Past Arts Festivals

SUNDAY MAY 19, RSI Studio, 15:00 and 17:30

Last year's inaugural Performing Arts Showcase, Shine, was a spectacular triumph, and we are thrilled to invite you to this year's extravaganza, Dream. More than 200 talented students from all three TASIS divisions— orchestras, choirs, instrumentalists, theater groups, bands, dancers, and soloists—will light up the stage at the RSI Studio in Lugano for our second annual showcase.

This year we present a captivating new concept: Dream tells the story of an adult struggling with writer's block who discards his ideas on pieces of paper. These discarded dreams are then picked up by children from our Elementary School Performing Arts Club and brought to life across several mesmerizing acts. Witness as their imagination traverses aquatic, sky, terrestrial, fantastical, and cosmic worlds in a celebration of creativity and performance.

The RSI Studio can accommodate a maximum of 425 guests, so the show will be performed twice (at 15:00 and 17:30) to ensure that everyone has a chance to see it. This showcase of the impressive skills our students have honed in the performing arts is an event not to be missed, so make sure to book your tickets early and join us in celebrating the remarkable talents of our students!

THURSDAY, MAY 16–SUNDAY, MAY 19, Palmer Cultural Center and Şahenk Fine Arts Center (Horst Dürrschmidt Gallery)

This year’s Visual Art Exhibition will include a wide variety of artworks produced by Elementary School students (guided by Ms. Caroline Rossi); Middle School students (Ms. Simona Bellini and Ms. Brigit Hurst); High School students in the disciplines of drawing and painting (Mr. Martyn Dukes), photography (Ms. Chrissie Wild), architecture and design (Mr. Mark Aeschliman), and ceramics (Ms. Hurst); and faculty artists. All members of the TASIS community are very welcome to stop by the Palmer Cultural Center and the Horst Dürrschmidt Gallery to view the excellent work.

Important note: The Visual Art Exhibition is traditionally held in the Palestra, which will not be available during this year’s festival. Because this year’s venue will be smaller, the exhibition will not include as many works as in the past, and it will no longer be possible to showcase the work of each and every Elementary School student. Thank you for your understanding.

May 14, Palmer Cultural Center, 17:15

Join us in the Palmer Cultural Center for a concert performed by our most accomplished pianists in the High School. All are welcome, and there is no need to register for this event in advance.

May 14, Palmer Cultural Center, 10:00

Students in Ms. Melody Zanecchia’s 5th-grade music classes will be instructed by Maestro Andrea Cupia for an Introduction to Conducting Workshop that will feature students having the special opportunity to conduct members of the Opera ViVa Orchestra. The repertoire will include excerpts from famous works by Aaron Copland, Maurice Ravel, and George Gershwin. Any and all guests are welcome to attend this workshop and do not need to reserve seats in advance.

May 13, Palmer Cultural Center, 18:30

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening as the Middle School Drama classes take the stage to present three original plays. Written and performed entirely by Middle School students, these productions showcase characters, storylines, and comedic moments that spring solely from the remarkable creativity of their young minds. Join us in celebrating the exceptional achievements of these budding artists in an evening filled with creativity, passion, and hilarity. It is not necessary to register for this event in advance.

MAY 13, PALESTRA

This assembly will serve as the official opening of the 2024 Spring Arts Festival and is designed to provide students a preview of what is to come throughout the week.

Elementary School Musical: Seussical KIDS

MAY 24–26, Palmer Cultural Center

Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat, and all of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters spring to life onstage in Seussical KIDS, a fantastical musical extravaganza from Tony-winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty.

Led by Director Matthew Frazier-Smith, an energetic cast and crew of Elementary School closed down the 2023 Spring Arts Festival by delivering four outstanding performances of this lively musical in the Palmer Cultural Center on May 24–26. We do not have permission to share a recording of this show, but click on the link below to see a gallery of photos.

SEE PHOTOS

Performing Arts Showcase: “Shine”

MAY 21, Palazzo dei Congressi

This spectacular show featured more than 150 singers, players, actors, and dancers from the TASIS community and marked the first time TASIS students had the opportunity to perform at Lugano’s iconic Palazzo dei Congressi since 2018.

Guided by Performing Arts Department Chair Erika Cramp and a dedicated team of performing arts teachers, students from the TASIS Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Faculty, and parent community performed beautifully in the showcase, which included more than 20 songs designed to tell a cohesive story about our beautiful but endangered planet. See a recording of the full performance and a link to a photo gallery below.

Visual Art Exhibition

MAY 17–21, Palestra

This year’s exhibition included a wide variety of artworks produced by Elementary School students (guided by Ms. Caroline Rossi); Middle School students (Ms. Simona Bellini and Ms. Brigit Hurst); High School students in the disciplines of drawing and painting (Mr. Martyn Dukes), photography (Mr. Frank Long), architecture and design (Mr. Mark Aeschliman), and ceramics (Ms. Hurst); and faculty artists. Click on the buttons below to see a photo gallery and a 3D scan of the full exhibition!

May 17, Palestra

A selection of High School students from the studio of Angela Perini showcased their impressive talents in front of a live audience in the Palestra—with the Visual Arts Exhibition serving as a pleasant backdrop—on the evening of May 17. See a recording of the full performance and a link to a photo gallery below.

Many moons ago in a far-off place, Queen Aggravain decreed no couples could marry until her son, Prince Dauntless, found a bride. Princesses came from far and wide to win the hand of the prince, but none could pass the impossible tests given to them by the Queen. That is, until the “shy” swamp princess, Winnifred the Woebegone, showed up. Would she be able to pass the Sensitivity Test, marry her prince, and help Lady Larkin and Sir Harry to the altar?

Guided by Director Matthew Frazier-Smith, a fantastic cast and crew of Middle School students did a terrific job performing this rollicking spin on the classic tale The Princess and the Pea in the Palmer Cultural Center on May 11–13. We were prohibited from filming the musical due to licensing rights, but please find a link to a photo gallery below.

SEE PHOTOS

Guided by Basilio De San Juan Guerrero, the HSP Digital Photography & Filmmaking class produced a creative trailer for a short film called “Naomi.” They shared their work, which included an engaging look behind the scenes, right before the premiere of the HSP musical on July 19.

Visual Arts Exhibition

August 11-12, Palestra Snack Bar

In addition to the performing arts, each Summer Arts Festival also includes an exhibition of the many impressive art and design projects created by students throughout each session. Visual Arts offerings during the second session include Art Activities and STEAM for CDE; Theater Design, Digital Photography, and STEAM for MSP; and Digital Photography & Filmmaking and Fashion & Textile Design for HSP. Student work will be displayed in the Palestra Snack Bar on August 11–12.

MSP Final Night

July 20, Palestra, 19:15

MSP students and counselors will close down a wonderful first session with a variety of inspiring performances in the Palestra on the evening of July 20. 

HSP Musical Showcase

July 20, Monticello Terrace, 18:30

HSP musicians will share their talents at an informal concert on the Monticello Terrace on the evening of July 20.

MSP Musical: “Every Inch a Lord”

July 20, Palmer Cultural Center, 18:00

MSP students will perform the original musical Every Inch a Lord (an adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s Little Lord Fauntleroy) in the Palmer Cultural Center on the evening of July 20. Sandra Preciado directed the musical and adapted the libretto along with Kevin Gallagher. Mark Evans wrote the music, and the lyrics were written by Kevin Gallagher, Stephanie Figer, and Joe Gutesha.

Choreographer: Jess Gardolin
Music Director: Mark Evans
Accompanist: Mark Evans
Sets: Sandra Preciado
Costumes: Sandra Preciado 
Lighting Design: Gianni Bertoli 
Props Design: Sandra Preciado 

CDE Final Night

July 20, Palestra, 16:00

CDE students and counselors will commemorate the end of the first session with a series of uplifting performances in the Palestra on July 20. 

CDE MUSICAL: “A Moment in Time”

July 20, Palmer Cultural Center, 15:00

CDE students will perform the original musical A Moment in Time in the Palmer Cultural Center on the evening of July 20. Rachel Stephens directed the musical and wrote the libretto, and Chris Rayis wrote the music and lyrics, with additional lyrics contributed by Breanna Hendrichs.

Choreographer: Emily Schecter
Music Director: Rachel Stephens
Accompanist: Mark Evans
Sets: Rachel Stephens
Costumes: Rachel Stephens
Lighting Design: Gianni Bertoli 
Props Design: Rachel Stephens

Guided by Basilio De San Juan Guerrero, the HSP Digital Photography & Filmmaking class produced a creative trailer for a short film called “Naomi.” They shared their work, which included an engaging look behind the scenes, right before the premiere of the HSP musical on July 19.

HSP Musical:  “The Memory Thief”

July 19, Palmer Cultural Center, 19:30 (Premiere #1) & 20:45 (Premiere #2) 

HSP students will perform the original musical The Memory Thief in the Palmer Cultural Center on the evening of July 19. Kyle Adkins directed the musical and wrote the libretto, and TJ Liquori, Mikey Rosenbaum, and Adkins wrote the music and lyrics.

Choreographer: Emily Schecter
Music Director: Dale Thiessen
Accompanist/Vocal Coach: Eugene Villanueva
Sets: Kyle Adkins
Costumes: Kyle Adkins
Lighting Design: Gianni Bertoli 
Props Design: Kyle Adkins

HSP Talent Show

July 18, Palestra, 19:45 - 21:00

TSP students will have the opportunity to showcase their many talents in the Palestra on the evening of July 18.

Visual Arts Exhibition

July 18–20, Palestra Snack Bar

In addition to the performing arts, each Summer Arts Festival also includes an exhibition of the many impressive art and design projects created by students throughout each session. Visual Arts offerings during the first session include Art Activities and STEAM for CDE; Theater Design, Digital Photography, and STEAM for MSP; and Digital Photography & Filmmaking, Architecture and Design, and Fine Art Portfolio for HSP. Guests are invited to stop by the Palestra Snack Bar to view the work, which will be on display from July 18–20.

Elementary School Musical: The Jungle Book KIDS

May 6, Palmer Cultural Center, 19:00

The jungle is jumpin' with jazz in this exciting adaptation of the classic Disney animated feature The Jungle Book. Join Mowgli, Baloo, King Louie, and the gang as they swing their way through madcap adventures and thwart the ferocious tiger, Shere Khan. Adapted especially for young performers, this musical includes a number of favorite Disney songs, including “The Bare Necessities” and “I Wanna Be Like You.” With colorful characters and a toe-tapping jungle rhythm, The Jungle Book KIDS is a huge crowd-pleaser for all ages!

An all-star cast and crew of Elementary School students did a wonderful job performing this classic tale in the Palmer Cultural Center on the evenings of May 25–26.

Visual Art Exhibition

Palestra and Şahenk Fine Arts Center (Horst Dürrschmidt Gallery)

This year’s exhibition included a wide variety of artworks produced by Elementary School students (guided by Ms. Caroline Rossi); Middle School students (Ms. Simona Bellini and Ms. Brigit Hurst); High School students in the disciplines of drawing and painting (Mr. Martyn Dukes), photography (Mr. Frank Long), architecture and design (Mr. Mark Aeschliman), and ceramics (Ms. Hurst); and faculty artists.

All-School Music Concert

Palestra, 17:00

High School, Middle School, and Elementary School student soloists and choristers performed a rich and varied program featuring selected instrumental and vocal works by Camille Saint-Saëns, César Cui, John Rutter, Heitor Villa-Lobos, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The student musicians were directed by Maestro Andrea Cupia and members of the Opera ViVa Orchestra, in collaboration with TASIS Music Department teachers Mr. Daniele Bagutti, Ms. Dessislava Deltcheva, Mr. Eugene Villanueva, Mr. Robert Gorrick, Mr. Lello Narcisi, Ms. Angela Perini, Mr. Alessio di Tonno, Ms. Angela Carota Dusing, and Ms. Melody Tibbits Zanecchia.

Elementary School Conducting Workshop

PALESTRA, 8:30

Students in Ms. Melody Tibbits Zanecchia’s 5th-grade music classes participated in an Introduction to Conducting Workshop led by Maestro Andrea Cupia and conducted members of the Opera ViVa Orchestra. The repertoire included excerpts from famous works by Haydn, Saint-Saëns, and Bach and featured three High School student soloists: Caroline Titland ’24 (vocal), Isabela Martins Arruda 24 (piano), and Melis Kaya ’25 (piano).

Showcase Music Recital

PALMER CULTURAL CENTER, 16:30

Elementary School, Middle School, and High School students from the studios of Ms. Angela Perini (piano), Ms. Angela Carota Dusing (piano), Ms. Dessislava Deltcheva (violin), Mr. Lello Narcisi (flute), Mr. Alessio Di Tonno (guitar), Mr. Robert Gorick (tuba and clarinet), and Mr. Eugene Villanueva (voice) showcased their impressive talents in front of a live audience in the Palmer Cultural Center.

Dance and Theater Student Showcase

Palmer Cultural Center, 19:00

Elementary, Middle, and High School students in theater and drama classes taught by Mr. Matthew Frazier-Smith and choreography workshops and dance classes led by Ms. Julie Frazier-Smith worked together to create original sketches and dances that they were excited to perform for the TASIS community.

Middle School Musical: The Wizard of Oz

This classic story chronicles the adventures of Dorothy Gale and her dog, Toto. When a tornado rips through their Kansas farm, Dorothy and Toto are carried away to the magical land of Oz, where they meet a Scarecrow who needs a brain, a Tinman who needs a heart, and a Cowardly Lion who needs some courage. Together they travel down the yellow-brick road, determined to ask the famed Wizard of Oz to fulfill their desires and to help send Dorothy and Toto back to their home in Kansas.  

High School Band and Open Stage

MAY 6, SNACK BAR, 19:00

Students from Mr. Alessio Di Tonno’s guitar studio and Daniele Bagutti’s percussion studio performed contemporary music in the Snack Bar. See a link to a photo gallery below.

Drum Studio Recital

MAY 6, SNACK BAR, 16:20

Students from Mr. Daniele Bagutti’s percussion studio opened the festival by performing in the Snack Bar.

MSP Final Night

August 12, Palestra, 19:15

MSP students, teachers, and counselors will conclude a wonderful session with a variety of uplifting performances in the Palestra on the evening of August 12. 

MSP Musical: Every Inch a Lord

August 12, Palmer Cultural Center, 18:00

MSP students will perform the original musical Every Inch a Lord (an adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s Little Lord Fauntleroy) in the Palmer Cultural Center on the evening of August 12. Sandra Preciado directed the musical and adapted the libretto along with Kevin Gallagher. Mark Evans wrote the music, and the lyrics were written by Kevin Gallagher, Stephanie Figer, and Joe Gutesha.

Choreographer: Jess Gardolin
Music Director: Mark Evans
Accompanist: Mark Evans
Sets: Sandra Preciado
Costumes: Sandra Preciado 
Lighting Design: Gianni Bertoli 
Props Design: Sandra Preciado

CDE Final Night

August 12, Palestra, 16:00

CDE students, teachers, and counselors will commemorate the end of the first session with a series of collaborative performances in the Palestra on August 12. 

CDE MUSICAL: A Moment in Time

August 12, Palmer Cultural Center, 15:00

CDE students will perform the original musical A Moment in Time in the Palmer Cultural Center on the evening of August 12. Rachel Stephens directed the musical and wrote the libretto, and Chris Rayis wrote the music and lyrics, with additional lyrics contributed by Breanna Hendrichs. 

Choreographer: Emily Schecter
Music Director: Rachel Stephens
Accompanist: Mark Evans
Sets: Rachel Stephens
Costumes: Rachel Stephens
Lighting Design: Gianni Bertoli 
Props Design: Rachel Stephens

HSP Musical: The Memory Thief

August 11, Palmer Cultural Center, 19:30 (Premiere 1) and 20:45 (Premiere 2)

HSP students will perform the original musical The Memory Thief in the Palmer Cultural Center on the evening of August 11. Kyle Adkins directed the musical and wrote the libretto, and TJ Liquori, Mikey Rosenbaum, and Adkins wrote the music and lyrics.

Choreographer: Emily Schecter
Music Director: Dale Thiessen
Accompanist/Vocal Coach: Eugene Villanueva
Sets: Kyle Adkins
Costumes: Kyle Adkins
Lighting Design: Gianni Bertoli 
Props Design: Kyle Adkins

HSP Talent Show

August 10, Palestra, 19:45

Students in the High School Program (HSP) shared their talents in the Palestra on the evening of August 10. See a recording of the full performance and links to additional content below.

Students in Ms. Melody Tibbits Zanecchia’s 5th-grade music classes were instructed by Maestro Andrea Cupia for an Introduction to Conducting workshop that featured members of the Opera ViVa Orchestra. The repertoire included selections from famous works written by composers who students have studied as part of the Core Knowledge curriculum, including W.A. Mozart’s Divertimento KV 522, “Presto;” F.J. Haydn’s The Clock Symphony, 2nd mvt; and J.S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 4, 1st mvt.

Students from High School English classes at TASIS presented and discussed films, soliloquies, translations, and poems created during the 2020–2021 school year. Four pre-recorded videos—an introduction from English Department Chair Dr. Christopher Love, student recitals of speeches from William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, and two filmed scenes from Shakespeare’s King Lear—can be viewed above.

Students in Ms. Melody Tibbits Zanecchia’s 5th-grade music classes were instructed by Maestro Andrea Cupia for an Introduction to Conducting workshop that featured members of the Opera ViVa Orchestra. The repertoire included selections from famous works written by composers who students have studied as part of the Core Knowledge curriculum, including W.A. Mozart’s Divertimento KV 522, “Presto;” F.J. Haydn’s The Clock Symphony, 2nd mvt; and J.S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 4, 1st mvt.

Middle School and High School vocalists from the studios of Jonathan Morris and Samantha Morris performed in the Palmer Cultural Center on the evening of May 20.

Elementary, Middle, and High School instrumentalists performed in the Palmer Cultural Center on the afternoon of May 20.

Featuring a cast and crew composed of Middle School students—under the direction of Mr. Matthew Frazier-Smith, Ms. Julie-Frazier Smith, Ms. Angela Dusing, and Ms. Tessa Bragger—Same Sky examines why we fear those who are different from us, the wisdom of children in their ability to bridge cultural divides, and what it means to be human. The musical was written by Stephanie Figer, TJ Liquori, and Michael Rosenbaum, veterans of the TASIS Summer Programs' Dedicated Performing Arts Team.

While our Elementary School musical students were understandably disappointed when they learned they wouldn’t be able to perform their full musical this spring, they have rallied to create a virtual performance! These talented young artists have found a creative way to perform a section of "Adventure Song" and decided to feature one of their favorite numbers, "Camp Moonlight," as a way to introduce some of the fun characters and plot points from this year's musical, Out of the Woods.

Out of the Woods was written by TASIS Dedicated Performing Arts Team members Michael Rosenbaum, Stephanie Figer, and TJ Liquori. The drawings featured in the video were created by Kyla Bodnar ’25, Giulia de Cristofaro ’20, and Nicole Abrate Echezarreta ’20.

Under the direction of TASIS Founder M. Crist Fleming, a passionate advocate of the arts, former faculty members Horst Dürrschmidt and Fernando Gonzales established the TASIS Spring Arts Festival in 1974. Held near the end of each school year, the festival is, in addition to a community-wide celebration of the arts, a final assessment for students in visual arts, theater, and music.