We asked the 122 Academy members who participated in PMF 2014 to write their impressions of this year's festival. Here are some of their thoughts on their 33-day experience, from the first gathering in Sapporo through the final farewell after the tour.
　

The Orchestra Program

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  • The faculty members were wonderful performers and teachers, proficient in a wide variety of performance styles.
  • The passionate instruction of the faculty had a dramatic impact on the bass section.
  • He offered us 6 hours of instruction even though he's an incredibly famous performer!　(trumpet)20140803fujii-221.jpg
  • It was a great experience to perform an opera!
  • Performing Schumann's Symphony No. 2 was extremely beneficial to the violinists.
  • Seeing the Berlin Brass in performance was awe inspiring.

The Chamber Music Program

  • We performed many times, and some of the venues were difficult to perform in because of the heat, but the Mt. Moiwa Concert was great!0722_10109.jpg
  • It was especially great to be able to perform at the special needs school.
  • I learned a great deal from other performers and teachers, and what a rare piece!　(on Bizet's Carmen Suite)
  • Some of the music was too difficult to perform with such little rehearsal time.　(brass section)

Daily Life

  • Kitara is a wonderful, beautiful hall, but it needs more practice rooms.20140725fujii-074.jpg
  • It was wonderful to get to experience Japanese culture.
  • The Resident Advisors were so kind! Starting each day with their smiles was always a pleasure.
  • We could prepare more efficiently if the schedule was announced earlier.
  • It was really convenient to receive the schedule by email.
  • The hotel was wonderful and took great care of us, but I think it would be better to be within walking distance of the city and the practice venues.

And More

  • I got to meet some truly great musicians thanks to PMF!20140802fujii-220.jpg
  • It was a precious experience to be able to make music with European and American teachers and Academy members, each with such different styles.
  • More than anything, it was an amazing experience to perform in this orchestra along with people from all over the world.
  • I learned a lot and made lots of friends and great memories!
  • It has the potential to be the best music festival in the world. I hope it will keep what's most important (the music/experience) first.
  • I think the festival is full of potential and I think it will continue to improve. I would love to come again!