2024 Applications Open in February.
For Outstanding International String Players, Pianists and Vocalists!
July 2024 at the Berkshire School, Sheffield, Massachusetts
Soar!
Bring your artistry to new heights at the Berkshire High Peaks Festival.
Announcing the 2024 Berkshire High Peaks Festival for Outstanding Young Musicians! For the 15th 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! Dormitories and facilities are fully air-conditioned, and three delicious and healthful meals are prepared daily.
Performance Opportunities
We are planning performance opportunities, both on the beautiful Berkshire School campus 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 2023 faculty includes these distinguished artists:
Violinists Charles Castleman (Frost School of Music, Univ. of Miami), Ara Gregorian (East Carolina Univ.), Hye-Jin Kim (East Carolina Univ.), and Peter Zazofsky (Boston University)
Violist Michael Strauss (Dana School of Music, Youngstown State University)
Pianists Gila Goldstein (Longy School of Music and Brown Univ.) and Alexander Shtarkman (Peabody Conservatory)
Soprano Danielle Talamantes (Metropolitan Opera) and bass baritone Kerry Wilkerson (George Mason University)
Cellists Yehuda Hanani (Mannes School), Ross Harbaugh (Frost School of Music, University of Miami, Bergonzi Quartet), Jeffrey Zeigler (Director of Mannes Prep; former member of Kronos Quartet), Diego Fainguersch (Institute of Art at the Teatro Colon, Buenos Aires Philharmonic), and Sae Rom Kwon (Kang-Nam University, Korea)
Jazz and improvisation, John Esposito (Bard Conservatory of Music)
See Faculty Bios Here.
