Sponsors
Support for the Lawrence Chamber Music Festival includes grants from the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, Lawrence University, Riverview Gardens, 91.1 The Avenue, Eagle Performance Plastics, Harp Gallery, Wisconsin Public Radio, and Bergstrom Automotive.
Your generous donation is tax-deductible and helps sustain the Lawrence Chamber Music Festival's unique programming. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please email chambermusicfestival@lawrence.edu.
Applications for the 2025 Young Artist program are now closed. 2026 applications will be available soon. To express interest, submit the inquiry form linked above. For application, fellowship, or scholarship questions, email chambermusicfestival@lawrence.edu.
2025 Festival Faculty Artists
Michael Mizrahi, piano
“Being a successful musician…involves a sense of adventure and curiosity…” – Mizrahi
Jean Carlo Ureña González, percussion
"Everyone comes in like an open canvas and I need to figure out what that canvas needs." — Ureña González
Erin Lesser, flute
"I love the challenge of deciphering a new score, and the fact that every day is completely different." — Lesser
Tim Albright, trombone
Tim has performed with various performers including the Metropolitan Opera, Jay-Z, Barbara Streisand, and the National.
Andy Hudson, clarinet
"Everything outside of what you typically do makes that thing you typically do richer and more interesting." — Hudson
Caitlin Sullivan, cello
Sullivan has performed with The Knights and Decoda, recorded an album, and featured her work in TV and film.
Leo Sussman, flute
"Thinking critically about how to present works ensures impactful performances, and transforms your perspective." — Sussman
Teagan Faran, violin, viola
"One of the easiest ways we can show something is living, through music, is by giving it a heartbeat." — Faran
Brandon Ridenour, trumpet
"...making it fun for you and the people you are sharing it with—that is what performance is all about." — Ridenour (Founders)
Ben Russell, 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.
Mike Clayville, trombone
"My work often takes me beyond the concert hall and into the broader community." — Clayville
Joe Connor, saxophone
"I help my students develop both a healthy approach to practice and a long-term relationship with their instrument." — Connor
Brigit Fitzgerald, bassoon
"I think it is absolutely wonderful to have different ideas of what success looks like out there." — Fitzgerald
Media from LCMF 2024
General Information
Each young artist participant in the Lawrence Chamber Music Festival 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
7:45 – 8:45 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 – 6:30 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.
2025 tuition is $2,150.
Single Room is $865/Double Room is $630.
Meals are $500.
Purchasing Room/Board is not required for participation. Scholarships and fellowships are available to qualifying students. See below for more information.
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.
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 with your application materials.
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.
Your generous donation is tax-deductible and helps sustain the Lawrence Chamber Music Festival's unique programming. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please email chambermusicfestival@lawrence.edu.
Applications for the 2025 Young Artist program are now closed. 2026 applications will be available soon. To express interest, submit the inquiry form linked above. For application, fellowship, or scholarship questions, 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