Manchester and the Mountains ...a chamber music workshop
May 14 - 17, 2020
(with "optional" 4th night of May 13th)
Manchester, Vermont
Our 14th annual workshop weekend
NOTICE: 3/23/2020:
With much regret, we are cancelling this year’s May workshop.
The decision was based on current facts and information we are all privy to as per the course of the coronavirus and it’s resulting impact on all we plan to do in the upcoming months.
Because of the May cancelation, we are going to take the opportunity to expand the fall workshop and follow the same schedule as May’s event. And perhaps this will become the new paradigm for both annual events. Please put on your calendars the dates for the fall workshop:
(not just) Simply,strings…a chamber music workshop
October 29th-November 1st/2020 with “optional” day of Oct.28th
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.....a unique, non-competitive, learning and playing experience for amateur string players of all levels……..This workshop will be housed in the charming and historic “Inn at Manchester”, in the majestic Green Mountains of Vermont.
Small chamber ensembles will be assigned. Placement and assignments will be based upon a self-evaluation questionnaire. We accept some winds and piano in this “mostly” strings workshop. Each participant will receive his/her music assignments several weeks prior to the workshop. We encourage participation of amateur musicians at ALL LEVELS OF PLAY. Special attention will be given to musicians who have limited experience playing in chamber ensembles, or those who “self-assess” as C- or D level players. Groups and repertoire will be carefully assigned to meet the needs of ALL levels of participants in order to maximize your weekend experience. Pre-formed groups are most welcomed.
And this year, we are asking participants to note on their applications if they would like the experience of performing in their group(s) in our informal Saturday night get together. The Saturday evening musical “get together” is a time when all workshop participants have the opportunity to meet as a group. And, to use this time to perform in their group(s), knowing that their performance is simply “a work in progress”. Perfection is not expected! It’s merely a chance to allow others to hear what music has been prepared during the workshop. And, allow those who would like the opportunity, a chance to experience performing for others. As always: performance is NOT a mandatory part of our workshop experience.
The program’s focus will be on playing repertoire authentically as chamber group musicians. Sight-reading sessions and Master Classes will be offered. There will be ample time factored into our busy schedule to enjoy the ambiance of the greater Manchester area: Great shopping! Great food! Great hiking, running, golfing, biking and walking. There are many sight-seeing opportunities to be experienced and enjoyed!
Our coaches are distinguished and accomplished musicians:
Stefanie Taylor, our workshop Artistic Director, violist and active chamber and orchestral musician, is the assistant principal violist of the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, and violist for the orchestra’s Juke Box Quartet. She has been principal violist for both Middlebury Opera and Green Mountain Opera, and has led the Burlington Chamber Orchestra as concertmaster. In nearly twenty years in New York, Stefanie performed with the New York Philharmonic, was guest principal violist for the American Symphony Orchestra, performed in numerous ensembles, including the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, and played live on WQXR. Stefanie is a graduate of Indiana University and SUNY Stony Brook. She teaches both violin and viola privately and at Middlebury Community Music Center.
Other professional musicians scheduled to coach in this workshop are : Dale Stuckenbruck (violinist/sawist);
Jared Shapiro(cellist); Heawon Kim (pianist); Ariel Rudiakov (violist); Joana Genova (violinist)…..other coaches TBA as we get closer to the workshop.
WHAT DOES THIS WORKSHOP OFFER?
... 3 nights lodging in a beautiful room with private bath
... 3 delightful Vermont country breakfasts
... 3 sumptuous dinners
... beverages and snacks daily
... 21 hours of hands-on coaching, rehearsal, and playing sessions
REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT:
Please click the button below to request more information on fees related to the workshop and to request an application.
