Fox Cities News

Two new summer music programs at Lawrence University are set to launch, providing immersive training for young musicians and live music opportunities in Appleton. The Lawrence Summer Music Institute (LSMI), designed for 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. Public concerts include a LSMI Faculty Concert on July 17 at Harper Hall and a LSMI Student Concert on July 19 at the same venue. A "Community Day" on July 20 will feature student performances at Eagle Point Senior Living and other locations in the Fox Cities.

Following this, the Lawrence Chamber Music Festival will cater to 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. Performances include appearances at the Mile of Music festival.

Michael Mizrahi, Frank C. Shattuck Professor of Music and director of Lawrence Summer Music Programs, stated that both programs are intended 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. "It really is an opportunity to create a vibrant summer music program."

The LSMI offers high school participants close interaction 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," Mizrahi noted. "They’ll 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."

Participants will begin rehearsing on Monday for their July 19 performance. Mizrahi emphasized the transformative nature of this experience: “A lot of them will come in at the beginning of the week thinking, 'I don’t know if I can do it in five days,' and then they all do it."

The Chamber Music Festival targets more advanced musicians preparing for or beginning their careers. "They’ll have sessions on how to build your portfolio...all the things that go into being an entrepreneurial musician," Mizrahi explained.

The festival's second week includes collaborations with Mile of Music artists such as Julia Blair ’11, Julie Williams, Ben Mulwana, and Pegasis. These artists will work with festival participants on arranging music for collaborative performances during Mile of Music.

Mizrahi highlighted recent successful partnerships between Lawrence and Mile of Music: “They’ve been supportive of us coming to them with a 50-minute set.” He added that these collaborations offer unique experiences for both students and audiences.

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, flutist Erin Lesser, trombonist Tim Albright, clarinetist Andy Hudson, flutist Leo Sussman, cellist Caitlin Sullivan, and violinist Teagan Faran.

Mizrahi described these festivals as significant milestones for Lawrence University: “This is a blueprint for solid summer programming...a way to deepen ties with Appleton...and share live music with the community.”