During our Violin Masterclasses I met the Polish violinist Katarzyna Bryla (27) who’s an active participant and asked her to answer a few questions.

How did you come in touch with Kronberg Academy?
I have met Christian Tetzlaff in Washington DC in November, where he was conducting a Masterclass through my school – the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.
After the Masterclass he asked me if I would be interested in coming to Kronberg Academy as  participant. Of course I have heard about the Kronberg Cello Festival, I knew how famous and wonderful this place was, how many great musicians played and taught here. So I am very glad that I can take part in the Violin Master Classes a Kronberg Academy as a student.

What is  the image of Kronberg Academy?
I think that the idea of Kronberg Academy is fantastic. It is a week long festival with great concerts, we as students get lessons with world famous violinists, have a chance to listen to other Masterclasses and learn from four different violin schools.

Getting back to your first lesson on Tuesday with Christian Tetzlaff. How was your lesson?
I played Sonata in D Minor by Johannes Brahms. My lesson was very good, full of technical information, but technique that allows you to do whatever you want musically. Sometimes it is very hard to do those things on the spot, but after lessons like these I always go home and practice more to learn what the teacher asked me to do.

How will the lesson change your further practicing?
I will pay more attention to what the composer writes in the music, to be more clear with all the phrasings.

How many hours do you practice a day?
I usually practice about 3 hours a day, but it all depends on my schedule.

How do you feel here in Kronberg?
I feel at home, my host family is wonderful, nice and so helpful. First day here they took me to see the city, the castle, churches. The people, from the festival are also very nice and organized. You can not ask for more!

Thanks Katarzyna for answering my questions!

Ulrike Schmid