Mission
The Cellísimo Festival was created by cellist and teacher Michal Shein during the pandemic in order to support Spanish-speaking cellists in their musical education, their development as artists, and to offer access to unforgettable musical experiences.
The festival gives high-potential students access to a top-tier program that also focuses on well-being and building a truly special community. Classes at the festival are taught in Spanish.
Now in its sixth year, the festival has transformed the musical lives of more than 79 cellists from over 12 countries in Latin America.
When and where is the festival?
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"The opportunity that I had at the festival was a unique and amazing experience. The teachers were of the highest level and instilled in us great knowledge and skills for our personal development as musicians"
- Cristhian Requejo (Peru)
The festival is ONLINE. It normally takes place during the last week of June and the first week of July.
What does the festival include?
Participants will have the opportunity to work intensively with Professor Michal Shein for two transformative weeks. Apart from their classes with her, students have the opportunity to play in masterclasses with other artists and participate in special sessions.
The festival also focuses on the well-being of our body and mind. There will be daily sessions of yoga, meditation and physical exercises for musicians.
"This Cellísimo experience exceeded all my expectations. It has made me grow as a person and as a cellist. Despite the difficulties that musicians face due to having gone through a pandemic, this festival took place at a time when everything was already returning to in-person life , and led me to connect with my essence and my passion, back when I started studying music as a child. I feel very happy with everything I learned, and how I grew in this festival alongside great people, musicians and teachers. Thank you so much."
- Stephanny Mata (Venezuela)
Who is the festival for?
The Cellísimo Virtual Festival is for advanced level cellists ages 15-24, who are interested in or are already pursuing a career in music. The festival gives preference to cellists from Latin America, but is also open to cellists from other countries.
The number of cellists accepted is limited. However, there is an opportunity for other cellists and teachers to participate as auditors to the masteclasses.
What does each student receive?
Participants will have the opportunity to work intensively with Professor Michal Shein and faculty for two transformative weeks.
Sessions include;
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Two individual classes (open to all participants)
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Daily group technique class
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Masterclasses (open to the public)
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Class on orchestral excerpts
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Access to pieces by composer-in-residence Andrea Casarrubios
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Session on the baroque style and bow strokes
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Daily group wellness session (yoga, meditation, etc.)
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Social activities!