Rafael Rosenfeld – Cello Masterclass

Cello masterclass at the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole
Teacher: Rafael Rosenfeld – 1 session
Collaborative pianist: Aglaia Tarantino
The cello masterclass taught by Rafael Rosenfeld is aimed at young cellists who wish to enhance their skills through the encounter with, and the valuable guidance of, a complete musician, whose work spans different repertoires with great interpretative awareness.
An internationally renowned cellist, Rafael Rosenfeld studied with Walter Grimmer and David Geringas, and received further inspiration from András Schiff, Steven Isserlis, Sandor Végh, Bernard Greenhouse, and György Kurtág.
Since winning the Geneva International Music Competition in 2000, he has established himself throughout Europe as a soloist, performing with orchestras such as the Stuttgart SWR Symphony Orchestra, the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, and the Zurich Chamber Orchestra. Since 2002, with the Merel Quartet, he has explored the string quartet repertoire, and he is currently principal cello of the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich.
His profound experience is placed at the service of young musicians at the Hochschule für Musik in Basel.
Rafael Rosenfeld’s lessons address the technical aspects of cello performance, placing them in close relation to the performer’s expressive needs and to the stylistic coherence required to frame the interpreted works within their historical context, in order to enable each participant to express themselves effectively through music.
The cello masterclass lessons taught by Rafael Rosenfeld and organized by the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole take place at the Paggeria and the Scuderie of Villa Demidoff in Pratolino, within a monumental park that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, students may also stay in the guesthouse at a modest cost (subject to availability), thus enjoying for several days a comprehensive experience of beauty combining music, nature, and masterpieces of Italian art.
The masterclass will take place upon reaching a minimum number of participants.
The Red Hall of the Paggeria of Villa Demidoff hosts the final concerts of the spring masterclasses as part of Mousikè, the international festival of the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole.
Young cellists
15 March 2026
Selection by video (uploaded on YouTube or Vimeo) of two musical pieces representative of the cello repertoire from two different historical periods. Link to be sent to v.trambusti@scuolamusica.fiesole.fi.it
The masterclass includes a minimum of four lessons
15–18 June 2026
Individual attendance fee to be paid 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 discount for each masterclass.