ICon Arts combines immersive masterclasses and a vibrant festival, bringing together aspiring artists, renowned mentors, and captivating performances in a celebration of creativity and artistic excellence
ICon Arts Ireland is part of the ongoing international expansion of the ICon Arts Academy, while the Academy’s established programmes in Romania continue in parallel.
Founded in Transylvania over two decades ago, ICon Arts has developed into a reference platform for advanced musical training and artistic exchange.
The Irish and Romanian editions function as complementary platforms, sharing the same artistic vision while responding to their specific cultural contexts.
Located in the heart of Connemara, Kylemore Abbey stands as one of Ireland’s most emblematic architectural and cultural landmarks. Surrounded by mountains, lakes and woodlands, it offers a setting that naturally encourages artistic concentration, creative exchange and meaningful collaboration.
With its strong historical connection to education, heritage and contemplative life, Kylemore Abbey provides an environment ideally suited for advanced musical study and artistic immersion.
A selective programme of masterclasses in Composition, Chamber Music and Violin, led by internationally acclaimed artists and educators.
Set within the unique setting of Kylemore Abbey, the Academy offers an immersive framework for artistic development.
2 seats available
Professor, National University of Music Bucharest. President of UCMR
Artistic Director, World New Music Days 2026
Performing ensemble:
Cristina Țegzeșiu (oboe), Andreea Banciu (viola), Adrian Mantu (cello), Aileen Cahill (piano)
Participation Options
Early Bird Offer: Register by 15 March and receive daily lunch included in the Full Residential Package at no additional cost.
Full Residential Package – 500 EUR
5 nights’ accommodation in a twin room at Kylemore Abbey (breakfast included), 25% discount at the Abbey restaurant (until 4PM), three days of individual mentoring with composer Dan Dediu, discussion sessions with the ensemble members, public performance of selected works, final artistic feedback from the composer, and an official certificate of participation. An immersive creative retreat set in the distinctive landscape of Connemara. Arrival via Knock or Dublin Airport (bus connection available). Travel guidance available upon request.
Course & Concert Only – 200 EUR
Three days of mentoring with Dan Dediu, ensemble discussion sessions, public performance of selected works, final feedback, and an official certificate of participation (accommodation and meals not included).
Course Requirements:
Application deadline: 20 March (subject to availability).
Following registration, participants are required to submit by 20 April a work (maximum duration: 8 minutes) for 2–4 instruments from the ICon Arts Quartet (oboe, viola, cello, piano). The works will be analysed and refined during the masterclass under the mentorship of Prof. Dan Dediu and in collaboration with the ensemble members, and will be presented in a public tryout concert on 3 May.
6 seats available
Duo ANIMA
Andreea Mantu – viola
Aileen Cahill – piano
Participation Options
Early Bird Offer: Register by 25 March and receive daily lunch included in the Full Residential Package at no additional cost.
Full Residential Package – 500 EUR
5 nights’ accommodation in a twin room at Kylemore Abbey (breakfast included), 25% discount at the Abbey restaurant (until 4PM), three days of intensive chamber music coaching led by Duo Anima (Andrea Banciu & Aileen Cahill) and members of the ConTempo String Quartet (Adrian Mantu & Andreea Banciu), performance in the public concert, and an official certificate of participation. An immersive artistic retreat set in the distinctive landscape of Connemara. Arrival via Knock or Dublin Airport (bus connection available). Travel guidance available upon request.
Course & Concert Only – 200 EUR
Three days of chamber music coaching and performance in the public concert, and an official certificate of participation (accommodation and meals not included).
Course Requirements:
Application deadline: 1 April, subject to availability.
5 seats available
Professor, Royal Academy of Music, London
International concert violinist
Graduate of The Juilliard School, New York
Participation Options
Early Bird Offer: Register by 25 March and receive daily lunch included in the Full Residential Package at no additional cost.
Full Residential Package – 500 EUR
5 nights’ accommodation in a twin room at Kylemore Abbey (breakfast included), 25% discount at the Abbey restaurant (until 4PM), three individual lessons with piano accompaniment, rehearsal time with the collaborative pianist, performance in the public concert, and an official certificate of participation. An immersive artistic retreat set in the distinctive landscape of Connemara. Arrival via Knock or Dublin Airport (bus connection available). Travel guidance available upon request.
Course & Concert Only – 200 EUR
Three individual lessons with piano accompaniment, rehearsal time with the collaborative pianist, performance in the public concert, and an official certificate of participation (accommodation and meals not included).
Course Requirements:
Application deadline: 1 April, subject to availability.
Icon Arts
IBAN: IE73AIBK93740141824036
SWIFT:AIBKIE2D
academia.iconarts@gmail.com