Highlights
- Dates: Sunday, July 21 – Sunday, August 4, 2024
- Ages: For advanced instrumentalists and pre-formed ensembles ages 18+
- Application Deadline: March 1, 2024
- Location: Lawrence University campus in Appleton, Wisconsin
- Faculty: See below for our Summer 2024 faculty. Additional faculty and guest artists will be announced.
- Audition required: See registration form for details.
- Student Cost: Tuition is $2,150. Room & Board prices are set by Lawrence and will be announced at a later date.
Applications due on March 1. A recorded audition is required, and space is limited to 30 pre-professional musicians. For questions about applications, fellowships, scholarships, or for any other information please email chambermusicfestival@lawrence.edu.
2024 Festival Schedule (tentative)
Below is the tentative schedule for 2024, all event details are subject to change. All events are free and open to the public.
Monday, July 22, 2024 – Festival Concert No. 1 – Gibson Community Music Hall, 7 p.m.
Thursday, July 25, 2024 – Performance Class with Festival Artists – Harper Hall, Lawrence University, 5:30 p.m.
Friday, July 26, 2024 – Festival Concert No. 2 – Lawrence Chapel, 7 p.m.
Saturday, July 27, 2024 – Young Artist Concert No. 1 – Lawrence Chapel, 7 p.m.
Sunday, July 28, 2024 – Young Artist Concert No. 2 – Lawrence Chapel, 1 p.m.
Thursday, August 1, 2024 – Mile of Music Kickoff – Lawrence Chapel, 11 a.m.
Friday, August 2, 2024 – Mile of Music Young Artist Showcase No. 1 – Hilton Hotel ballroom, 11 a.m.
Friday, August 2, 2024 – Mile of Music Young Artist Showcase No. 2 – Riverview Gardens, 2 p.m.
Saturday, August 3, 2024 – Mile of Music Young Artist Showcase No. 3 – Copper Rock Coffee Company, 10:30 a.m.
Saturday, August 3, 2024 – Mile of Music Young Artist Showcase No. 4 - Fox Valley Performing Arts Center Stage - 5 p.m.
2024 Festival Faculty
Faculty: Michael Mizrahi, piano
“Being a successful musician…involves a sense of adventure and curiosity…” – Mizrahi
Faculty: Brandon Ridenour (Founders), trumpet
"...making it fun for you and the people you are sharing it with—that is what performance is all about." — Ridenour
Faculty: Ben Russell (Founders), violin
A violinist, vocalist and composer who has played to worldwide acclaim, Ben is a member of American Contemporary Music Ensemble (ACME) and co-creator of the songwriting collective Founders.
Faculty: Jean Carlo Ureña Gonzalez, percussion
"Everyone that comes into my lesson comes in like an open canvas and I need to figure out what that canvas needs." — Gonzalez
Faculty: Erin Lesser, flute
"I love the challenge of deciphering a new score, and the fact that every day is completely different." — Lesser
Faculty: Tim Albright, trombone
Before joining Lawrence's faculty, Tim performed with a variety of performers including the Metropolitan Opera, Jay-Z, Barbara Streisand, and the National.
Faculty: Andy Hudson, clarinet
"Everything you encounter outside of what you typically do makes that thing you typically do richer and more interesting." — Hudson
Faculty: Leo Sussman, flute
"...thinking critically about how to present works of music to audiences not only ensures impactful performances, but can also transform a performer's perspective..." — Sussman
Faculty: Caitlin Sullivan (cello)
Sullivan is an accomplished cellist having recorded an album, A Page From, performed with The Knights, Decoda, and whose music has been featured in “If Beale Street Could Talk,” “Succession” and “She Said."
Faculty: Teagan Faran (violin)
"One of the easiest ways we can show something is living, through music, is by giving it a heartbeat." — Faran
General Information
Each young artist participant will work in at least two different chamber groups and have several performance opportunities in traditional concert halls and community venues.
Young artists also work together to curate a concert experience to be presented during the annual Mile of Music Festival. These concerts include a special collaboration with a local singer/songwriter, giving participants new artistic opportunities.
Optional private lessons with Festival faculty are available.
Curriculum
- A short chamber music repertoire assignment, coached by members of our faculty, and culminating in a performance
- Private Lesson(s)
- Symposia – topical discussions that will help you grow your musicianship
- Skills Development Workshops (arranging, improvising, etc.)
Sample Schedule
8 – 9 a.m. – Breakfast
9 – 10:50 a.m. – Chamber rehearsal/coaching
11 a.m. – noon – Symposium (all together)
Noon – 1 p.m. – Lunch
1:30 – 3 p.m. – Chamber rehearsal/coaching
3:30 – 5:30 p.m. – Private lessons/individual practice
5:30 – 6 p.m. – Dinner
7 p.m. – Master classes/performances
Application Requirements
Applications are open to instrumentalists from the string, wind, brass, percussion, & piano families, and pre-formed ensembles. There is no application fee.
Audition Material:
- Submit videos of two contrasting works representing different time periods. Video and audio must be unedited.
- If a selection is taken from a multi-movement work, applicants need only prepare one movement of the piece. Upload performances to YouTube and submit links in your application. Pre-formed ensemble members wishing to apply for a fellowship must submit one solo video.
- For composer/performers, in addition to your performance videos, please submit a score and recording of an original composition. MIDI realizations are acceptable.
Answer the following questions in a video:
- Describe a memorable musical moment that you have experienced — either as a performer/educator/student or as an audience member. What about that moment was special? How did it influence your musicianship?
- Why are you interested in participating in the Lawrence Chamber Music Festival?
Tuition & Financial Aid
No application fee. Tuition is $2,150. Room and board prices are set by Lawrence University and will be announced at a later date.
A limited number of competitive, fully-funded fellowships are available. To apply for a fellowship, submit a personal statement detailing any information you would like to share about yourself related to what experiences you would bring to and hope to learn from your participation in the Lawrence Chamber Music Festival. Please also submit a letter of recommendation. Submit your materials by March 1, 2024 to chambermusicfestival@lawrence.edu.
Limited need-based scholarships are also available. To apply for a need-based scholarship, submit a letter of need and the first two pages of your most recent tax return. Submit by March 1, 2024 to chambermusicfestival@lawrence.edu.
Why attend the Lawrence Chamber Music Festival
LCMF Director and piano faculty member Michael Mizrahi talks about the inaugural year of the festival and what you can expect.
Applications due on March 1. A recorded audition is required, and space is limited to 30 pre-professional musicians. For questions about applications, fellowships, scholarships, or for any other information please email chambermusicfestival@lawrence.edu.
About the Lawrence Conservatory of Music
The Lawrence Conservatory of Music prepares musicians to create a more thoughtful, meaningful, and beautiful world within:
- a motivated community that cultivates artistry and excellence through rigorous training,
- a diverse community that fosters intellectual growth through critical inquiry and scholarship
- a creative community that connects passion for music to social engagement and innovative thinking