An Extraordinary Opportunity To Develop Your Playing
INTENSIVE CHAMBER MUSIC WORKSHOP
BE BETTER WITH BERGONZI: AN INTENSIVE CHAMBER MUSIC WORKSHOP
The Alhambra Orchestra has established an annual chamber music workshop event. Now in its 20th year, this three-day in-depth workshop features daily coached rehearsals, master classes, and independent rehearsal time.
Renowned chamber artists from the University of Miami share their passion and expertise as they guide students through a deepened development of ensemble playing skills and music appreciation, culminating in a concert for family and friends on the workshop’s final day.
The 20th Annual Intensive Miami Chamber Music Workshop!
What: This unique long-running collaboration with eminent faculty from the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music takes place on the university’s Coral Gables campus every January during their winter break. Players at multiple levels from intermediate to advanced, and all ages, are invited. Pre-formed ensembles are welcome, but we are happy to create groups from those who register without one. If we cannot match someone, we will refund the tuition; however, that’s very unlikely because the South Florida area has so many chamber musicians. Groups choose their own repertoire; the instructors will be happy to make suggestions if desired. Participants are mainly strings, but we welcome pianists and wind players as well. We can add faculty to coach those instruments.
Where and How: University of Miami,Coral Gables, Florida
We’ll begin on Friday evening, and run through Sunday afternoon when there is a final recital. Each ensemble will spend the weekend studying and practicing its chosen work. Participants are encouraged, but not required, to perform a movement for their fellow students. Each ensemble will receive a minimum of four hours of intensive coaching, plus practice time, group classes, and group activities. Coffee, soft drinks and snacks will be provided, and meal breaks will be long enough to visit some of the many restaurants near or on the lovely University of Miami campus.
When: January 5-7, 2024
How Much: Tuition is low $200 and there are some limited scholarships available.
Deadline: December 15, 2023
Questions: Helen Hauser, hhauser@alhambraorchestra.org, Ruth Smith, ruthruth@alumni.unc.edu or call (305) 342-2777.
If you need to be considered for a scholarship, please contact Helen before completing the application form.
Dr. Steffen Zeichner, violin, holds a BM in Violin Performance from Indiana University (studying with Henryk Kowalski, Federico Agostini, Jorja Fleezanis, David Baker) and a Masters and Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Miami (Glenn Basham, Charles Castleman, Gary Lindsay, Stephen Guerra Jr). Steffen has also studied jazz violin with renowned violinists John Blake Jr, Mark O’Connor, and Jeremy Cohen. He plays with various ensembles and orchestras throughout Florida. He is the adjunct Lecturer of Jazz Violin at Florida International University and has an international studio of private violin students learning various styles of music with him both in-person and virtually.
Karen Lord-Powell, violin, Karen enjoys a varied career as soloist, chamber and orchestral musician, and teacher. She teaches violin, chamber music, and orchestral repertoire at the Frost School of Music, and is a member of the leadership team for the Experiential Music Curriculum, Frost’s innovative approach to musicianship training. Formerly Principal Second Violin of the Louisville Orchestra, Karen’s orchestral experience includes work with the Indianapolis and Houston Symphonies, and with renowned conduc- tors such as Stephane Deneve, Mariss Jansons, and Leonard Slatkin. She has appeared as Concertmaster of the Louisville Orchestra, the New World Symphony, and the Miami Bach Society, and has been a featured soloist with the Glenel Chamber Orchestra, the Northwestern Chamber Orchestra, and in recital at the National Governor’s Convention in Washington, D.C.
Pamela McConnell, viola, Pamela was born in Southern California and is Professor Emerita of Viola and Chamber Music of The Frost School of Music. She was founding member of both the Rowe String Quartet in Charlotte, North Carolina and the Bergonzi String Quartet at the University of Miami. She also founded and directed Strings for Kids, at UM and The Slee Chamber Players at SUNY Buffalo, where she was Professor of Viola until 1988. Summer Music Centers including Ms McConnell as faculty are Bowdoin, Maine Garth Newel, Virginia, Rocky Mountain Music Conservatory, Colorado, Young Musicians Camp (UM), and Pine Mountain Music Festival, Michigan. Ms McConnell has performed as a string quartet violist around the World and won a Peabody Award as a member of the Rowe String Quartet.
Ross Harbaugh, cello, is professor of cello and chamber music at the Frost School of Music, director of the Univ. of Miami String Program, and a regular recitalist, soloist, lecturer and writer. A founding member of the New World String Quartet and a Naumburg Chamber Music Prize winner, he has collaborated with artists such as Leonard Rose, Edgar Meyer and the Guarneri Quartet. He has served on the faculties of Harvard and University of Michigan. His articles on developing interpretations and successful rehearsal skills in chamber ensembles can be found on www.rossharbaugh.com
Friday, January 5, 2024
7:30-9 pm Brief organizational meeting (schedules,info), followed by group rehearsals and coaching
Saturday, January 6, 2024
8:30 am Coffee, bagels and snacks for early birds; available throughout morning
8:45-9 am Optional stretching /Tai Chi on quad
9 am-12:15 pm Coaching and practice sessions, with coffee break
Lunch 12:15 -1:30 pm
1:30-4:00 pm Group class/master class with instructors. Bring music and instruments
4:10 -5:10 pm Coaching and practice sessions
Dinner break
Free play or optional musical activities, TBA
Sunday, January 7, 2024
8:30 am Coffee, bagels and snacks for early birds; available throughout morning
9 am – 12:15 pm Coaching and practice sessions, with coffee break
Lunch 12:15 -1:30 pm (rooms open for practice)
1:30 pm Participants’ recital (plan to arrive in hall about 15 minutes early)
