Instrumental Chamber Music

Chamber Music in Chautauqua’s School of Music is scheduled for all sections of the orchestra in two distinct sessions. The first session takes place in the first two weeks and is coached by resident faculty. These ensembles and repertoire will be assigned prior to the start of the festival to allow rehearsals and coachings to begin immediately upon arrival.  

The second session takes place during a period when the orchestral schedule is significantly reduced allowing for a more intensive focus on chamber music with each group being coached more frequently. Strings will work largely in quartets and quintets. This session also includes intensive work for the basses with Curtis Burris and a percussion residency led by Michael Burritt. 

At the end of each session every group will perform part of the studied repertoire in a public performance.  Chamber groups will often include students from our voice and piano program as well as occasional collaborations with dance, theater and the visual arts. Repertoire will range from standard core works to works from historically under-represented composers including women, people of color and composers of our time. 

Placement in the first session of chamber ensembles will be based upon the audition submitted in Slideroom for admittance to the program. Second session chamber placement consideration will additionally be based on the musician’s performance during the summer. However, if students have pre-formed ensembles, we will try to accommodate them. Students are asked to please note that in your application if that is the case. 

Chamber music is chaired by Kathryn Votapek.

Chautauqua is thrilled to feature many of our resident faculty and guest artists on an exciting Resident Chamber Series! The series takes place each Saturday at 4 p.m. in Elizabeth S. Lenna Hall and students are highly encouraged to attend.