The Carlo Aonzo Mandolin Workshop                      Accademia>>

Since 2001, Carlo Aonzo has come to New York City every year to spread his vision of Italian style mandolin. With grace, charm, and patience, he teaches and illustrates his style and technique. Attendees at his workshops learn in a warm and supportive, but challenging environment.

	Photo by Lynn Padwe

Music is distributed months in advance so students can prepare the material. Then, at the workshop, Carlo teaches finer points of nuance, style, dynamics, and ensemble playing.

Originally a one-day event, the workshop now runs for three full days.

In past years, classes were given in exercise and technique, ensemble playing, and mandolin orchestra. Music played at the workshop includes works from all the major periods of mandolin music. Recently, we added transcribed repertoire for bowed instruments as well as contemporary compositions for mandolin. Attendees of past workshops have played music by Bach, Barbella, Bottacchiari, Calace, Denis, Falbo, Gervasio, Giuliani, Munier, Principe, Romaldi, Telemann, and of course Vivaldi.

Attendees have unanimously praised Carlo and the workshop (see some comments at right).

The workshop is intended for all levels but intermediate and advanced mandolinists will benefit the most from this program. Beginners may be accepted but should inquire as to suitablility before registering.

We hope you will consider joining us in New York for the next workshop.

The 2008 Workshop

The 2008 workshop will be held the weekend of March 28-30 in Manhattan. Advance reservations are required. For more information, please email Chaim Caron.

Please note: The Carlo Aonzo Manhattan Mandolin Workshop for 2008 is now full. There is a waiting list so if you still want to come, please contact Chaim Caron and he will add your name. If you are in the New York City area and would like to come to the concert at the end of the workshop, let Chaim know and he will put you on the email publicity list for the concert. We hope you'll consider joining us for the workshop next year!
Best regards,
Carlo Aonzo and Chaim Caron

Comments in the Press:

"His impact and influence among mandolin aficionados worldwide has brought him acclaim and honors…his delicate, ringing, sonorous round-backed classical mandolin sound set him apart [from other competitors at the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas] as having the greatest mastery of the instrument…

– David McCarty, Mandolin Magazine, Spring 2005

"Carlo…was a sensitive and patient teacher…He inspired us all to put forward our best efforts– and the result was a day filled with learning, camaraderie, and the joy of making music together.

– Anne Rivera, Mandolin Magazine, Spring 2005

"I was…very impressed from hearing and studying with a warm compassionate musician. Carlo is…full of fire and has great technique that's been honed through years of study…with his father and the great Ugo Orlandi."

– Terry Pender, Mandolin Quarterly, September 2001

"I found [Carlo] to be an absolutely charming young man, unassuming, but confident and thoroughly knowledgeable… Was it worth…the hassle [of New York City traffic]? Absolutely…Carlo will be holding workshops. I highly recommend them!"

– Antonina Nigrelli, The Mandolin Journal, August 2001

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Attendees' Comments

This event will be a touchstone of my mandolin year into the future.

SCT, Hadley, Massachusetts

I think the highlight was seeing a piece develop from sets of notes into a cohesive musical expression.

D.W., Calgary, Alberta

It was wonderful to have new works to perform as part of the orchestra repertoire, especially with [composer Victor Kioulaphides] in attendance. It was evident that the classical mandolin community not only has a rich past but also a bright future with new pieces being written specifically for the mandolin.

L. B., professional musician, Milwaukee, WI

The farther the time from the workshop, the more I appreciate it as I go back to the music and remember how it was interpreted, and reach for my goal: to play it to its full potential.

P.C., professional musician, Wayne, NJ

Carlo's interpretation of the music is exquisitely sensitive, and he imparts an energy that brings out the best performance of each musician. He knows how to command what's right for the music, without compromise, while encouraging the players to overcome their difficulties with humor and grace.

E.A., Melbourne Beach, FL

The workshop moved along at a good, but not punishing pace. All of the operational factors seemed to proceed smoothly, evidence of good planning and flexible but firm control. The organizers' enthusiasm for the music and for the mandolin comes across unmistakably.

CB, New York, NY

Carlo is, of course, a unique artist, whose virtuosity is only matched by his boundless generosity and communicative skills. We are privileged indeed to have him among us!

V.K., professional musician, New York, NY

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