"The idea of a Music Academy and Festival has been long in the making, ever since the Zodiac Trio's first summer tour of the astonishingly beautiful region of Côte d'Azur in 2006.  Between the strikingly blue sea glistening on the backdrop of snow-capped mountains, and the historically rich towns, each offering a picturesque panorama that seems at times to defy reality - this was artists paradise.  The idea, of course, was not a novelty. Many great artists answered the call of the region’s legendary beauty, from Cézanne to Picasso.  Surely, it was well fitted for a music retreat where young musicians can be inspired.  The initial idea of founding a music academy  in the region grew from a desire to share with others this natural beauty, so perfectly suited for this purpose.  

This idea solidified with years as we trained at the Paris Conservatory under the guidance of the Ysaye Quartet.  Having just finished my graduate work at the Manhattan School of Music, I noticed striking differences between the French conservatory system and the one back home.  The French school was riveting in its competitiveness, rigor and history.  Inspiring and at times intimidating.   As an American clarinetist, I felt that there was much I could learn, and it was this opportunity of being inspired by the French school of music-making that I wanted to share with young musicians.

The Zodiac Music Academy & Festival is designed to provide intense musical training and performance opportunity, while exposing young musicians to French culture and its way of music-making. All this in an in-formal and highly personal setting, where students and professors share meals, perform together and become inspired by one another. I hope you will join us in this musical and deeply human experience!"  

- Kliment