date of birth, your instrument (section, category, division as it applies), full names of composers and their birth dates, date of each composition, all movements, duration of each including intervals between movements and piece. If you do not bring your own program form correctly filled, you will be asked to fill one at the office. You are expected to adhere strictly to your final music choice. You may play for a shorter duration if you wish so. Just make sure that what you finally choose to perform is exactly what you feel you perform best. If you have requested the services of the official competition piano accompanist, any change to your original program must be approved in advance by the piano accompanist that has been assigned to you. Upon your arrival in Sicily if you still need to change the program, you may do so. You will be expected to provide the office with a new completed form along with 30 copies of it to be given as the last moment change to the jury.
Q: Where should I send copies of the music scores I intend to perform?
A: Please ask the office in advance which specific music score copies you are expected to provide. Generally you will not be requested copies of standard repertoire. Send the requested copies to the office in New York.
Q: And if I have requested the services of the official competition piano accompanist?
A: In this case, you will be required to send copy of your music scores to the accompanist far in advance, at the time your application is accepted. The official piano accompanists are winners of the accompanist section in previous IBLA competitions. Their address and country of residence may vary every year. Make sure to get the address from the office and mail her/him the copies of your music as soon as possible. Also contact the piano accompanist to make sure she/he has received your music.
Q: What am I expected to do when I check in at the office in Italy?
A: You will be assigned the practice time. If you have made last minute changes to your music program, be ready to present the final version (in 30 copies for jurors). If you have requested a B&B, you will be assigned to your specific accomodation. You will be given a tour of the concert hall and the nearby restaurants and will receive the restaurant vouchers.
Q: Am I expected to stay in IBLA throughout the duration of the competition?
A: You are not required to attend throughout the duration of the competition, should you have professional commitments or wish to save money. At the time your application is accepted you are offered specific dates for your public performances and your jury performances. After these performances have taken place you are free to depart. The Foundation will contact you by mail to inform about the results and related details. However, great beaches and historical sites surround the IBLA area, should you wish to take a vacation during your stay. Ragusa Ibla is an astonishingly beautiful wonder of baroque architecture and is located on a hill approximately 15 miles from the Mediterranean Sea and close to the Mount Etna, a volcano, Taormina, Siracusa and the Greek Temples of Agrigento.
Q: Should I wish to stay longer, will I be offered additional performances?
A: Yes, if you stay longer, you may be offered additional performances. This is done in order to give more performance experience to musicians that often do not find performance venues such as the public of an Italian Piazza. Throughout the summer, concert in Italy are offered in Piazza and this experience will prove crucial should you give such a future concert anywhere in Italy. The general performance experience that you will gain during your staying in IBLA and the related ability to handle stress will result in an extremely valuable knowledge and understanding of your own art of performing.
Q: What if I cannot attend on the scheduled days and time?
A: Each candidate will be offered specific performance days; attendance on those days is mandatory. Candidates who have genuine difficulties with this timetable should inform the New York office immediately stating the reason. Every effort will be made to accommodate such cases.
Q: Who teaches the Master Classes?
A: Master classes are offered by the full jury panel. At a time to be scheduled after your jury performance, you will go on stage in front of the full jury along with some jury members as indicated by the Director and a public exchange of suggestions, comments, criticism will take place in a very relaxed manner with the specific goal of trying to make you aware of what can be done to improve the quality of your performance and musical delivery. We all know how hard it is to play and no matter how well we can play, there is still more to learn. This kind of master classes has been very highly requested and it is granted only to a few contestants for time constraint. In fact the competition actually stops to give time to the master class. To be admitted to the master class you are recommended to write a statement explaining why you should be included in the master class.
Q: How do you get jury comments?
A: The process of producing transcripts of the international jury comments on your performance is quite complex as they are translated in English or in Italian from the original handwritten jury sheets. All comments are given anonymously to guarantee the privacy of each jury member but thanks to this procedure, they reflect the immediate pure reaction, thoughts and feelings of each jury member. This procedure requires a great deal of organization and translation, and therefore needs to be requested and paid for in advance.
Q: Should I send certified and or express mail to the competition office in New York?
A: In general, please avoid spending money in expensive mail services options. Regular mail will be perfectly fine. We recommend to inform the office via e-mail that a package has been dropped in the mail. The office will wait for it. Ordinary mail gets to New York faster than you might think. The e-mail form of communication usually solves most of the urgent matters. Photos can be e-mailed to us. Photocopies of your passport may arrive via regular mail. You may share passport information via e-mail for urgent VISA application requirements
Q: What kind of pictures should I send?
A: All pictures are used for advertisement. The best the quality of the picture you send, the best will be the promotion of your image. Market your image the way you deem the best.
Q: Do I need to send you my birth certificate?
A: It is not necessary. A personal statement of your date of birth along with a photocopy of your passport, driver license or state issued ID (Identification Card) will suffice.
Q: Can I send copies of documents, passport, air-ticket, etcetera, via e-mail or should I send them via regular mail?
A: Yes, you may send all copies via e-mail with the exception of music copies which will be handed in the competiton office in Italy. However, make sure to receive confirmation from the office in regard to the receipt and legible quality of the copies. Often these documents via scanning and e-mail are not fully legible. Just make sure that all has been received well.
Q: With regard to the mailing, is it possible to use registered mail or express courier?
A: In general we discourage spending money in expensive mailing services. Regular mail usually reaches New York very quickly from everywhere in the world. In addition, the office is very flexible with deadlines. Deadlines are usually indications of time frame and not severely enforced. This of course is not the case when you get very close to the competition itself.
Q: What if I need an official invitation to obtain VISA released by the Italian Embassy?
A: The office will assist you in the process of requesting a VISA. It is a long and complex process therefore we recommend to apply as early as possible. Due to tougher internatioanal regulation, at the time of the VISA application, the Foundation becomes the responsible party and the guarantor of your staying: legal statements are made in regard to the legitimacy of your staying and the related financial guarantees. For all VISA recipients it is mandatory to select options from the Foundation Package. Should you fail to do so, the Foundation may formally cancel the VISA request and your participation into the competition.
Q: What are the advantages of the IBLA Hotel Packages?
A: The Foundation is a not for profit organization. What you pay into the package is all offered in services. You will be hosted in locations either close to the concert hall or connected by the Foundation local transportation service. Practice facilities will be available to you from 3 to 5 hours per day, depending on the day. The practice time will be pre-arranged according to your travel schedule. A final schedule will be offered to you when you check in at the competition office in Ibla. The packages include excellent breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some B&B will offer in house breakfast. Others will show you a bar/coffe shop nearby where you can have breakfast. In this case you will not be expected to pay as it is included in the package. Lunch (12:00 to 14:30) and dinner (19:00 to 23:00) will be served in restaurants around the concert hall / office. You will be served the same quality menus as the members of the International Jury. Food is excellent! You will be given restaurant vouchers at the office. Should any problem arise with the hotel and or restaurants, just contact the competition office: the Foundation staff will immediately intervene to resolve any issue. You will be required to e-mail the office exact arrival and departure information. Different levels of accommodation are offered to meet all financial needs although food is the same for all. If you wish to save money, just plan on staying for a shorter duration. The office will try to arrange the dates to meet your travel needs. If you can afford to stay longer, you can surely take advantage of a great vacation following your performances. The beaches are great and easy to reach. All hotels and restaurant staff included in the package have a longstanding experience in serving IBLA Foundation guests. They will understand you if you ask for less or no salt in your food, for example, or provide competition related information useful to you. All staff members are emotionally supportive as they have grown an understanding for competition related stress. The package is the result of 15 years of experience in trying to improve the organization and provide the best possible solutions to a variety of problems. To have that many musicians with the same needs, at the same time, is surely a recipe for disaster if it is not supported by a complete and detailed organization planned in all its details. Local public transportation, in the summer time is reduced to its bare essential. You will find yourself waiting for hours under the hot sicilian sun, before a public bus finally shows up! Shouls you solve the problem by renting a car, please be aware that Ibla is a resident only parking area and in the evening it is closed to traffic. You will be expected to park the car in outside parking area and then walk into the city.
Q: Can I pay the Hotel package expenses when I arrive in Italy?
A: No, all accommodation and airport transportation payments must be made in advance at the time you confirm your presence. Furthermore, a limited number of rooms is available at the lower level of expense and if you wish to get such rooms you need to pre-pay as early as possible. Late reservations will have to settle for the remaining and very often more expensive room choices.
Q: Can you provide pick up at the airport in Catania if I arrive very late at night or depart very early in the morning?
A: Yes, we will provide this service at anytime if you pay and confirm the reservation in advance.
Q: When I arrive at my hotel, what should I do?
A: When you check in at the hotel make sure to have your credit card ready. Although the room and breakfast have been paid for in advance, you need to guarantee the costs of the use of telephone and rooms services (should you order champagne, phone calls, minibar etc.). On your way from the airport, the drivers will provide you with the local transportation shuttle schedule. It indicates the exact pick up and drop off shuttle time between the hotel and the competition office. You will find find additional copies at the hotel front desk. You may also call directly the competition office for any additional question at 0932 247376. This phone is active only during the competition. Prior to the competition always contact the New York office.
Q: And for a Bread & Breakfast Accomodation?
A: If you have requested the service of a driver from the aiport you may be driven to the B&B directly. Otherwise you are requested to check in at the office first. A car then will take you to the B&B that has been assigned to you. B&B do not offer telephone use. You will be using the competition office as your emergency contact. You may give the competition office number 0932 247376 to your family as a contact number for emergency only. For all general matters you will have to use public phones located around the piazza in Ibla.
Q: My parents and friends have expressed that they would like to join me during the competition. Could I possibly get the same contestants discount package rate for them?
A: Yes, you will be offered the same rate for any person or group accompanying you.
Q: Do we pay Euro or Dollars? I get confused between fees and hotel expenses.
A: All fees are in Euros. All costs and payments for the Hotel Packages are to be intended only in Euro. Residents of the United States may pay in Dollars using personal check or credit card. Just contact the office before filling the expenses forms to get the agreed upon average international exchange rate. The rate may include related bank/credit card expenses details when they apply.
Q: Is it best to pay by bank transfer or credit card?
A: If you choose to pay via bank transfer, the related fees are determined by the bank you choose in your specific country and you will always pay in Euro. Make sure that the foundation receives the indicated amount clear of any fee. If you charge fee to the foundation you will be requested to make an additional payment for any missing amount. If you choose to pay via credit card, you will be billed in equivalent American dollars as the Foundation credit cards accounts are based in the USA with the addition of the credit card charge fees and international euro exchange rate and fee. We recommend bank transfer.
Q: If I am not part of the Foundation package, how will I handle local transportation?
A: In the summer time, local transportation becomes a serious problem. Italians like to go on long summer breaks or 'ferie' as they call them, and almost exactly at the time the competition starts, all local bus schedule becomes unpredictable and rare. Furthermore, the public service terminates early in the evening. Be stated that we do not wish to see contestants sitting under the hot Sicilian sun, waiting for 2 hours before getting on a bus (if it comes at all). Because of the geographical location of Ragusa - Ibla, on two hills, walking under the sun is not an option. In whatever direction you go, you would have to up and down a hill, wether on your way back to the hotel or to the concert hall. These problems could effect your ability to compete properly. If you are part of the foundation package, you will have no problems, because the competition office will provide the necessary private transportation. If you are on your own, you have to let the office know in advance how you are planning to solve this problem.
Q: If I am not part of the Foundation package, when will I be able to practice?
A: Practice availability is a serious matter/problem: it has to be planned in advance in all its details. It is quite difficult in Italy to raise funds to provide all the pianos that are needed. In Ragusa and Ibla there are not enough pianos available and consequently the Foundation has to bring in additional pianos from other cities. They are always limited in numbers and need to be budgeted and transported in advance. Therefore we cannot respond to last minutes requests. If you are not part of the package it is very important for you to plan ahead and share your practice plan with the Foundation office. If you have any doubt in this regard, please do not hesitate to contact the office in advance. You are expected to make along with your own accommodation arrangements your own practice arrangements and share the details of your practice plan with the office in New York. The plan should include the location / address where you will be practicing and the phone number where the office can reach you during your practice for any urgent matter. Usually this is an option mostly available to Italian citizens who can contact friends or friends of relatives and often solve this kind of problems. Or you may a rent a villa with a piano. However, in all circumstances the practice organization plan must be submitted and approved by the Foundation office in New York, in advance. Failing in doing so will result in cancellation from the competition.
Q: What if my performance does not include the use of a piano? (for example: solo violin, flute, sax, ensemble without piano, etc.)
A: In this case you are free to make your own arrangements. However you are still required to share with the office in New York your practice plan information including the exact address and phone number where you will be staying and where you can be reached during your practice.
Q: Will I be able to try the competition piano?
A: Yes. Every contestant will have ten minutes to try the competition piano. It will be scheduled when you check in at the competition office. You may get additional time if available but you will never be allowed to play on the competition piano without specific office authorization, at all times. Failure to do so may result in cancellation from the competition.
Q: When will I know the time I will perform for the jury?
A: The evening before you perform for the jury, a schedule will be posted at the competition hall with a timetable of juried performances for the following day.
Q: What time is the public concert in Piazza Pola?
A: The public concert occurs between 9:15 pm and midnight. Younger contestants will perform first, all others will perform afterwards. Please be in Piazza Pola no later than 9:00 pm appropriately dressed for an elegant evening and ready to perform.
Q: What is the dress code?
A: You are expected to wear evening elegant concert attire at all times when you perform whether morning, afternoon or evening. A professional stage presentation is expected always. Male performers should wear at all times possible black tie tuxedo and ladies long evening dress. You should look the way you would as winners performing at Carnegie Hall in New York. Your look will be considered part of your professional presentation.
Q: Is it necessary for me to perform for the public in Piazza Pola or other public concerts?
A: Yes. This performance is important as some jurors are present. Do not underestimate the importance of this concert or any other additional concerts you may be granted. Your professional behavior and ability to handle stress is at all times evaluated by the Competition Staff and the Jury will be informed of unprofessional performances/conduct. A specific score is given to your public appearances and integrated into the final jury score. Ability to handle stress is rewarded.
Q: How long should I play on each public performance?
A: The duration of each performance and the choice of music will be determined by the competition director on each day. You are expected to be ready to perform the full program at anytime. The director will then indicate exactly what you will perform.
Q: Can I ask jury members for comments about my performance?
A: Candidates are reminded that it is not permissible to approach jury members throughout the duration of the competition. You cannot contact your members during the competition unless permission has been given by the office ona specific issue. Furthermore, Jury members are required to declare if they have any professional or/and personal relation with any of the candidates. They will be asked not to vote in such circumstances. Candidates may apply to the President for transcripts of Jury comments of their performances. A fee of Euro 100 will be required and the request must be made in advance.
Q: What if I feel I have not received a fair treatment according to the competition rules?
A: Any objections regarding competition procedures must be submitted to the President, in writing, within three hours of any incident. A triumvirate will be invited from the jury to join the president in the processing of any objections; the decision of this group will be final.
Q: If I don't stay until the end of the competition, how will I find out the results?
A: Results of the competition will be announced at midnight on Sunday. If you are not present, you can obtain results through e-mail usually a week after the end of the competition. Result packages with competition certificates will be mailed approximately 6 to 8 weeks later. NO RESULTS WILL BE GIVEN OVER THE PHONE. PLEASE DO NOT CALL! Please do not expect to receive the final package before the end of August, as the amount of information to process is very large. The package will also include the Jury comments transcripts in English (or Italian) for those who have made a specific request prior to their Jury performance.
Q: If I win, what do I win?
A: The IBLA Foundation raises funds annually for the organization of IBLA winners performers / composers presentation concerts in prestigious institutions such as Carnegie Recital Hall in New York City among other venues. If you win you will be invited to perform in these concerts. Unlike a horse race, winners are not ranked as first, second etc., as it is actually quite impossible to rank great young musicians in this unfortunate traditional manner. IBLA Winners are divided in top winners (invited to most events) and special award or mention recipients (who may be invited upon discretion of the Board of Directors of the IBLA Foundation). Usually Top Winners get expenses fully paid for these events while musicians with lower scores may get partial funding based on their score ranking.
Q: How do I get information about the IBLA Winners and all IBLA related international activities after the competition?
A: Please, visit our web site frequently www.ibla.org you will find a constantly updated list of UPCOMING EVENTS or contact our New York Office iblanyc@aol.com phone (212) 387-0111
Q: What should I do if I wish to contribute to the activities of the Foundation, whether I win or loose?
A: Your support to the activities of the Foundation will be highly appreciated. The most important support you can offer is helping in organizing concert for the winners in various parts of the world. Should you have the possibility or if you are close to people that can organize concerts please do not hesitate to come up with a proposal. According to your level of professional experience, you may be invited to be part of the future selection process as an additional member of the International Jury Panel. Being part of the Jury process will allow you to gain screening experience as well as be part of the process of choosing future winners that will eventually perform for you and your organization in your part of the world. You can also come up with your own proposal. All projects shall be presented in writing and submitted to the New York office. The Board of Directors will have final saying on which proposals are accepted.
IN RESPONSE TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING THE IBLA EUROPEAN COMPETITION FOR COMPOSERS
Q: As a composer, do I need to attend the competition in Italy?
A: If you wish to present a live performance of your work, yes, you are welcome to do so during the competition in Italy. If you present a recording of your composition or simply the music score, you need to mail the music score and the recording to the competition office in New York.
Q: Is it mandatory to enclose a recording of my composition?
A: No, the music score will suffice if a recording is not available.
Q: Is there any suggestion or requirement regarding medium (i.e. chamber music, voice and piano, orchestral, choral)? I have several recent works that might prove successful and would like to determine which one(s) to submit.
A: Please choose the one work that you feel would strongly represent you at this time. You will always be free to present another work the following year.
Q:I have read that you are searching for new compositions written for pianoforte, is it correct?
A: Yes, we are planning a New York Columbia University presentation of piano works written after the year 2000. Composers are encouraged to present innovative piano score to be performed by solo pianist, duo piano, four hands, percussions. We encourage the utmost creativity for such project. We also wish to acknowledge the creative impact and influence on piano music compositions by such composers as George Crumb (American), Olivier Messiaen (European), Toru Takemitsu (Japanese). Compositions which publicly recognize a reference to any of these composers will also be welcome.
Q: Are there duration criteria?
A: No, free duration.
Q: How will performances of the winning work be achieved - particularly in the venues listed?
A: Composers, who perform their own works, will be invited to perform at Carnegie Hall as well as in the other venues listed. If a recording has been presented, the recording will be played for the audience in venues of choice. Composers are also invited to present in person his or her music and respond to questions frequently asked from the audience.
Q: In the case of an unperformed work may an electronic realization be submitted?
A: Yes, it may.
Q: Must the music score be submitted anonymously?
A: No, the office requires full disclores of identity in all materials. We fully trust the ability of the IBLA panel of judges to express a fair and balanced selection without having to hide the identity of talented composers.
Q: When is the application deadline? Is there a postmark dealine or a receive-in-office deadline?
A: The office in New York accepts applications all year round. We recommend to apply from October through February. Deadline are often indicated in the website or in printed materials. However they are to be considered as an indication of time frame. Deadlines are not severely enforced unless we are in the weeks leading to the competition itself. To obtain a deadline extension you simply need to contact the office, motivate and request it. You will very likely be granted your request. Please do not panic and employ expensive mailing services, registered and or express because of fear of missing a deadline! You will be surprised of how quickly regular mail reaches New York City from everywhere in the world. Again, the office will do what necessary to help you reduce mailing expenses and will easily grant extension/grace times when requested.
Q: Is a list of previous winners in composition available? I looked at the page of laureates and could not readily identify the winners and works.
A: If you look into the laureates link of the foundation web site you will find the complete list of composers who have been accepted in the competition and their placement. Please do not be confused by the web individual presentation which is still in the works and does not represent all the winners. At the time of the application, you will also receive printed materials reflecting information about former winner composers.
Q: This question may become more general in the future .. I ask it now only to look forward: may scores be submitted electronically (i.e. as a PDF file)?
A: We do not exclude this possibility. At this time the traditional music score and the eventual cd recording will suffice. In general we do not accept many applications as we mail around the world the selected works of composers to be submitted to the various Jury panels that will examine the works.
HERE ARE SOME SAMPLES OF
FREQUENT FEEDBACK, COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS
FOLLOWING THE COMPETITION
Dear Dr. Moltisanti,
How are you? We hope you are doing great and you are looking back at the IBLA Grand Prize Competition 2008
with great excitement and satisfaction. Hopefully you've had a good journey back to New York.
We would like to thank you for the great organization of the IBLA Grand Prize Competition 2008. It has been quite
an exciting experience for us. It was not only a good test to play under pressure for the international jury, but it was
also a good opportunity to perform for a new public, a public that is mostly not yet used to listen classical music.
Although the competition was as intense as a competition should be, we also had a lot of fun while playing, both
for the jury as well as in the piazza. Hence, it was a great feeling for us to receive the Ravel-Award!
It was a real pleasure to be in the nice environment of Ragusa-Ibla (a bit caldo), where we made new friends among
our colleagues. Finally we would also like to thank the various volunteers that did a great job in helping us with everything!
Back in the Netherlands, we already noticed the advantages of being awarded the Ravel-Award in this competition.
Both local media as well as the embassy in Rome contacted us, which may be truly helpful in our future carrier.
Summarizing: thank you very much for everything, and we hope to see you soon again;
best regards from the Netherlands,
The Scholtes-Janssens Piano Duo,
Lestari Scholtes & Gwylim Janssens
*****
Dear Dr. Moltisanti,
Congratulations for wonderful organization of 2008. Ibla Grand Prize competition in Ragusa !!!
I spent great time, and had wonderful experience, that will be very useful for my future development as musician.
I would like to ask if there is any possibility to find out the results of competition, since I did not have opportunity
to stay until the end of competition.
One more time, Congratulations for excellent job, and best wishes for all future plans.
Yours faithfully
Julija Bal
*****
Dear Dr. Moltisanti,
I want to thank you for your beautiful festival Grand Prise you have done. Owing this festival I begin to grow up in
my musik skill. You have perfect organisation and very nice colorful place in Sicilia. I fell very comfortable there.
And about people. There were so kind and friendly that I thought they were my good friends. I want also to thank
Alessio individually for his professional approach to our work. Say him please that he is the perfect pianist and
accompanist. All the best for your health and happiness.
Thank you again and I hope that I will see you again in Ragusa Ibla.
Best wishes.
Sarkis Nazarov and my family.
*****
Attn: Dear Dr. Moltisanti,
IBLA Foundation President
or Mr. Michael Yasenak
Dear Sir,
I would like to thank You once again for Your kindest invitation to perform at 2008 IBLA Grand Prize Competition
during this summer, which was greatest pleasure for me. I was very honored to participate such a beautiful and interesting
musical event and wishing You best success!
I just saw draft published in the website and I did't find record Special Mention for Strauss/Schultz-Evler Transcription
which appear in my Certificate, please kindly find attached herewith the Certificate copy.
Looking forward to hearing from You soon; may I thank You in advance for Your kind and favorable reply.
With due respect,
Dmytro Vynohradov
Piano Soloist
*****
Dear Mr.Yasenak,
I hope you are enjoying your summer.
I am one of the participants of the 2008 IBLA competition, and did not receive my diploma or jury comments (I forgot)
at IBLA. I was wondering whether I could have them mailed to me - I would be happy to cover shipping costs.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Akiko Kobayashi
*****
Dear Sirs,
After the Competition ,, IBLA Grand Prize 2008 ,, has been finished, I would like to thank you for your hospitality
and give complimentes for good organization.
For me it was great experience and special I am very satisfied with the prize i got.
I'll be more than glad if you invite me to play in New York City 2009.
Kind Regards,
Jovana Misaljevic, pianist
*****
Dear Dr. Moltisanti,
I already miss Ibla!
This was my first time in a competition. I can see now that I should have focused on fewer pieces and have them better
prepared technically! At least this was a great learning experience and I hope I´ll grow and do better next time I do
something like this. I should, therefore, also have had the outprint of my jury results. Is it too late for me to get it and pay for it now?
Thanks and all the best,
Ólöf Valsdottir
*****
Dear Dr. Moltisanti,
Hello
I really appreciate all of your works
I enjoyed staying in IBLA and everything was fantastic
I just wanted to ask one question
I left ealry from IBLA so I did not hear the final result of the competition
I thought it was going to be posted in the web site but it is not
It has been 4 days since the conpetition ended so I'm curious about the result
Again
Thank you for the beautiful works in IBLA
Ji Hyun Kim
*****
Hello everybody,
I hope you are already at home and rested. I already miss Ragusa and everybody from the Ibla Grand Prize.
It was a great experience and I will recommend my colleagues to go next year. I hope I can go, too
(if I get the money, of course). I am back at work, teaching my Summer students here at the U. of Iowa.
After a couple days of resting I feel renew and ready to practice hard. This is going to be a good year.
It was my pleasure to meet you and get to be a part of you wonderful program.
The city is gorgeous, the people are nice and warm, and the weather was hot but nice.
I took some pictures of the concerts in the piazza and some beautiful parts of the city. Here are they in the attachment.
Thank you for all your help and patience. I will always remember this marvelous experience.
I hope to see you all again,
Olga Rua.
P.S.: Feel free to e-mail me or call me any time. I would love to keep in touch.
*****
Hello - Ciao Dr. Moltisanti,
My brothers, John and James and I made it back hom to New Jersey. I'm sending you an email with heart full of thanks
for your kindnesses to us. Our experience was wonderful! You and Chie are very fine people and we
are honored to meet you.
It is my sincere hope to participate next summer and in the meantime, I look forward to an exciting year of preparation
in anticipation. With all best wishes for your continued success and with kindest regards to Chie
Frances and brothers
*****
Dear Dr. Moltisanti,
We are Kalliopi Emmanuil and Dimitris Stamatelatos.We participated and were among the
'most distinguished musicians' in the IBLA GRAND PRIZE 2008.
We would like to thank you very much for this great experience. Taking part in this great event
was a delightful moment in our musical life.It was really valuable to us.
We hope to hear from you soon.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
Kalliopi and Dimitris
*****
Dear Mr. Yasenak,
Thank you so much! I'm so happy to be one of the Top Winners of your Competition.
I sent an email to Maestro Gunzenhauser, will wait for an answer from him.
Certainly, I'll contact you in October.
Thank you once more.
Yours sincerely,
Gayane Gasparyan
*****
Dear Dr. Salvatore Moltisanti,
First of all, I would like to stress, once again, my sincerest respect and appreciation to the great business You do;
I was honored to participate in the Competition which has been recommended to me by leading successful musicians
and has been found to the best of my expectations as a greatly tailored and uniquely organized event to support not
only the art but the talented artist around the globe.
I consider You being a great Professional in Your business and hoping that You had a chance to evaluate me as an
artist of certain level as well. I am sure that transcription Strauss Schultz-Evler and works of Skrjabin performed
by me on first and final concerts could be a beautiful addition to any highest level professional program of performance;
Looking forward to Your favorable reply,
With kindest regards
Dmytro Vynohradov
Piano soloist.
*****
Dear Dr. Moltisanti,
Thank you very much for the opportunity to perform at the Ibla Grand Prize Competition. It was a wonderful experience.
Also, thanks for the pictures of the Villa concert which you posted on the website; it brought back many fond memories.
My graduate adviser at Northwestern, Professor Ursula Oppens, will be very happy to learn that I received a Distinguished
Special Mention Award for Rzewski’s Piano Piece #4 – in fact, this piece was written for her and she coached me last year
during my preparations.
I wish you all the best with your competition and future concert events.
Sincerely,
Elena Doubovitskaya
Pianist
*****
Mr Yasenak,
Please could you forward this message to Dr Moltisanti. Thank you.
Dear Dr. Moltisanti,
Thank you very much for all your help. We had a lovely time in Ibla and it was
an honour to perform. Although I did not leave with the result that I aimed for,
I am very glad to have met you and hope that we can work together in the future.
As I mentioned before, I have many unique compositions like ‘Mediterranean’ that
receive interest from many audiences, whether in Turkey, England or recently in
Sicily and so I want to introduce them all over the world. While in Ibla, some
contestants asked if they could work with me and perform my compositions,
however, it would be an honour for me to collaborate with you on this. I am
ready to perform at any concert venue and do whatever is needed to make my
compositions known and so I would be very grateful if you could help me arrange
this.
Thank you again for all your help. I look forward to your reply.
Regards,
Ms. Yuksel Dural
(Pianist and Composer)
*****
Dear Dr. Moltisanti,
We would like to express our deepest gratitude for your wonderful organisation of XVII IBLA Grand Prize 2008,
which made teh participation of Elin Kolev in the competition in an exciting experience, and the excellent creative
ambiance made his artistic meetings with the Italian audience every evening a happy memory for life.
We are looking forward to our next meetings and cooperation.
Sincerely yours,
Elin Kolev and family
*****
Dear Dr. Moltisanti,
Having experienced a most wonderful time last summer 2007 in IBLA Ragusa, my husband and I, French Horn duo,
are anxiously preparing for next summer 2009. I have one question for you. We would like to include in our performance
selections two short works by Baroque composers. Both works are perfect for the Piazza style format with lots
of “fireworks” and “flourishes.” My question is will there be a harpsichord available for use as accompaniment?
We are looking forward to another wonderful experience next summer.
Thank you –Mark Sheldon and Gigi Tree
*****
Dear Salvatore,
Thank you so much for the lovely opportunity of participation in the Ibla Competition, as a jurist.
The talent was quite impressive and I would like
to recommend a few members of the competition to be soloists with the LSO. (Lancaster Symphony Orchestra)
Can you send contact information for:
Gayane Gasparyan-pianist
Hee Young Lim-cellist
Letizia Munoz Moreno –violinist
Although I saw Michael, I never actually met him. However, your volunteer staff is remarkable.
It is the attitude of the volunteers that provides a memorable situation for everyone.
We left Monday and spent two great days in Catania-visiting Taormina and then Mount Etna. It was INCREDIBLE to see.
We arrived home yesterday, and I hope that you are having a bit of
relaxation now.
Regards
Stephen Gunzenhauser
Music Director
Lancaster Symphony
*****
(in response to a few musicians questioning the official competiiton results)
Salvatore,
It is unfortunate that these musicians cannot understand that there are legitimate differences of artistic view points
among the finest musicians and at the highest level. When someone enters a competition they should intend to
benefit and learn from the views of the jury whether they agree with some or all of the observations or not.
There will always be those who are dissatisfied and that is for them to deal with and hopefully learn from.
There have always been very diverse opinions among jurors regarding specific performers and performances.
That is of course very normal for virtually any competition.
I would simply accept their expressions of concern and move on.
This year was an extremely successful Concorso....a real honor to be a part of.
Eugene C. Fellin, Ph.D., Chairman
Department of Music
PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO INDICATE ADDDITIONAL QUESTIONS THAT YOU THINK MIGHT BE USEFUL TO YOU.
WE WILL BE UPDATING THIS FILE AS FREQUENTLY AS POSSIBLE. THANK YOU.
back to top |