2024 CHAMBER MUSIC INTENSIVE
June 17–July 15
Riley Center for the Arts at Burr and Burton Academy
Manchester, Vermont
2024 Faculty
Heather Braun, violin: Boston University, St. Anselm College, Arneis Quartet
Davide Cabassi, piano: Concert pianist; Milan Conservatory, Italy
Joana Genova, violin, Co-Artistic Director: Montclair State University; Williams College; Bennington College; The Indianapolis Quartet
Hannah Holman, cello: New York City Ballet, Quad City Symphony
Danwen Jiang, violin: Arizona State University
Tom Landschoot, cello: Arizona State University
Drew Petersen, piano: Concert pianist; winner Avery Fisher Career Grant and American Pianists Award
Raman Ramakrishnan, cello: Bard College, Boston Chamber Music Society
Ariel Rudiakov, viola and conductor, Co-Artistic Director: Bennington College; Music Director, Danbury Symphony and Yonkers Philharmonic; Assistant Conductor, Greenwich Symphony
The rigorous, four-week program is open to nine music majors ages 20–26. Taconic Music accepts four violinists, two violists, two cellists, and one pianist. The program is divided into two-week cycles and each Young Artist is assigned two ensembles each cycle (usually a string quartet and a piano quintet), culminating in a public performance. This is a full-scholarship program, with tuition and housing covered for all participants.
The schedule consists of daily chamber music coachings with Taconic’s experienced faculty, rehearsals, masterclasses, and ample performance opportunities.
Young Artists perform at the Riley Center for the Arts at Burr and Burton Academy, as well as the Southern Vermont Arts Center, Manchester Community Library, Israel Congregation, Dionondehowa Wildlife Sanctuary and School, art galleries, assisted-living residences, and other area venues.
As part of their professional development, Young Artists will have the unique opportunity to engage and inspire local children through musical activities and mini-concerts at a weekday morning camp at the Southern Vermont Arts Center, June 24–28.
In their free time, Young Artists can go hiking and kayaking, visit historic locations and local farms, cook dinners together and gather around the fire pit for s'mores and bonding.
Manchester, Vermont is located about 30 minutes north of Bennington, in the valley between the Green Mountains and the Taconic Range, just a few hours from Boston, NYC, and Montreal. The town's New England charm, excellent restaurants, bookstore, outlet stores, arts, and outdoor activities make it a popular tourist destination year-round.
To watch young artists and faculty concert videos, visit our YouTube channel
Our motto is “where music meets life” and it is important to us not only to teach technical skills and repertoire, but to make sure that all students have multiple opportunities to perform, get used to coping with nerves and become comfortable speaking in front of an audience; to learn how to rehearse efficiently and master new pieces quickly; to build professional relationships with faculty and each other, be able to engage with any age group, socialize with donors and supporters—and to balance musical activities with relaxation.
Music and musicians cannot exist in isolation. Now, when the world is longing for more human interaction, live performances have become increasingly meaningful, and are crucial to the survival of our profession.
—Joana and Ariel
Young Artists Concerts
Mondays, July 1 and July 15 at 7pm
Masterclasses
Wednesdays at 7pm
June 26: Roberta Cooper, cello
July 10: Eugene Drucker, violin
How to apply
Existing ensembles are encouraged to apply. All members must complete individual applications.
The Chamber Music Intensive program is FULL SCHOLARSHIP*
*Admitted students are responsible for their own transportation and meals.
Housing in a Burr and Burton Academy dormitory residence: Wi-Fi, AC units in each room, fully equipped kitchen and laundry room. Single or double rooms. Shared bathrooms. Sheets, pillows, bedding and towels will be provided. No pets allowed.
Application Fee: $50
The nonrefundable application fee must be paid at the time of application, via the link in the form.
Application Deadline: April 1, 2024
Audition Requirements
High quality video links (URLs copied and pasted into our online application), including:
Two contrasting pieces
Video excerpt of a chamber music performance (optional but encouraged)
List of performed chamber repertoire from last 2–3 years (submitted with application)
Application Requirements
Completed application form including all required materials
$50 non-refundable application fee (submitted online at end of application)
Bio (approx. 200–250 words, submitted with application)
Photo (high-resolution, professional quality)
Attendance Requirements
CMI participants must be 20 years old by June 2024.
All students must be fully vaccinated prior to June 1, 2024, and agree to adhere to current local and state health mandates during the program, including during any free/personal time.
$50 non-refundable deposit due upon acceptance.