International Violin and String Mastercourse International Violin and ...

The Keshet EilonInternational MastercourseEnchanting sounds of the violinin the Galilee MountainsThe Keshet Eilon InternationalMastercourse, founded in 1990at Kibbutz Eilon near Israel'snorthern border, marks its 22ndyear this summer. During thistime it has gained recognitionfor its advancement of youngviolinists from all over theworld with an emphasis on soloperformance. The location of thekibbutz in the Galilee Mountainsprovides a verdant haven in whichmusicians can detach themselvesfrom the rest of the world anddevote themselves exclusively totheir music.We at Keshet Eilon are convincedthat music, one of the eternalsymbols of humanity going backto David’s lyre in Biblical times,can serve as a bridge betweenreligions, peoples and nations,reflected in our symbolic namekeshet, which means an arc or aspan as well as a bow. This concepttakes on even greater significancein turbulent times.Keshet Eilon operates under themusic direction of Professor ItzhakRashkovsky of the Royal Collegeof Music, London. Its managingdirector is Gilad Sheba, a secondgenerationmember of KibbutzEilon. Its board of directors ischaired by Reuven Hasak.The Keshet Eilon Violin Mastercourseretains its characteristicinformal atmosphere along withits high professional level and itsreach for excellence, attractinghundreds of talented youngapplicants for admission each year.Following a rigorous selectionprocess, 50 participants are chosento attend the three-week summercourse, with many others turnedaway simply because of spacelimitations. Distinguished teachersand artists from all parts of theworld also join us, inspired by thedistinctiveness of our project.Over 1,000 alumni of the KeshetEilon Mastercourse, representing50 countries, are spread outthroughout the world. Theycontinue to keep in close touchwith Keshet Eilon, and some ofthem assist us in promoting theproject by performing in ourbenefit concerts in various partsof the world, where they also gainexposure to qualitative audiences.The curriculum at Keshet Eilonincludes masterclasses, individualinstruction, chamber music andconcerts. Participants have theopportunity to gain experience insolo and ensemble performancesbefore audiences in the kibbutz,throughout the Western Galileeregion, and in Tel Aviv.Keshet Eilon is also distinguishedfrom other masterclass programsin its unique blend of musictraining and instruction in archery;exposure to the art of violin- andbow-making; and opportunities totake part in chamber music andother innovative workshops onvarious themes.The Mastercourse is the flagshipprogram of the Keshet EilonMusic Center, which is movingtoward becoming a year roundcenter for string performance andeducation.72