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ICon Arts Transylvania

July 20 - August 11, 2024

Biertan • Brașov • Copșa Mare • Moșna • Richiș • Rusești • Sibiu

One of the most long-standing festivals dedicated to classical music and contemporary arts returns to the Southern Transylvania.
Come, delight in the picturesque atmosphere, and admire the virtuosity of music at the twenty concerts, which will bring together over 120 artists in 7 Transylvanian localities!

About the ICon Arts Phenomenon

International Contemporary Arts (ICon Arts) is the story of an ambitious cultural project that turned into a complex, internationally renowned independent contemporary art phenomenon.

ICon Arts is both an international art course (ICon Arts Academy) and a music and performance festival (ICon Arts Festival).

Started in 2003, as a series of summer classes, and focused on contemporary music, ICon Arts Academy aims to encourage the exchange of experience between young performers and composers, artists, masters and all those shaping a new generation of artists.

On the fine line between formal and non-formal education, ICon Arts Academy has created the right environment for young artists to develop and gain access to international master classes.


Along with the Academy, the ICon Arts Festival naturally took shape as a series of concerts starring academics, on the one hand, and on the other hand, big, worldwide renowned names of contemporary music.

Who is the ICon Arts Academy addressed to?

The ICon Arts music master classes – composition, solo interpretation, chamber music, Composer in Residence – are dedicated to students enrolled in music schools, who intend to take their knowledge to the next level.

The Jazz and Contemporary Dance master classes are dedicated to a 16 – 35-year-old attendees, passionate about these arts, with a minimum level of knowledge in the field. Specialized studies are not mandatory.

Our Locations

Biertan

Biertan is a small, historic village located in the Sibiu county of Romania. It is known for its fortified church, which was built in the 16th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The village is surrounded by rolling hills and lush forests, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers. Biertan is also home to traditional Romanian crafts, including pottery and wood carving, and is a great place to experience authentic Romanian culture. Overall, Biertan is a charming and picturesque village that offers visitors a glimpse into Romania's rich history and natural beauty.

Braşov

Nestled in the heart of Romania, the historic city of Brasov exudes a timeless charm that whispers tales of centuries past. Surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains, its medieval core, adorned with cobblestone streets and vibrant facades, transports visitors to an age where legends and history intertwine. Dominated by the looming presence of the Black Church, a Gothic masterpiece, and guarded by the medieval Black and White Towers, the city's skyline echoes a narrative of resilience and cultural richness. The Council Square, a bustling hub, boasts colorful baroque buildings, where the spirit of trade and community thrives. As dusk descends, the cityscape transforms into a magical panorama, illuminated by the warm glow of street lamps and the distant lights of Tampa Mountain. Brasov, a living tapestry of the past and present, invites exploration and promises an enchanting journey through time.

Copşa Mare

Nestled in the heart of Transylvania, Copsa Mare captivates with its serene charm. The village, adorned with quaint cottages and vibrant flower gardens, exudes a timeless tranquility. At its core stands the fortified church, a medieval sentinel with weathered stone walls and a stoic tower. This architectural gem, a testament to resilience, whispers tales of centuries past. As sunlight dances on the cobblestone streets, Copsa Mare and its fortified church create a harmonious tableau, inviting visitors to explore a living canvas where history and simplicity gracefully intertwine.

Moşna

Moşna is a village located in Sibiu county, Romania. It is situated in the heart of the Transylvanian hills, surrounded by forests and rolling green hills. The village is known for its beautiful traditional houses and its historic fortified church, which dates back to the 15th century. The church is one of the most impressive examples of Transylvanian Gothic architecture and is famous for its unique frescoes, which depict scenes from the Bible and from medieval life. Moşna is also famous for its scenic landscape and traditional farming culture, making it a popular destination for tourists who want to experience rural Romania.

Richiș

Richiș is a charming village located in Sibiu County, Romania. It is a picturesque place with cobbled streets, traditional Saxon houses, and a fortified church. The village is surrounded by hills and vineyards, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and wine enthusiasts. The fortified church is one of the main attractions, and it dates back to the 14th century. The village also has a museum showcasing local history and culture. Richiș is an ideal place for those looking for a peaceful and relaxing getaway in a beautiful countryside setting.

Rusești

Rusești is a charming, picturesque village located in Cluj County of Romania. Full of history and tradition, the village is a true paradise for those who seek to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and listen to nature's concerts. The village is a patchwork of traditional houses and old churches that maintain the charm and authenticity of a distant past. Among the most beautiful attractions of the commune is the wooden Church in Dealu Goiești, with a massive tower and an interior decorated with impressive frescoes dating from the 18th century. Enjoy the spectacular scenery and authentic rural atmosphere!

Sibiu

Nestled in the heart of Transylvania, Sibiu is a captivating Romanian city that seamlessly blends medieval charm with vibrant cultural energy. Its cobblestone streets wind through a well-preserved historic center, where pastel-colored buildings and Baroque architecture create a picturesque landscape. The city's squares, including the famous Large Square and Small Square, serve as lively gathering spots, surrounded by cafes and shops. Sibiu's cultural richness is evident in its museums, theaters, and festivals, while the imposing Council Tower offers panoramic views of the city. With a palpable sense of history and a modern, dynamic spirit, Sibiu welcomes visitors to explore its treasures and experience its unique blend of tradition and innovation.

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Our Classes

The 22nd edition of the ICon Arts Transylvania Academy and Festival will take place, as is tradition, at the end of July and in the first part of August, in three distinct periods.

The master classes will take place in Biertan, Richiș, Copşa Mare, Moşna heritage villages, in Sibiu County and also in Braşov, Romania. Each master class is scheduled to develop during a 7 days program.

Session 20-28 July 2024

VIOLIN*

3 places available

Teacher

CELLO*

8 places available

Teacher

CONTRABASS

6 places available

Teacher

GUITAR

8 places available

Teachers

HORN

Teachers

Alexandru Marc (RO)
Cupșa Gavril (RO)

Session 28 July - 5 August 2024

VIOLIN

8 places available

Teacher

CELLO*

8 places available

Teacher

FLUTE

8 places available

Teacher

PERCUSSION

8 places available

Teacher

Session 4-11 August 2024, Braşov

PIANO

8 places available

Teacher

Horia Mihail (RO)

VOCAL*

8 places available

Teacher

JAZZ

8 places available

Teacher

* These classes require a pre-selection by submitting a short bio and a 5-minute self-tape (solo recording) via the registration form. The applicants that are not selected will be refunded the money paid for reserving the seats.
**These are masterclasses dedicated to children between 6 and 12 years old.

Artistic Residencies

The ICon Arts artistic residencies offer composers and performers from various countries the opportunity to spend 1-2 weeks in Biertan to develop musical or interpretative creations under the guidance of renowned artists. This year, the residency program hosts the ComPerformer project, co-financed by the Administration of the National Cultural Fund – AFCN, in which selected musicians will work under the mentorship of violinist Remus Azoiței (Romania/UK), the RTE ConTempo Quartet (Romania/Ireland), and composer Sebastian Androne Nakanishi (Romania/Switzerland). Within the ComPerformer project, a photography residency by Mihai Benea will also commence in Biertan during the same period, later continuing in Shkodër, Albania.

The jazz residency in Brașov is organized in partnership with Dublin City University and will include musicians from Romania and Ireland, under the coordination of Romanian jazz guitarist Ciprian Pop.

The residencies for the 2024 edition will take place during the following periods:
July 20 – 28 in Biertan & August 4 – 11 in Brașov.

Our Packages

PACKAGE 1

€ 200

1000 LEI

includes:

Course fees




PACKAGE 2

€ 600

3000 LEI

includes:

Course fees
Accommodation
2 meals/day
Airport transfer (from Sibiu International Airport)
Transportation to the ICon Arts Festival concerts

In the context of Covid-19:
The event will take place under the official regulations in Romania regarding the pandemic. The 2021 and 2022 edition developed according to the calendar, the classes took place in safety conditions and 95% of the events have been organized in open air.

Register

For each master class, there is an available limited number of 8 seats.

To register for the desired class in the ICon Transylvania Arts Academy please fill out the below registration form.

Registration is complete when the fee for the package has been paid – even if the payment is made in two installments.

The minimum age for participation is 16 years. For minors, the above form must be accompanied by a parental agreement. 

Payment in installments
You have the option of paying for a package in 2 installments (30% first installment, 70% second installment). The first installment is non-refundable. The second installment must be paid by 1st of May.

Important: The registration closing date is 15th of June 2024 or when all seats have been booked.

We are looking forward to your visit to Transylvania.

You are welcome to be part of the ICon Arts Phenomenon.

IMPORTANT! After completing the registration process, you should expect to receive a confirmation email at the address you provided us. In the event that you do not receive the confirmation email, contact us via email at office@iconarts.ro.
* These classes require a pre-selection by submitting a short bio and a 5-minute self-tape (solo recording) via the registration form. The applicants that are not selected will be refunded the money paid for reserving the seats.
**These are masterclasses dedicated to children between 6 and 12 years old.

Payment options

Bank Transfer

UCIMR – Uniunea de Creație Interpretativă a Muzicienilor din România

EURO IBAN: RO17BTRLEURCRT0477088101
RON IBAN: RO40BTRLRONCRT0477088102

Banca Transilvania Sucursala Obor
SWIFT: BTRLRO22
CIC: 4770881

academia.iconarts@gmail.com