Lindsay Rae McIntosh (oboe 2012 / Brighton, MA)
“One of the best experiences of my life.”
Agustin Orcha Mata (double bass 2013 / Jaén, Spain)
"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 now 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)
“It not only met my hopes and expectations, but exceeded them, and they were pretty high to begin with!”
John Giffen (baritone 2013/Montréal, QC)
I have attended a number of different summer music programs. While all of them have been beneficial, this has been the most complex and the most smoothly run, besides being extremely informative and inspiring.
Nancy Hennen (flute 2012 / Flute instructor, Brandon University)
“Thank you for an incredible experience – I’ve learned so much and had a wonderful time. Thank you for being so warm and welcoming and for the high standard of teaching here.”
Alice Buckingham (viola 2013/Brisbane, Australia)
“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 enjoyed how holistic the program is – how we learn not just about the music itself and the practical aspects of playing it, but also about the era and its aesthetic. I have learned more about baroque music than I realized I didn’t know!"
Eleanor Verrette (viola 2012 / Toronto, ON)
“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)
"I felt completely comfortable yet motivated in this intense/relaxed atmosphere. I always felt encouraged, never felt undermined. This is the best program I have attended, incredibly organized and so much fun! My approach to music has changed and my love for music is revived!"
Michelle Odorico (violin 2012 / Pickering, 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)
"The great energy and passion of the TBSI faculty was very inspirational! This created a great, relaxed, yet dedicated and exciting experience!"
Alessia Disimino (violin 2012 / Toronto, ON)
"What I liked best at TBSI:
• overall understanding and multilayered interpretation of style, aesthetic, culture, history = music AND civilization
• positive culture of respect, collaboration, hard work, fun!
• detailed knowledge and expertise of faculty
• clockwork coordination of a complex system
• wonderful repertoire"
Douglas Millar (baritone 2010 / Toronto, ON)
