Unique Orchestra Leadership Program for String Musicians
For Immediate Release January 31, 2008
Contact:
Tim Dougherty
805.695.7908
Santa Barbara, CA— The Music Academy of the West has launched an innovative program for advanced violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists who aspire to become concertmasters or orchestra section leaders. The first summer training program of its kind in the nation, the Music Academy’s new Orchestra Leadership Program will welcome its inaugural complement of Fellows with the start of the Academy’s next Summer School and Festival in June 2008.
“This is truly a unique program, one that we expect will prove attractive to outstanding string instrumentalists, and that promises to further enhance the Academy’s reputation for exceptionally distinctive training opportunities” said Richard Feit, Vice President for Artistic Programs and Operations at the Music Academy.
Orchestra Leadership Program Fellows will participate in weekly seminars, meet regularly with and receive guidance from guest conductors and Academy faculty artists, and have the opportunity to perform as concertmaster or orchestra section leaders with the Academy Festival Orchestra. San Diego Symphony concertmaster Jeff Thayer will direct the program.
For application and other information, contact Tiffany Schoemaker, Dean of Students at the Music Academy of the West, at 805.695.7923 or .
Founded in 1947, the Music Academy of the West is among the nation’s preeminent summer schools and festivals for gifted young classical musicians. The Academy provides these promising musicians with the opportunity for advanced study and frequent performance under the guidance of internationally renowned faculty artists, as well as guest conductors and soloists. Admission to the Academy is strictly merit based, and Fellows receive full scholarships (tuition, room, and board). Academy alumni are members of major symphony orchestras, chamber orchestras, ensembles, opera companies, and university and conservatory faculties throughout the world. Many enjoy careers as prominent solo artists. Based in Santa Barbara, the Music Academy of the West presents more than 175 public events annually, including performances by faculty, visiting artists, and Fellows; masterclasses; orchestra and chamber music concerts; and fully staged opera. For more information, visit www.musicacademy.org.
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