YOUTH CLASSICS is a private initiative that was founded to specifically promote highly talented young musicians, in addition to their training in conservatories and music colleges.
The YOUTH CLASSICS program is structured as follows:
A. Swiss International Music Academy (SIMA)
The SIMA was founded in 2009 (under the name International Music Week Montepulciano) and has been held every year since 2014 on the “Music Island” of Rheinau in Switzerland.
During the summer holidays, the SIMA organizes exclusive master classes for advanced students who want to become professional musicians, as well as for students from music colleges and universities.
Renowned teachers, internationally known artists from all over Europe and abroad under the artistic direction of Prof. Philip A. Draganov, work with the participants during the master classes as part of the solo lessons.
In addition to individual lessons, rehearsals with accompaniment, chamber music, improvisation and various workshops are offered. Concert experiences are a central part of the SIMA training.
Selected participants also get the opportunity to perform as a soloist with a professional orchestra.
What distinguishes SIMA from other masterclasses in Switzerland?
The SIMA was founded on the model of large American "summer schools" and in contrast to the smaller master courses in Europe.
Among the participants are young soloists, winners of major international competitions, as well as students from music colleges and young talents who will work as orchestra musicians or as teachers in the future.
During the SIMA, around 130 people live, work and make music together under one roof and on the campus of the Music Island Rheinau.
What makes the SIMA unique?
International recognition of a Swiss educational institute
SIMA is a musical education institution at the highest level, a magnet that attracts talented young musicians between the ages of 12 and 28 from all over Europe, Asia and America. YOUTH CLASSICS promotes musical talent regardless of their financial means. The economic situation and background of a young person must not play a role in the development of musical talent and thus in future prospects. Therefore, participants in the SIMA master courses do not pay any course fees, only the costs for hotel and meals. In order to be able to finance this concept, YOUTH CLASSICS works closely with foundations, companies and private donors.
Draganov only hires well-known professors from renowned music universities and conservarories for the SIMA team of teachers, who have proven that they have successfully trained numerous young musicians and whose former students now hold important positions in the music world.
Every year, between 300 and 450 young musicians apply for one of the coveted places at SIMA. Draganov and his team each year give around 100 academy places to young talents from Switzerland, from all over Europe, the USA and Asia.
B. Giving students the opportunity to perform as soloists with orchestra
It is important for young musicians to have the opportunity to present what they have learned to a broad audience and to gain important concert experience on stage. In its "YOUTH CLASSICS Rising Stars" series, YOUTH CLASSICS presents young talents and gives them the opportunity, among other things, to perform as soloists with an orchestra.
C. Loan instruments to talented students
In order to be competitive, every musician needs a good instrument. However, the procurement of such an instrument is not possible for everyone due to economic constraints.
Through cooperation with renowned companies and violin makers such as Stefan-Peter Greiner, YOUTH CLASSICS can provide talented young musicians with high-quality instruments. For a number of years now, SIMA has been awarding instrument prizes every year.
D. The YOUTH CLASSICS Orchestra
The YOUTH CLASSICS Orchestra is designed for students from music colleges, young talents and young professionals from all over Europe. The aim is to develop and perform important works with professional quality standards in concentrated work phases.
One of the highlights of the YOUTH CLASSICS Orchestra was the performance at "Art on Ice" in the Zurich Hallenstadion with the soloist Khatia Buniatishvili.
E. Award of scholarships
Musical training often begins at the age of 3 or 4 and lasts more than 20 years. Families and students have numerous expenses on this long and costly educational path.
YOUTH CLASSICS supports young talented people in difficult financial situations, this in cooperation with foundations and patrons.
Further information on all YOUTH CLASSICS activities can be found at www.youth-classics.org.
