Upcoming Performances
Residency: Encore Summer Academy
ABOUT ENCORE:
The program focuses on habit building—vitalizing the daily routine and building stamina for a professional career in classical music. This program is recommended for young artists who are preparing for big events such as competitions, concerts, and/or college auditions, as well as pre-professionals who want to work intensively, improve artistic expression & technique, and perform in a variety of settings.
The three-week program invites 4 pre-formed ensembles and 60 exceptionally gifted students ages 13 to 26.
In an artistically charged atmosphere, students gain a deep understanding of interpretative skills and ensemble playing. We also aim to teach life skills such as communication, working together, mutual trust and respect, and creative problem solving through music in order to nurture the next generation of dedicated and conscientious leaders in the arts. Our selected young artists are trained by world-class artists of international standing who are devoted to shaping the next generation of professional performers.
Encore Music & Ideas Festival
With Timothy Chooi, Brendan Shea, Jordan Bak, Tommy Mesa, Jinjoo Cho, Max Geissler and the Verona String Quartet
PROGRAM:
Britten: Prelude and Fugue for 18-part String Orchestra
Shelley Washington: SAY (2019)
Program notes:
The culmination of our exploration of HOME, this student and faculty collaboration invites you to step into a world where young musicians make a home in music. John Rutter’s Suite for Strings opens with folk-inspired melodies that dance with playful energy and lyricism, while Carl Reinecke’s Serenade for Strings offers a graceful and charming portrait of classical elegance. Benjamin Britten’s Prelude and Fugue for 18-part string orchestra weaves intricate textures and bold harmonies, and Shelley Washington’s SAY calls on performers to raise their voices in a powerful chant, blending sound and spirit in a compelling celebration of community. We invite you to join us for this inspiring evening and share in the joy of young musicians making music at home.
Residency: Ursus String Camp
Founded in June of 2022, the Ursus String Camp at UTK offers a one-week advanced precollege program for advanced violinists, violists, and cellists, aged 12-18, on the beautiful University of Tennessee, Knoxville campus each June.
With a small enrollment cap, students will be assured significant access to our world-class string faculty. During the day students will have scale and technique class, single instrument ensemble rehearsals, mini lessons during a 2-hour practice time block each morning, afternoon sight singing classes, and master class/seminars each afternoon. Regular faculty and student recitals throughout the week cap each day.
Ursus Faculty Recital
With Matthew Lammers, Damian Kremer, Wesley Baldwin, and Eileen Downey
PROGRAM:
Arensky: String Quartet No. 2 in A Minor, Op. 35
Mozart: Piano Quartet No. 1 in G Minor, K.478
Schubert/Wolff: Der Erlkönig
Residency: Center Stage Strings
ABOUT CSS:
Young artists selected by audition to participate in CSS will have a unique opportunity to focus purely on developing their talents without the distractions of normal, everyday life.
An intense practice, private lesson and technique schedule is balanced with chamber music reading, socializing and recreational activities. Kayaking, hiking and trips to vibrant downtown Ann Arbor are just a few of the many fun activities available to students.
A keen focus on our students becoming “Complete Musicians” is central to our mission, equipping students with the skills needed for a professional musician today. These range from public speaking and stage presence to networking and even pedagogy.
In addition to the student-driven coursework of Center Stage Strings, there are also Guest Artist Recitals, Faculty Concerts and Masterclasses presented by world class artists and teachers.
Residency: Music at Port Milford
ABOUT MPM’s Senior Summer Chamber Music Academy:
Since 1987, Music at Port Milford has offered an immersive chamber music program for dedicated music students in historic Prince Edward County, Ontario. Students, who are admitted by audition, work together to produce weekly performances of chamber, orchestral and choral works. MPM’s outstanding faculty and resident ensembles serve as both coaches and mentors.
While putting together weekly performances, students work cooperatively and form lifelong friendships. The summer school is located on an historic thirty-five acre farm overlooking South Bay. The students are housed in charming cabins, complete with front porches and lake views.
MPM Faculty Recital
With Peter Eom, Madeline Hildebrand, and the Thalea String Quartet
PROGRAM:
Turina: Scène Andalouse, Op. 7
Residency: Pacific Crest Music Festival
Nestled in the heart of Northern California, the Pacific Crest Music Festival is an immersive and inspiring summer chamber music program for talented student artists. Each season brings together exceptional young musicians for intensive training, vibrant performances, and unforgettable experiences in the stunning landscapes of Siskiyou County.
From public concerts and master classes to daily rehearsals and community outreach, our students thrive in a dynamic environment that blends artistic excellence with the beauty of the outdoors.
Residency: Music & More SummerFest
ABOUT MMSF:
An immersive and rigorous two-week summer program of studying and performing for Pianists, String players, Composers and Conductors
Solo, Chamber Music & String Orchestra performances
Collaborate & perform with world-caliber musicians from Vanderbilt University, University of Iowa, Northern Arizona University, Rotterdam Conservatory and members of the NY Philharmonic, Sendai Philharmonic Orchestra, Metropolitan Opera, Phoenix Symphony, the Volksoper Vienna and more!
Masterclasses and individually tailored studies with award-winning and renowned festival artists.
Be a 21st-century musician and take part in innovative programming featuring premier works
Travel and tour in the most beautiful Mediterranean town and region
Banff International String Quartet Festival: Opening Night
With Mahan Estafani and the Afiara Quartet
PROGRAM:
Gavin Bryars: Harpsichord Quintet (2023)
Banff International String Quartet Festival: Banff Festival Orchestra
With the Afiara, Dali, and Opus13 Quartets, Livia Sohn, Yolanda Bruno, Barry Shiffman, Joel Quarrington, and Hilda Cowie:
PROGRAM:
Schubert: String Quartet No. 14 in D Minor, D. 810 “Death and the Maiden”
Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 37 (Feat. Jan Lisiecki)
Banff International String Quartet Festival: Festival Finale
With Barry Shiffman, Daniel Thorell, and the Afiara Quartet
PROGRAM:
Osvaldo Golijov: “Tintype” (2024)
Brahms: String Sextet No. 2 in G Major, Op. 36
Encore Music & Ideas Festival
With Jinjoo Cho, Min-Jeong Koh, Lynne Ramsey, Brannon Cho, and Max Geissler
PROGRAM:
R. Strauss/Leopold: Metamorphosen (septet)
Program notes:
Home is not always a place—it can be a person, a memory, or a moment of profound belonging. In Your Arms at Last explores the deep human longing to return to love and safety through music of devotion, intimacy, and transformation.
The evening culminates in Richard Strauss’s “Metamorphosen”, a profound meditation on loss, memory, and transformation written in the final months of World War II. Strauss’ sketches for the work included lines from Goethe’s poem “Widmung”, and when heard alongside Schumann’s “Widmung”, Strauss’ work gains an added dimension—suggesting a journey from the intimate devotion of love to a broader spiritual transformation. Together, these works trace a path from private tenderness to profound reflection, reminding us that home can be found both in the arms of the beloved and in the lifelong search for meaning.
American Viola Society Festival: Reimagining Beethoven’s Violin Sonatas for Viola
With Nathan Cheung, John-Paul Younes, and Tanav Gowda
PROGRAM:
Beethoven: Viola Sonata No. 1 in D Major, Op. 12, No. 1 (trans. Wong)
Beethoven: Viola Sonata No. 5 in F Major, Op. 24 “Spring” (trans. Wong)
Beethoven: Viola Sonata No. 9 in A, Op. 47 “Kreutzer” (trans. Wong)
PROGRAM NOTES:
Beethoven’s violin sonatas, here transcribed for viola and piano, are a cornerstone of his output, evolving from classical elegance to dramatic expression. These three selections represent distinct stages in this evolution.
Sonata No. 1 in D major, Op. 12, No. 1 (1798) is a youthful and sunny work. It reflects Beethoven’s grounding in the Classical tradition of Haydn and Mozart. The sonata’s graceful melodies and balanced structure are a testament to his early mastery, a conversation between the viola and piano, full of wit and joy.
The “Spring” Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op. 24 (1801) is one of Beethoven’s most beloved works, a masterpiece of early Romanticism, showcasing a richer, more expressive range while retaining classical clarity. The nickname “Spring” perfectly captures its lyrical, pastoral character. It’s a true partnership where both instruments have equal importance, sharing in the beautiful, flowing themes.
Sonata No. 9 in A major, Op. 47, the “Kreutzer” Sonata (1803), is a work of immense power and scale. This sonata was famously described by Tolstoy as a work of “terrible passion.” The sheer virtuosity demanded from both performers is immense, and its dramatic intensity and heroic scope foreshadow Beethoven’s later, revolutionary works.
Geneva Music Festival "Inheritances"
With Jinjoo Cho, Geoffrey Herd, Max Geissler, and Esther Park
PROGRAM:
J.S. Bach: Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ, BWV 639
J.S. Bach: O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden, BWV 244
J.S. Bach: Es ist genug, BWV 60
J.S. Bach: Komm, sußer Tod, BWV 478
Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson: String Quartet No. 1 “Calvary”
A. Beach: Piano Quintet, Op. 67
Geneva Music Festival "Inheritances"
With Jinjoo Cho, Geoffrey Herd, Max Geissler, and Esther Park
PROGRAM:
J.S. Bach: Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ, BWV 639
J.S. Bach: O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden, BWV 244
J.S. Bach: Es ist genug, BWV 60
J.S. Bach: Komm, sußer Tod, BWV 478
Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson: String Quartet No. 1 “Calvary”
A. Beach: Piano Quintet, Op. 67
Chamber Music Connection "Spring Fest"
Students study and perform in small ensembles and are coached by local and nationally acclaimed musicians, such as the Cavani Quartet, while connecting with peers through chamber music.
Chamber Music Connection
With the Cavani Quartet and Erika Eckert, viola
PROGRAM:
Dvorak: String Quartet No. 12 in F Major, Op. 96 “American”
W.A. Mozart: String Quintet No. 4 in G Minor, K.516
Tchaikovsky: Souvenir de Florence, Op. 70 (featuring CMC Senior Fellows)
Blair Masters Series Recital
With Hyunsoo Kim, piano
PROGRAM:
Beethoven: Viola Sonata No. 3 in E-flat Major, Op. 12, No. 3
Beethoven: Viola Sonata No. 4 in A Minor, Op. 23
Beethoven: Viola Sonata No. 7 in C Minor, Op. 30, No. 2
Beethoven: Viola Sonata No. 8 in G Major, Op. 30, No. 2
original transcriptions by Eric Wong
The Renaissance
With Hyunsoo Kim, piano
PROGRAM:
Beethoven: Viola Sonata No. 4 in A Minor, Op. 23
Beethoven: Viola Sonata No. 8 in G Major, Op. 30, No. 2
original transcriptions by Eric Wong
Oberlin College Conservatory of Music
PROGRAM:
Beethoven: Viola Sonata No. 3 in E-flat Major, Op. 12, No. 3
Beethoven: Viola Sonata No. 7 in C Minor, Op. 30, No. 2
original transcriptions by Eric Wong
Mozart: Kegelstatt Trio, K.498
Featuring:
Hyunsoo Kim, piano and Dorothy Ro, violin
Nashville Chamber Music Society
PROGRAM:
Mozart: String Quartet in C Major, K.465 “Dissonance”
Jessie Montgomery: “Strum” (2006)
Schubert: String Quintet in C Major, D. 956
Featuring:
Annie Fullard and Charissa Leung, violins
Eric Wong, viola
MaryGrace Bender and Felix Wang, cellos
Nashville Chamber Music Society
PROGRAM:
Mozart: String Quartet in C Major, K.465 “Dissonance”
Jessie Montgomery: “Strum” (2006)
Schubert: String Quintet in C Major, D. 956
Featuring:
Annie Fullard and Charissa Leung, violins
Eric Wong, viola
MaryGrace Bender and Felix Wang, cellos
Blair Masters Series Recital: The Blair String Quartet
With Amy Dorfman, piano
PROGRAM:
Bologne: Quartet Concertante No. 2 in G Minor
Bologne: Quartet Concertante No. 5 in G Major
Felix Mendelssohn: String Quartet No. 6 in F Minor, Op. 80
Schumann: Piano Quintet in E-flat Major, Op. 44
The Voice of the Viola in Paris
Featuring pianist Hyunsoo Kim and student artists DJ Shin, piano, and JP Younes, viola
PROGRAM:
Beethoven: Sonata No. 3 in E-flat Major, Op. 12, No. 3
Beethoven: Sonata No. 7 in C Minor, Op. 30, No. 2
original transcriptions by Eric Wong
International Viola Congress
A collaboration with Hyunsoo Kim, piano, and student artist John-Paul Younes
PROGRAM:
Beethoven: Viola Sonata No. 1 in D Major, Op. 12, No. 1
Beethoven: Viola Sonata No. 6 in A Major, Op. 30, No. 1
Beethoven: Viola Sonata No. 9 in A Major, Op. 47 “Kreutzer”
original transcriptions by Eric Wong