Reported by Prof Tinus Botha
In July, I had the privilege of participating in ArtePiano, a weeklong intensive course for talented young pianists held annually in the picturesque medieval town of Castelnuovo di Farfa, approximately an hour by train from Rome. The course brings together an international faculty from the UK, USA, Ireland, Georgia, South Africa, and Austria, providing students with the opportunity to work with a range of distinguished teachers and perspectives. Throughout the week, each student received a lesson with every member of the faculty, while daily student concerts at the Chiesa San Nicola di Bari, in the centre of town, provided numerous opportunities for performance.
The ArtePiano International Piano Competition, on which I served as a jury member, attracted a particularly high level of participants from around the world. The final round, held in the magnificent Abbazia Benedettina di Santa Maria di Farfa with the Orchestra delle Cento Città, was a memorable experience and a fitting conclusion to the competition.
One of the highlights of the festival was a glorious song recital by NWU alumna Erica Eloff and Serbian-Austrian pianist Pavle Krstić. I also participated in the opening concert which included a performance by six pianists, twelve hands [below, right].
The intense European heatwave was somewhat easier to endure with the excellent selection of gelato [above, left] (and Aperol Spritz, available to those so inclined).
Under the capable leadership of Niel du Preez and Daniele Cifferi, ArtePiano has grown into an invaluable opportunity for serious young pianists to hone their craft in a supporting environment steeped in a strong sense of community. The combination of outstanding teaching, performance opportunities, and an inspiring setting makes the course a particularly distinctive experience for emerging pianists, and I am already looking forward to the 2027 edition.
