An ocean away from the school’s Elfers Hall, members of the Hotchkiss Orchestra performed pieces of Bizet, Beethoven, and Grieg in Parque Paris, a sprawling park in the outskirts of Madrid. The performance was part of the Hotchkiss in Spain Summer Music Program, which ran this summer from June 21 to July 4. Students traveled to Madrid to perform, take master classes with professional musicians, explore cultural landmarks, and experience Spanish culture.
The program gave students the opportunity to play in famous Spanish landmarks such as Parque Paris and Las Rozas. Mr. Fabio Witkowski, head of the visual and performing arts department, Dr. Gisele Witkowski, instructor in piano, and Mr. David Thompson, director of international programs, accompanied the students. Former member and concertmaster of the Hotchkiss Orchestra Angela Choi ’21 also joined the group.
Spain for two weeks.
The program was designed to help students improve their skills as musicians and performers. Violinist Boffi Lin ’24 said, “I had the opportunity to look at my craft on a much more detailed and complex level. I learned from Sr. José Manuel, who reminded me to always return to the basics before tackling more challenging pieces.”
Each student performed in four concerts in large halls and in one chamber concert. This included large ensemble performances as well as solos or small chamber music pieces. Clara Ma ’23, fi rst chair fl ute, said, “I [performed] as the soloist for a concerto accompanied by the orchestra, which was both scary and exhilarating.”
Students also immersed themselves in Spanish culture by visiting historical landmarks such as El Escorial, a historical residence of the King of Spain. Callum Rodin ’25 said, “Adventures like these showed me the rich history and architecture of Spain, something that couldn’t be learned solely through music.”
A few streets down from Las Rozas, students spent time in a town plaza lined with shops and restaurants, occasionally befriending local store owners. Ma said, “After 5 p.m. everyday, it seemed like the plaza came alive — families packed the plaza, children kicked soccer balls, and most of the outdoor tables were occupied.”
Every night after recitals, students visited restaurants, museums, art galleries, and architectural landmarks. One favorite restaurant was the Sobrino de Botín, popularly known as the oldest restaurant in the world. As a common Spanish eating custom is to start and finish late, elaborate, multi-course meals often ended after midnight.
Following the program in Las Rozas, some piano students traveled to Granada, Spain, for another week, dedicating their time to more master classes, practices, and music competitions. During their extended stay in Grenada, pianists Daniel Li ’24 and Kira Nickerson ’25 competed in the 12th International Piano Competition Maria Herrero. Li earned 1st prize, and Nickerson earned 3rd prize.
