Philadelphia
International
Music Festival - Vanoli Cremona
August 4 - August 14, 2026
Cremona, Italy
An Italian Summer for the Whole Family
While your student masterfully prepares for their next stage in Cremona, join our exclusive Friends and Family tour for a deep dive into Italian culture, wine, and history.
We hold informational meetings for students and family members considering this trip! Next meeting: April 28 | 7:30 EST.
Click here to be sent a link to this PIMF – Vanoli Cremona Zoom Information Session!
Imagine an 11-day summer retreat where your student refines their craft under the mentorship of elite faculty from The Philadelphia Orchestra, while you indulge in the absolute best of Northern Italy.
This is not just a study trip; it is a parallel journey designed to honor both the aspiring artist and the family that supports them. As your young string player or pianist dives into intensive sessions in the historic city of Cremona, you will embark on an exclusive Friends and Family itinerary. From an indulgent overnight stay at the world-class L’Albereta Spa and Winery in Erbusco to curated private tours of Brescia and Florence, every moment is a celebration of Italian culture. Upon your return to Cremona, you will witness your student’s growth firsthand at our Grand Finale Recital, in the very birthplace of the violin. In celebration of their achievements, you’ll go on together to visit Genoa and Sirmione on the beautiful Lake Garda before flying home.
While students are in training, you will tour the surrounding towns via Luxury Motorcoach, where food, relaxation, cultural beauty, and natural splendor await. Students will join the traveling adventures at the conclusion of the Grand Finale performance.
From palazzos and piazzas to the legendary Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan offers fashion, music, food, and beauty. Visit world famous locales like La Scala and the Duomo, while guided by a virtual reality tour experience “narrated” by Giuseppe Verdi.
Experience the rich history of Roman and medieval Verona. A guided tour will bring you to the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Piazza dei Signori and the Verona Arena.
Friends and Family will experience an exclusive overnight visit to L’Albereta Spa and Winery in Erbusco. The idyllic mountaintop vineyard boasts exquisive outdoor views, a giant indoor pool, sauna, steam room, spa, and more.
Step into Brescia, where every cobblestone tells a story of Northern Italy’s enduring elegance. Wander through well-preserved Roman ruins that transport you back centuries, then lose yourself in the charm of vibrant, sun-drenched piazzas.
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking “Cradle of the Renaissance,” from the majestic Duomo to the world-famous leather markets and historic Ponte Vecchio. Experience the heart of Italian beauty as you wander through iconic art and stunning architecture in the city locals call Firenze.
Enjoy the refreshing sea air with your student as you explore the colorful port city of Genoa, birthplace of the famed Niccolo Paganini.
Your trip concludes in the picturesque lakeside town of Sirmione, known for its medieval Scaligero Castle, scenic views, and relaxing atmosphere.
Watch Their Talent Bloom in the Heart of Italy
For string musicians and pianists aged 13-20
String Students Will Enjoy
- 3 private lessons with our world-class faculty
- Daily 30-minute workout sessions with an assigned faculty accompanist
- Daily hour-long solo performance classes
- 4-5 hours of required daily private practice
- An opportunity to perform in one of Cremona’s stunning performance halls as part of our Grand Finale Recital
- Tours of beautiful Italian cities including Milan, Verona, Genoa, and Sirmione together with family and friends
Piano Students Will Enjoy
- 4 private lessons with our world-class faculty
- Daily duet classes
- Daily hour-long solo performance classes
- 4-5 hours of required daily private practice
- An opportunity to perform in one of Cremona’s stunning performance halls as part of our Grand Finale Recital
- Tours of beautiful Italian cities including Milan, Verona, Genoa, and Sirmione together with family and friends
Students and families will both reside in Cremona, Italy, enjoying authentic Italian-style meals throughout the week-long program. In between lessons, practice, rehearsals, and performances, they’ll explore this compact capital of violins with an insider tour of a lutherie, getting up close to priceless instruments, researching every gelato flavor on offer, and vibing with music history with every step.
Students will join friends and family for exciting, culture-rich tours of Milan and Verona before diving into intensive training, and rejoin the touring group to explore Genoa and Lake Garda after the Grand Finale performance.
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Three private lessons with members of our world-class faculty, including members of The Philadelphia Orchestra (four lessons for pianists)
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Daily thirty-minute workouts with assigned faculty accompanist (string musicians only)
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Daily hour-long solo performance classes
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Four-five hours of required daily private practice
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Week-ending Grand Finale Recital in one of Cremona’s stunning performance halls
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Four-day tour of historic cities in stunning Northern Italy
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Exciting family & friends tour (see 11-Day Schedule tab for additional information)
August 4 – August 14, 2026 (11-Day Trip)
Both Festival participants and those accompanying on the PIMF “Family & Friends Tour” will be residing at the Iconic Hotel Impero di Cremona in the heart of historic downtown Cremona.
- Day 1: Travel from Philadelphia to Northern Italy
- Day 2: Tour Milan, Italy – Fashion capital of the world and home to the famed Milan Cathedral
- Day 3: Tour the Beautiful Medieval City of Verona, Italy – The setting for Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” and home to one of the world’s most well-preserved Roman amphitheaters
- Days 4 – 5: Two-day stay at the stunning L’Albereta Spa and Winery
- Day 6: Brescia, Italy – Experience “Timeless Italy” complete with ancient Roman ruins
- Day 7: Florence, Italy – Experience beauty that shaped the world as you walk through history
- Day 8: Festival Grand Finale Concerts in Cremona, Italy
- Day 9: Visit Genoa, Italy – The original Italian “Port of Wonders”
- Day 10: Visit Sirmione, Italy – The Jewel of Lake Garda
- Day 11: Travel from Northern Italy to Philadelphia
- Day 1: Travel from Philadelphia to Northern Italy
- Day 2: Tour Milan, Italy – Fashion capital of the world and home to the famed Milan Cathedral
- Day 3: Tour the beautiful Medieval city of Verona, Italy – The setting for Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” and home to one of the world’s most well-preserved Roman amphitheaters
- Days 4 – 8: PIMF Vanoli Cremona Music Festival with members of The Philadelphia Orchestra in Cremona, Italy – “The City of Violins”
- Day 9: Visit Genoa, Italy – The original Italian “Port of Wonders”
- Day 10: Visit Sirmione, Italy – The Jewel of Lake Garda
- Day 11: Travel from Northern Italy to Philadelphia
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Students: $6300
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Family & Friends: $5600
Note: Fees above do not include travel to/from Italy. Participants may choose to fly with group departing Philadelphia on August 4th, or to fly separately, meeting in Cremona. Both programs include two meals daily, August 5 – August 13. Meals are served by American Airlines on flights to and from Milan, Italy.
Entrance into this program is by audition only.
PIMF Alumni may bypass the audition process and register online at any time.
Family and Friends are welcome to attend without an audition.
Audition Requirements:
- 5-10 minutes of current, well-prepared solo repertoire.
- Performances may be accompanied or unaccompanied.
- Audition recordings should include at least two contrasting pieces.
- Please include scales appropriate to your instrument.
- PIMF Alumni may bypass the audition process and register online at any time.
