July 23 – August 3, 2025!
For Outstanding International String Players, Pianists and Vocalists!
July 23 – August 3, 2025 at Bard College at Simon’s Rock in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.
Soar!
Bring your artistry to new heights at the Berkshire High Peaks Festival.
Announcing the 2025 Berkshire High Peaks Festival for Outstanding Young Musicians! For the 16th year, an international group of strings, pianists and vocalists will converge for intensive study with distinguished faculty artists. Each participant will receive private lessons, join in master classes by our faculty and guests, be coached as part of a performing ensemble, and enjoy discussions and workshops by prominent composers, renowned pedagogues and notable figures in the music world who will help guide and inspire as you prepare for a life in the profession.
What to Expect
In addition to enjoying the pillars of our Western canon (Bach, Beethoven, Schumann, Brahms, Dvorak, Tchaikovsky, etc.) in individual and in chamber music repertoire, we explore new music, encourage an adventurous spirit and sometimes take the road less traveled: Latin American legacy, Eastern Europe, 20th Century American, Hollywood, Asian, and newly written. Ensembles range from duos to trios, quartets, sextets, etc.
And expect the unexpected! Participants will have the opportunity to branch out and explore the art of improvisation and the language of jazz with expert guides, enjoy the benefits of Tai chi as they work with a musician-practitioner, or attend yoga classes geared to benefit and address physical issues musicians often encounter. You’ll enjoy hikes, campfire gatherings, and the gorgeous mountain scenery—and still find plenty of time for individual practice! The 275-acre wooded campus in the heart of the Berkshires could not be more ideally located. Three delicious and healthful meals are prepared daily and the Kilpatrick Athletic Center is available to all participants (8-lane pool, squash, racquetball and tennis courts).
Performance Opportunities
We are planning performance opportunities, both on the beautiful Simon’s Rock campus in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, as well as in various Berkshire and Hudson Valley venues. High Peaks musicians have appeared in popular concert locations, including the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA; Orpheum Theater in Tannersville, NY; Basilica Hudson; the New York State Museum in Albany; Bridge Street Theater in Catskill, NY; the Carey Institute for Global Good in Rensselaerville, NY; the Becket Arts Center, and many others.
Most of all, we look forward to the togetherness, atmosphere of friendship and supportive spirit that our festival is noted for.
Our 2025 faculty includes these distinguished artists:
Violinists Ida Bieler (University of North Carolina School of the Arts and NYU’s Steinhardt School of Music and Performing Arts), and Peter Zazofsky (Boston University)
Violist Anthony Devroye (Avalon String Quartet, Northern Illinois University School of Music)
Pianists Gila Goldstein (Longy School of Music), Alexander Shtarkman (Peabody Conservatory), Mark Irchai (Levine School of Music, Wash. D.C.), and Shiyu Wang (Indiana University East)
Soprano Danielle Talamantes (Metropolitan Opera) and bass baritone Kerry Wilkerson (George Mason University)
Cellists Yehuda Hanani (Mannes School), Diego Fainguersch (Institute of Art at the Teatro Colon, Buenos Aires Philharmonic), and Sae Rom Kwon (Kang-Nam University, Korea
Stage Director Jay Lesenger (Chautauqua Opera Company)
See Faculty Bios Here.
