School inspires new generation
An annual summer school focused on inspiring young classical musicians is back for its 29th year.
The Adam Summer School for Chamber Music, held in Nelson each February, is for young string players and pianists.
Twenty-seven string players and pianists between the ages of 17 and 25 have been selected to form seven ensembles during the summer school classes from February 11 to 19, with the youngest musician just 13.
Presented by the New Zealand String Quartet, the summer school will celebrate its 29th year across an eight-day course.
The students attend masterclasses focused on in-depth work within their ensembles on a piece they will present in one of two finale concerts on the final day, with a selection of music including the works of Beethoven, Brahms, Mendelssohn and Shostakovich.
The masterclasses are open to the public, and are coached by the NZ String Quartet and internationally renowned piano teacher Rae de Lisle.
The NZ String Quartet has been the quartet-in-residence at New Zealand School of Music – Te Ko¯kı¯ since 1991.
De Lisle and three members of the quartet are members of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to music.
Elke Dunlop, who has been involved in movement education for more than 25 years, will join the instrumental tutors to offer classes in the Feldenkrais Method of ‘‘awareness through movement’’.
The Adam Summer School also supports the Adam Chamber Music Festival’s Troubadour internship programme, which provides a career development experience to a group of aspiring young professional string players.
This year’s Adam Troubadour Quartet is Lucas Baker, Peter Gjelsten, Lauren Jack and Vincent Chen.
The quartet will extend its repertoire with additional music for its performances in Nelson during the 2024 Adam Chamber Music Festival.