Beethoven, Brahms, Copeland, Hayden, Porter, Stravinsky – here’s a small sampling of what is in store for music lovers the first two weeks in June when the National Music Festival comes to Chestertown. The Spy sat down with directors Caitlin Patton and Richard Rosenberg to discuss details of what they propose to be an annual Kent County event.
Over an intense two week period approximately 100 student musicians, or apprentices, and 20 plus world -class music teachers will live, rehearse and perform together a diverse musical repertoire: orchestral and chamber works, solo recitals, even chamber opera. 25 concerts and over 200 free open rehearsals will be presented in various venues, ranging from the Kent County High School to Washington College, the Garfield Center for the Arts, the Chestertown Farmers’ Market, churches, galleries, even K & L Services auto repair shop. In coming years the group may travel to DC for a Kennedy Center performance, and possibly Charleston in 2014. Patton and Rosenberg are also talking with local choruses and chamber music groups about future collaborations.
The students receive full scholarships; applicants, (age 18 and over), are chosen by mentors in their respective fields solely on talent. Last year’s festival, in Floyd, Virginia, saw students and mentors from 26 states and 15 countries, many from Southeast Asia and South America. Patton and Rosenberg wish to keep the festival small, encouraging a closer relationship between mentors and apprentices than is possible in many of the larger festivals of this ilk. Rosenberg further explained that the number of mentors and students is determined by the largest composition to be performed at the festival: this year it is Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, a formidable piece demanding around 130 musicians.
When the Spy asked about the schedule, Rosenberg commented that the students who come are focused on their craft; and that the festival has been dubbed, “Bootcamp for the Beethoven crowd.” A look at last year’s schedule shows the following: yoga – 8 to 8:50 am, rehearsals and master classes – 9 am to noon each morning, with a one or two hour break for lunch; more rehearsals from 2pm to 4:30, and at least one concert each evening, times ranging from 5:30 to 7:30pm.
The festival’s mission is two-fold: to provide exceptionally gifted young musicians performance experience, and teach them how to promote themselves, as well as provide quality performances at a reasonable cost to the public. Rosenberg hopes to attract families with young children who would not normally attend classical performances – the afternoon rehearsals are perfect for kids who may not want to stay for an entire show.
The festival is supported by private donations, business sponsorships, and in-kind, or non cash donations; chairs, copier machines for printing music, vans for transportation, lighting for stages, etc. Those interested in donating, volunteering or hosting musicians are asked to call 443.480.8291 or email [email protected].
More information on the 2012 National Music Festival and Schedule Click Here
June 3 – 16, 2012
Suggested Donation Per Concert – $15 Orchestra $10 Smaller concerts
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