Amati & Stradivari Players Summer Italy Tour 2026
Intermediate & Advanced String Ensemble | Italy Tour
Audition required for students not currently enrolled in the 2025/26 Amati & Stradivari Players. Please see the audition requirements below.
VAM is very excited to announce Amati & Stradivari Players Summer Program, Led by Joseph Elworthy, President & CEO of VAM and Professor & Division Chair of Cello! This immersive program offers students a unique musical experience: beginning with the Amati & Stradivari Summer Camp at VAM, followed by the Italy Tour, providing exceptional opportunities for international performance, learning, and cultural exploration.
Recommended for: Ages: 9+ | RCM Level: 7+ (violin/ viola/ cello/ bass)
Amati & Stradivari Players Summer Camp (July 6-10, 2026)
- Daily rehearsals and a closing concert on Friday, July 10
- Camp fee waived for Italy Tour participants – a $590 value included as part of this extraordinary international experience
Italy Tour: Cremona International Music Academy and Festival (July 12-29, 2026)
- Includes private lessons, classes, workshops, performances, an optional competition and opportunities to perform at the world-famous Museo del Violino
- Explore the musical culture of Cremona and learn from international faculty
Detailed information:
Academy and Festival website: cremonaacademy.com
Competition details: Competition for Strings
Estimated Tour Fees (subject to change based on currency rates and airfare)
- CAD 6,100: General application fee, program fee, airport transportation, sightseeing and tour fee, and student accommodation (breakfast and lunch included; dinners and snacks are at participants’ expense)
- CAD 1,800 (subject to slight increase): Round-trip airfare from Vancouver to Milan (July 11 and July 29).
- Travel insurance: Participants must purchase travel insurance. Participants also have the option to purchase group travel insurance (estimated $150-$350)
Coverage and Bursary Information for Italy Tour
- Each successful applicant will receive an $800 VAM scholarship toward the tour fee.
- A VAM bursary of up to $800 is also available for qualifying applicants. For further information, please contact our Programs Coordinator, Niki Hung, at [email protected] by 8 March, 2026.
Audition Requirement & Fee
(for students not currently enrolled in the 2025/26 Amati & Stradivari Players)
- One solo repertoire selection of your choosing (piano accompaniment not required)
- Applicants may choose to use the same audition application for the 2026/27 Amati and Stradivari Players auditions.
- Audition fee (non-refundable): $60
Audition Deadline: March 15, 2026, 11:59pm
Audition Application Form
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