Diemut Poppen – Viola Masterclass
Viola Masterclass at the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole
Teacher: Diemut Poppen – 1 session
Collaborative pianist: Silvia Da Boit
In the viola masterclass led by Diemut Poppen and organised by the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole, young instrumentalists will have the opportunity to develop their technical and musical skills under the guidance of a musician with outstanding concert and teaching experience.
An international soloist and chamber musician, Diemut Poppen has performed with conductors such as Claudio Abbado and Heinz Holliger and is a partner of renowned musicians. Principal viola of the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, she has conducted the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, the Orchestra Mozart, the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, and the Orquestra Gulbenkian in Lisbon.
Alongside her concert activity, her passionate teaching commitment includes appointments at the Zurich University of the Arts, the Hochschule für Musik Detmold, and the Escuela Reina Sofia in Madrid.
Diemut Poppen’s viola lessons will aim to develop participants’ technical and musical skills, starting from careful bow control to achieve a personal and expressive sound, while also addressing phrasing, stylistic awareness, and coherence in performance.
The masterclass will take place once a minimum number of students is reached.
The viola masterclass of the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole will be held at Villa Demidoff in Pratolino, where accommodation in the guesthouse —available until all places are filled and offered at an affordable rate— will allow students to enjoy an immersive experience not only musically but artistically, thanks to the splendid Medici park rich in Renaissance sculptures and unforgettable views.
The concerts scheduled within Mousikè, the international festival of the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole, will offer talented participants in the viola masterclass the opportunity to perform in public, putting into practice the experience gained during the lessons.
The Sonatas and Suites by J.S. Bach, instrumental technique, preparation for competitions and auditions
Young violists
15 March 2026
Selection via video (YouTube or Vimeo). The link to a movement from a solo work by J.S. Bach—preferably from the Cello Suites— must be sent by e-mail to v.trambusti@scuolamusica.fiesole.fi.it
A minimum of four lessons per masterclass is required.
21–25 June 2026
Individual attendance fee, payable in a single instalment before the beginning of the masterclass via Pago PA: €500.
Auditor fee: €60.
Students of the School may attend free of charge as auditors and may participate as active students with a €100 reduction per masterclass.