Fox Cities News

Two new summer music programs at Lawrence University are set to begin shortly, offering immersive training for young musicians and live music performances in Appleton. The Lawrence Summer Music Institute, targeting advanced high school pianists and string players, will take place on campus from July 14-21. Nearly 20 musicians will participate in private lessons, workshops, chamber music coaching, and public performances under the guidance of Lawrence Conservatory of Music faculty. Two concerts open to the public are scheduled: a faculty concert on July 17 at 7 p.m. and a student concert on July 19 at 6 p.m., both in Harper Hall.

Following this, the Lawrence Chamber Music Festival will commence for advanced instrumentalists aged 18 and over from July 21-August 4. Over 40 young adult musicians from around the world will engage in chamber music workshops and public performances with Conservatory faculty and guest artists. This includes multiple public performances during the Mile of Music festival.

Michael Mizrahi, Frank C. Shattuck Professor of Music and director of Lawrence Summer Music Programs, noted that both programs aim to become annual fixtures in Appleton's summer music scene. “The summer is a beautiful time here and we have this great facility with the Conservatory and the performance halls,” Mizrahi said.

The Summer Music Institute provides high school participants an opportunity to work closely with Conservatory faculty members such as violinist Samantha George, pianist Catherine Kautsky, violist Matthew Michelic, bassist Mark Urness, cellist Taide Prieto, and Mizrahi himself. “It’s an opportunity for the students to get to know our faculty... they get to explore music in a way that for most of them will be the first time they’ve spent a solid week 24-7 on music,” Mizrahi stated.

The Chamber Music Festival targets more advanced musicians preparing for or beginning their careers. Participants will learn extensive repertoire and attend sessions on building portfolios, engaging with presenters, stage presence, donor relations—skills essential for entrepreneurial musicianship.

During Mile of Music from August 1-4, festival participants will collaborate with artists Julia Blair ’11, Julie Williams, Ben Mulwana, and Pegasis to arrange original compositions for chamber ensembles. “By the end of two weeks... they need to arrange [the material]... The songwriter has a backup orchestra for their stuff,” said Mizrahi.

Recent collaborations between Lawrence University and Mile of Music have been well-received by audiences. “We’ll work with an artist like Ben Mulwana... then we’re going to bring in our stuff,” Mizrahi explained about previous experiences integrating classical pieces into contemporary sets at Mile of Music.

Faculty and guest artists participating in the Chamber Music Festival include trumpet player Brandon Ridenour (Founders), violinist Ben Russell (Founders), percussionist Jean Carlo Ureña González; flutists Erin Lesser and Leo Sussman; trombonist Tim Albright; clarinetist Andy Hudson; cellist Caitlin Sullivan; violinist Teagan Faran; among others.

Mizrahi emphasized that these festivals represent significant advancements for Lawrence University’s programming efforts: “This is a blueprint for solid summer programming... It’s a way to share live music with the community.”