ABRUZZO MASTERCLASS

A fantastic course, aimed at young talents from all over the world, playing violin, viola and cello.

From the 12th until the 19th of July 2025

in Calascio, Italy

A MUSICAL JOURNEY AND A LIFE EXPERIENCE

Three classes: violin, viola, and cello, taught by fantastic teachers!

Ample practice spaces within the stunning Santa Maria delle Grazie monastery: numerous rooms, charming nooks, and a tranquil private pine forest.

A variety of activities: workshops, mountain hikes, guided tours, chamber music, and more.

Italy’s stunning blue skies and renowned artistic heritage meet Abruzzo’s breathtaking beauty—“the greenest region of Europe,” rich in nature and ancestral history.

Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners included, offering the perfect opportunity to relax. Savor classic Italian breakfasts on an open-air terrace, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

A charming, small Franciscan monastery, a haven of simplicity and serenity. Meaningful human connections, enriching interactions: a setting of mindfulness, self-care, and quiet dedication, offering the ideal environment for personal growth.

Delicious food, fresh air and breathtaking scenery.

A vibrant community of musicians, each contributing to the collective energy.

THE FACULTY

VIOLIN

LISANNE SOETERBROEK

VIOLA

FLORIAN PEELMAN

CELLO

BIO

ALEXEY STADLER

VIOLIN PROFESSOR AT THE ROTTERDAM CONSERVATORY

CONCERTMASTER ANTWERP SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

VIOLA PROFESSOR AT THE "HANNS EISLER" HOCHSCHULE BERLIN

CELLO PROFESSOR AT THE MUSIKHOCHSCHULE HAMBURG

Our workshops

We strive to provide valuable tools to support every student’s career, whether through software training courses or management workshops. Additionally, we make it a priority to diversify our offerings, ensuring that each edition features a unique selection of courses.

Set-up improvement

A 30-minute one-on-one session with a professional luthier to explore ways to enhance your instrument's setup.

Elements of improvisation

Individual or group workshops led by Paolo Di Sabatino, where participants will explore some foundational rules of improvisation. Paolo will demonstrate how to transform these principles into practical tools, that can be immediately put into practice.

Join a unique photo shoot experience with Lisanne Soeterbroek, a renowned portrait photographer specializing in musicians. Since 2020, she has captured stunning portraits of artists. With her deep understanding of music and visual storytelling, Lisanne creates expressive and natural portraits that truly reflect the character of her subjects.

with Paolo Di Sabatino

Professional photo shoot

Santa Maria delle Grazie

At the edge of the quiet village of Calascio, the small Franciscan monastery offers a sense of timelessness and peace.

The monastery strikes a unique balance. It sits close enough to the village to feel connected—catching glimpses of daily life, the sound of bells in the distance—but it also provides a peaceful retreat.

Of course, the monastery cannot offer the comforts of a modern hotel. Its historical purpose and heritage mean that its spaces remain true to their original design. For instance, due to its conformation, it’s not possible to have bathrooms in each room.

But this feels less like a limitation and more like a natural part of the experience. The charm and magic of the place make these small inconveniences feel insignificant, even adding to the authenticity of staying somewhere so steeped in history.

Excursion

At Abruzzo Masterclass, we aim to give you also a glimpse of the incredible experiences Abruzzo has to offer. Each edition will include an optional excursion, which could be a guided visit or a mountain hike. While it’s absolutely not mandatory, it’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with others and create unforgettable memories. For example, last year we visited the stunning castle of Calascio, accompanied by a local guide who shared fascinating insights into the area’s rich history.