“In the airport of Toronto thinking of the last two weeks as one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Thank you to all the people that I have met, thank you to all the TBSI staff, thank you to my chamber music groups and the incredible concerts, and of course thank you for yesterday's concert [The Grand Finale], which was for me an incredible day that I will never forget.”
Guillermo Turina (cello 2011 / JOA Exchange student from Spain)
“I have nothing but superlatives to say about the whole experience, the wonderful music, engaging lectures and masterclasses in an environment filled with good humour and boundless energy! Kudos to the staff as well as the faculty for a very well organized two weeks of marvelous musical experiences.”
Patty Gartshore (Conductor 2011 / Sault Ste. Marie, ON)
"Handel masterclass with Ann Monoyios: simply brilliant! Ornamenting is SO AWESOME."
"HOLY CRAP – sitting and singing RIGHT NEXT to Peter Harvey at Grace Church!!! I'm the luckiest baritone EVER!"
Keith Lam (Baritone 2011 / Toronto, ON)
"I feel that there is a very positive culture of exploration for new players that co-exists easily with high standards for experienced players of early music. I don’t know anyone leaving this institute who does not feel they learned a lot."
Dylan Sauerwald (harpsichord 2010 / Montreal QC)
"Unbelievable amount of talented faculty! I learned so much. I loved to have been completely immersed in the style – the best way to learn. Like an awesome music camp for grown ups!"
Katy Olsen (soprano 2011 / San Francisco, CA)
“This was my first time playing baroque oboe, although I have been studying modern oboe for a long time. The Tafelmusik oboists, John and Marco, are artists of the first rank and I could not have asked for a better start anywhere.”
Daniel Waldron (oboe 2010 / Toronto, ON)
"I loved how knowledgeable, talented and approachable all of the faculty are – and everything was very well organized and scheduled so that days were always varied and interesting. All the support staff are also super nice and great at their jobs."
Susie Fong (harpsichord 2011 / San Francisco, CA)
“Lesson with Ann was incredible. Staff and instructors so encouraging, understanding, and loving. Finally understanding and then "nailing" the Gesualdo was the best feeling ever. Ivars = Amazing.”
Katie Cross (soprano 2011 / Toronto, ON)
"I enjoyed the orchestral component of the programme, as this was the primary reason I attended TBSI. The opportunity to engage in two weeks of music-making with other passionate individuals was incredible."
Michael Poulton (violin 2011 / Brisbane, Australia)
"Being completely immersed in the baroque style for two weeks taught me more than I've learned in five years of music study. The singers you picked were all incredible people and musicians, and working with them every day was a pleasure. Being able to sing such challenging music in so many different ensembles was occasionally overwhelming, but oh-so-rewarding and very often thrilling."
Jennifer Krabbe (soprano 2011 / North Bay, ON)
“My experience here has exceeded all possible expectations! The information I have processed in these two weeks is incredible and I know that it directly relates to the other music I play. I am very excited to see how it effects my modern playing. The best part of TBSI though, is being surrounded by the players of Tafelmusik. This faculty is so passionate, knowledgeable, and inspirational; this is the true gift of participating in TBSI. I am so inspired to learn more!”
Katya Gorovaya (viola 2010 / Boston, MA)
“Yesterday I performed in an ensemble singing Bach motet "Singet dem Herrn, ein neues Lied" ... and we danced. Nobody cared what they looked like. Nobody cared about beat patterns. Nobody cared about being "correct." We just sang, shaped, and danced. And sang really briskly without being heavy. Or worrying about whether we were loud enough and if our own voices could be heard like our solo voice was the only thing that mattered. We only cared about the words. And Bach. And dancing. And we danced. And when we finished there wasn't a person on that stage not smiling – whether it be due to relief or sheer joy. It was so electrifying."
Eric Christopher Perry (tenor 2011 / Boston, MA)
“I feel honoured to have been given the chance to work with such amazing musicians, and to have had such close contact with members of Tafelmusik, who were all extremely generous teachers and mentors throughout the programme.”
Emily Redhead (violin 2010 / Montréal, QC)
"The programme did exactly what I hoped it would do and more. It revealed in spades the many things I still need to work on vocally and musically (and I will) but also provided much encouragement and inspiration. I so enjoyed working with Ivars, whose enthusiasm for music is infectious. And my work with Rufus, Ann and Marshall was invaluable. It was such a treat to be surrounded and mentored by so many wonderful musicians. It really was amazing."
Jason Rylander (tenor 2010 / Arlington, VA)
“TBSI has been one of the most enriching musical experiences I have ever had.”
Kristen Hill (flute 2010 / London, ON)
"What I liked best at TBSI:
