From July 24-August 5 I participated in the Virtuoso & Belcantofestival and competition in Lucca, Italy! This was the second year of the festival, and it was a wonderful opportunity to play with musicians from all over the world.

Before I got to Italy, I spent some time in Germany with my dear friend from UMN, and violinist, Louisa Woodfull-Harris. The time leading up to the festival was spent practicing, checking out documenta 14 in her hometown of Kassel, and spending time hiking in the mountains of Bavaria.

The festival itself was an intense two weeks of rehearsals, lessons, masterclasses, and performances. My rep included:

Mendelssohn String Quartet No. 6 in F minor
Dvorak String Quintet, Op. 77
Honneger Duo for Violin and Cello

I grew so much as a musician after this experience and left with a newfound sense of motivation and drive. It is the perfect timing as I return to start the final year of my Master's degree at the University of Minnesota.

© Peter Adamik / Festival "virtuoso&belcanto" Lucca 2017

© Peter Adamik / Festival "virtuoso&belcanto" Lucca 2017

Some photos from our travels in Germany before the festival and more time in Italy afterwards. After Lucca we spent time in Pienza, Florence and Rome.