Chamber Music

June 28 - July 19, 2009

 

Mission

The mission of the Hotchkiss Summer Portals Chamber Music Program is to take the rising generation of outstanding young pianists, string players, and singers and inspire them with a love for the beauty and discipline of chamber music.

The whole is greater than
the sum of its parts.

Did you ever wonder how this expression can be true? Well, anyone who has played on a team or in a band or orchestra knows it's true, but in the musical world, there's no better forum for experiencing the truth of this old expression than in a chamber ensemble. Instrument or voice—it doesn't matter. You'll find the careful blending, the intense coordination, and the listening and responding required of refined chamber music to be a singularly striking manifestation of those wise words.

The Hotchkiss Summer Portals Chamber Music Program will let you test this idea yourself. If you play strings or the piano and are 12 to 15 years old, or if you're a singer between the ages of 15 to 18, then you should check us out. Our Portals Chamber Music Program lets you concentrate intensively on one instrument; participate in an ensemble; learn music history and appreciation; and receive coaching, lessons, and masterclasses from resident and visiting musicians of national and international prominence. The facilities are awesome—the Esther Eastman Music Center, officially dedicated in October 2005, provides classrooms, practice rooms, various performance venues, and the glorious Katherine M. Elfers Concert Hall.

If you play an instrument…
…then the Instrumental Chamber Music Program is for you. The program is designed for about twenty exceptional young string players and pianists who are already accomplished as solo performers and selected by audition. You'll work with professional chamber musicians who will keep you busy with masterclasses, individual instruction, impromptu performances, formal concerts, and lots of practice.

If your instrument is your voice…
…then the Vocal Chamber Music Program is best for you. For three weeks you'll join other advanced classical vocalists to form small ensembles and learn one-per-part vocal chamber music. You'll be guided by professional singers who will help you select pieces from a vast repertoire. You'll also perform often, both in small ensembles and full choruses.

The curriculum revolves around playing. You'll receive daily chamber music coaching from faculty artists, and you'll participate in weekly masterclasses. You'll also be giving weekly public performances. You can also elect to receive weekly private instruction. Each day centers on chamber music rehearsals, with time for both individual practice and ensemble rehearsal. All along the way, you'll be mentored by the faculty of professional musicians and visiting artists.