A 10-day intensive seminar for advanced students (over 18 years of age)
and adult amateurs with the Grammy-nominated
St. Lawrence String Quartet and Special Guests

June 26 - July 5, 2009

This intensive program is designed for those with a serious ongoing interest in chamber music and follows a rigorous schedule of study and performance in a uniquely supportive environment, blending advanced students destined for careers in music performance with adult amateurs.

The internationally acclaimed St. Lawrence String Quartet is Stanford University's ensemble-in-residence. As teaching assistants to both the Juilliard and Tokyo quartets, the SLSQ has created innovative educational projects with Robert Kapilow, and developed residency programs for the Disney Institute in Orlando and the Carnegie Hall Foundation in New York City. They offer dynamic instruction in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. Participants focus on one or two major works in chamber music literature while learning the delicate art of cooperation as part of an intimate group.

A typical day will include coachings, scheduled rehearsal time, and an evening activity such as a masterclass, readings as a chamber orchestra, a guest presentation on related topics, sight reading sessions, or an informal barbecue. Unstructured time allows participants to pursue informal readings with others, or to explore the many delights of the campus and surrounding area as well. Special guest faculty this year includes the Gryphon Trio.

For a glimpse at the quartet in action at a prior summer seminar, you can visit this youtube link.

The St. Lawrence String Quartet Celebrates 20 Years

Having walked on stage together nearly 2000 times in the last twenty years, the quartet has established itself among the world-class chamber ensembles of its generation. The group continues to build on its reputation for imaginative, spontaneous music making, garnering awards and recording for EMI. In 2003 the quartet received two Grammy nominations for their landmark Yiddishbuk CD (music by Ozvaldo Golijov) on EMI. The quartet also received a 2001 Juno Award (the Canadian "Grammy") for their release of Schumann's 1st and 3rd quartets, and their Tchaikovsky CD has been called the "benchmark" recording of these works.

Send a note to the seminar coordinator to be put on our mailing list for the 2009 seminar.

Click here to view enrollment information and requirements.

Click here to view the 2009 application form.

All applications must be received by February 16, 2009.

"I had no idea it would be this intense -
but I learned and achieved a lot by working harder than I expected."*

"[My] experience exceeded all expectations! Having attended other similar programs, this one is unique: intense, thoroughly professional, in a warm and friendly atmosphere."*

Inspiring faculty! Our quartet gets exponentially better after exposure to SLSQ energy.*

The SLSQ ROCKS!!*

* Comments of participants in prior SLSQ Chamber Music Seminars at Stanford.

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