Recently I travelled to the lovely town of Imola, just a short train journey south-east of Bologna, Italy, in order to audition for the Accademia Pianistica Internazionale “Incontri col Maestro”. After having some masterclasses with one of the Academy’s professors, Boris Petrushansky, earlier in the year, I decided I would like to pursue further study with him in a country I had come to love just as much as Australia. I found the Academy to be even more amazing than expected, situated in an old castle and a town where I felt absolutely at home. My Airbnb hostess was very happy to show me around, introduce me to her friends, and give me a taste of the Italian everyday lifestyle.
The audition was very short, and I felt completely in control of the obvious excitement surrounding it. After such a long build up towards this important event in my life, it was a relief to receive my acceptance email, and gradually the knowledge that I will be fulfilling a wish I have had for over a year now is slowly sinking in. I am elated! Certainly all the assistance I have received from such organisations as the Theme and Variations Foundation has forged a much easier path for me towards this goal, and I most definitely felt all the well-wishes and support with me throughout my audition trip.
Ayesha
