City of Martfű
Martfű is the home of the Masterclass, the city is located 20km south of Szolnok on the left side of river Tisza. Its peaceful and pleasant countryside location allows all participants to focus on music and finding their inner voice while enjoying the delightful surrounding. It is the youngest city of Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok county with a population of 7000. According to the historical documents from the 15th century both Tiszaföldvár and the regional rural area of Marthfew belonged to the Abbey of Dunaföldvár.
Areas around the city are environmentally protected and part of a nature reserve. The city is close to the wreath of the slow moving river Tisza which creates a unique microclimate for all the diverse variety of native plants and animals. With its friendly population, pleasant environment and high quality services Martfű is an ideal destination for colorful summer vacation.
Accommodation: Martfű Termal Hotel & Spa***
During the Masterclass the two Maestros; the participants; members of the orchestra and the choir will all be staying at the hotel’s facilities. This arrangement will provide unprecedented access and close working environment to all parties.
The hotel & spa started its operation in 2005. It was built on a natural thermal spring which constantly provides hot water so it is a popular tourist destination all year around. It lays close proximity to the natural reserve and to the wreath of the slow moving river Tisza. The hotel’s wellness and conference center provides a beautiful location and quality services to both domestic and international guests. The 33m long indoors swimming pool serves as the winter training place for the Hungarian National Waterpolo team as well as for divers and swimmers. The outdoor pools are filled with natural thermal spring water which offer ideal place for relaxation and revitalization for the body and for the soul.
Choral Conductors tuition sessions will be held at: Saint Thomas Catholic Church
Saint Thomas Catholic Church will be the primary location for the choral conductors’ tuition sessions. This young church is conveniently located about ten minutes walking distance from the Hotel. It will provide idyllic ambiance for practicing both the secular and religious pieces. The disposition of the 23-register, 2 manual, pedal type concert organ provides superb sound quality. The church often welcomes choirs from all over Europe and it’s known for is superb concerts.
The church takes its name after the martyr Saint Thomas who is the protector of Non-believers, those who question the resurrection of Christ. The church was christened in 2001. The layout of the church follows the shape of a cross which is the only architectural function that follows a traditional scheme. Saint Thomas died in India so the designers and architects built many Indian motives into this church which make it very unique. These stylistic elements include ogee arch doors and windows, concrete curtains on both sides and the formation of the sanctuary pulpit and the altar. The church displays a variety of stained glass windows, paintings and other holy motives and decorations. The church took many years to build and the project received many foreign donations.
Orchestra conductors tuition sessions will be held at: Marfű Cultural Center
Martfű cultural center plays an irreplaceable role in the regions vivid cultural life. The management’s deep respect for traditional values and openness for modern art forms make the city’s cultural life attractive for locals and visitors as well. The center offers a variety of diverse forms of entertainment to all age groups and it is home for approximately thirty art groups including folklore, modern dance, youth choirs, pottery, etc. The cultural center has a total area of 4600 m2 that includes a library, an art gallery and a concert hall capable seating five hundred people.
The tuition sessions for the orchestra conductors will take place in the concert hall which is located about eight minutes walking distance from the Hotel. The acoustics of the concert hall are ideal for practicing the full repertoire of the masterclass.