Mar del Plata, Argentina
MIZAR PROJECT
This is a project born in collaboration with clarinetist Gonzalo Borgononi from Argentina.
MIZAR is a star in the constellation Ursa Major. Although at first glance it may seem like an ordinary star, upon closer inspection, it is actually a star system composed of six stars, grouped together in binary systems that are interconnected. MIZAR was the first star system discovered in the Universe in 1617, and it's the only system where the two main stars can be distinguished with the naked eye through careful observation.
In stellar systems, the component stars influence each other, exchanging material, altering their atmospheres, and constantly renewing and innovating themselves. While the complexity and wonder of such a system might not be visible to the naked eye, MIZAR appears every night in the sky, illuminating and inspiring thoughts and emotions.
The MIZAR Cultural Center was born and developed as an artistic and pedagogical project, as well as a place for creating musical and interdisciplinary artistic productions.
The MIZAR Cultural Center organized the following activities:
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Music Education and Instrumental Training: Providing a space for musical and instrumental training.
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Event Center: Hosting concerts, festivals, masterclasses, performances, and various cultural events.
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Meeting Place: Creating a space for people from diverse backgrounds to come together and engage in various activities.
The activities were scheduled with a rich calendar of events, offering a diverse educational program and an open structure.
The MIZAR Project was active from 2015 to 2017 in the city of Mar del Plata, Argentina.
OBJECTIVES AND MOTIVATIONS
The main objectives of the MIZAR Cultural Center were:
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To make artistic activities, primarily in the field of music, accessible to a wide audience, especially in a context different from the capital city (Buenos Aires), which is a natural hub for cultural and artistic proposals.
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To eliminate the perception of elitism often associated with artistic events by implementing affordable ticket pricing, thus expanding the audience base.
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To create and integrate diverse cultural and pedagogical proposals that draw from different languages, cultures, and historical periods, catering to specific target audiences effectively.
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To establish a habit of engaging with art as a socially and culturally positive element, fostering community cohesion.
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To provide a space for people from different backgrounds, cultures, languages, generations, and artistic disciplines to come together and interact, promoting diversity, respect, and understanding.
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To emphasize the message of equality and universality inherent in music and the arts, both through community-based pedagogical programs and by showcasing different cultures and languages through a network of contributing artists.
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To promote youth engagement and development through high-quality educational initiatives and collaboration, allowing young individuals to showcase their talents, acquire new skills, and connect with diverse artistic and socio-cultural contexts.
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To collaborate with existing cultural and educational associations, listen to their needs, and develop common strategies for community enrichment.
The MIZAR Cultural Center organized various activities, including masterclasses in music, classical music concerts in different instrumental formations, themed dinner-concerts, film screenings, contemporary music events with installations, theatrical performances, and more. It also offered courses and seminars in fields other than music and instrumental lessons.
The project collaborated with a range of organizations and institutions, including El Séptimo Fuego Theater, Villa Victoria, Castagnino Museum, Dante Alighieri Institute, Las Tres Venecias Association, Escuela de Música, and various orchestras and cultural offices in different cities.
This project aimed to create a vibrant cultural and artistic community, making the arts accessible and inclusive while celebrating diversity and fostering the growth of young talents.
SUMMARY OF ORGANIZED ACTIVITIES
MASTERCLASSES IN MUSIC
Magdalena Frigerio (violin, Argentina)
Carlos Cespedes (clarinet, Argentina)
Natanael Ferreira (viola, Brazil)
Nicola Marvulli (violin, Italy)
Adele Posani (flute, Italy)
José Luis Juri (piano, Argentina) - conducted at Villa Victoria, Mar del Plata
EVENTS
Classical music concerts featuring various instrumental formations
Dinner-concerts with themed food and music
Screening of operas
Contemporary music events with installations utilizing the entire space of the cultural center
Theatrical performances with Stefano Panzeri (Italy)
Production of shows, including live ensemble performances for children and an opera for children titled "Bastiano e Bastiana" by W.A. Mozart (performed at Villa Victoria, Mar del Plata)
Concert series at the Castagnino Museum, Mar del Plata
COURSES AND SEMINARS IN OTHER FIELDS
Stefano Panzeri (Italy) - Commedia dell'arte course
Mauricio Weintraub (Argentina) - Course on overcoming stage fright
Evangelina Hamerler (Argentina) - Thai Chi course
INSTRUMENTAL LESSONS
Milagros Cepeda (Argentina) - Violin
Gonzalo Borgognoni (Argentina) - Clarinet
Beatrice Lupi (Switzerland) - Piano
Francesco Paganini (Italy) - Piano
Baroque ensemble directed by Francesco Paganini
COLLABORATIONS
The project collaborated with various organizations and institutions, including:
El Séptimo Fuego Theater, Mar del Plata
Villa Victoria, Mar del Plata
Castagnino Museum, Mar del Plata
Dante Alighieri Institute, Mar del Plata
Las Tres Venecias Association, Mar del Plata
Escuela de Música, Miramar
Youth Orchestras of the Bicentenary
Department of Culture and Municipal Theater, Pinamar
Department of Culture, Miramar
Department of Culture, Balcarce
Orchestra Amadeus, Mar del Plata
Dante Alighieri Mar del Plata
Casa de Italia, Mar del Plata
Las Tres Venecias, Mar del Plata
Student Orchestra of the L. Gianneo Conservatory, Mar del Plata
Ensemble Andante, Mar del Plata
This comprehensive project aimed to foster a vibrant cultural and artistic community by offering a wide range of musical and artistic activities, promoting accessibility and inclusivity, and collaborating with various cultural and educational entities.