Photo courtesy of Alan Powell (www.jumpingowl.com)

Calgary Stringfest -
July 30 - August 3, 2012

Teen Chamber Music Intensive program

St. Matthew's United Church
2035 26A Street SW
Calgary, Alberta

Check for registration information in spring 2012.

The 2011 version was so successful, we are doing it all over again. Judith Fraser, Kai Gleusteen, Catherine Ordronneau, and Dan Scholz and will be back, along with the regular Amici faculty.

StringFest is especially for advanced strings players between 12 and 20 who are looking for a serious musical challenge, and for some fun along the way. But it is also for the community: there will be several public concerts with some exceptional performances by our guest artists, faculty, and the students.

StringFest 2011 was very highly rated. 11% of respondents to the program survey rated the overall musical experience at StringFest as “really good”. The other 89% said it was “fantastic”.

Some student comments:
“"I really enjoyed the chance to combine the fun everyone wants in summer, and the musical experience you expect in a music camp!”

""I liked the positive atmosphere.
The teachers were all very encouraging and the students were all really supportive towards each other.”

"Being with friends and learning to play great chamber music together!”

Learning from the masters

Calgary StringFest brings together great performers and teachers and advanced students aged 12-20. The StringFest brings something new to Calgary: a summer string festival with great concerts, advanced training, and fun with friends playing chamber music. The days will be spent in masterclasses and chamber music rehearsals, and most evenings in faculty and student recitals.

Guest Artists

Kai Gleusteen studied violin from the age of five in his native city, Calgary. By the age of seventeen, Kai was awarded the top prize in the Commonwealth Concerto Competition in Australia and the prestigious Skene Award in Scotland. Kai is the concertmaster of the Orchestra ‘del Gran Teatre del Liceu’ in Barcelona, where he is also professor at the Escuela Superior de Musica de Catalunya. He continues to perform extensively as a soloist in Europe and North America and has released numerous critically acclaimed recordings.

Daniel Scholz is the Principal Viola of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra. As a solo artist, Daniel has performed concertos with numerous orchestras. Daniel has also toured Europe with the Nordic Symphony as Guest Principal Viola. Highly sought after as an instructor, Mr. Scholz teaches at the University of Manitoba and is the conductor of the Winnipeg Youth Symphony Orchestra.

Judith (Anne) Fraser began to study cello at 10 in Calgary. She was principal cello 1957-60 with the Festival Ballet orchestra and played in the Sadler’s Wells Opera orchestra in London. Fraser has played in the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the CBC Vancouver Chamber Orchestra, and was a founding member and manager of the Baroque Strings of Vancouver. Fraser’s playing has consistently displayed insight and sensitivity, and her teaching is marked by dedication to her task and to her students.

Faculty

Fiona Carnie is co-founder of the Amici program. Her focus is on trying to help students find ease in playing, pride in accomplishment, and joy in music. She holds a Master of Music degree from Yale and has played violin in various orchestras including the National Ballet Orchestra.

Theresa Plotnick is co-founder of the Amici program. After earning a music degree from the University of Cincinnati, she played professionally in various orchestras and is an acclaimed teacher.

Andrea Case has a Master’s Degree in cello performance from McGill. She made her solo debut in 1997 after winning the Calgary Concerto Competition. Andrea is co-founder and principal cellist of Players Ensemble and of the Lily Quartet.

Diane Lane studied music performance at McGill and the University of Calgary. She is a dedicated teacher and performer, and is co-founder of Players Ensemble and of the Lily Quartet.

Jeff Plotnick is Principal Second Violin of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, and has performed widely as a soloist. He is an enthusiastic and engaging teacher.

Keiko Takahashi is a graduate of the famous Toho Gakuen Music School in Tokyo. After moving to Calgary, she was a member of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra (First Violin). Her teaching recognizes student individuality.

Who should apply?

Advanced students aged 12-20. Students must be recommended or submit a recording.

How do I apply?

Registration will begin in spring 2011.

When must I apply?

Applications must be submitted by June 1. Earlier applications will be considered earlier, with acceptance notices issued as quickly as possible.

What must I prepare?

Students should prepare at least one piece for performance in masterclass, and will be sent chamber music in advance.

How can I get more information?

Send us an email at: amici.stringprogram@gmail.com