Opportunities to see top teen pianists and rising young conductors from around the globe work with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, to join other singers in performing choral masterworks, to hear recitals by world-renowned Eastman faculty, guest artists, and summer program participants — the summer concert season at the Eastman School of Music promises all these experiences.
The 12th Eastman Young Artists International Piano Competition will bring 20 of the world’s finest young players to Rochester to compete for Eastman scholarships, cash prizes, and additional awards. Starting July 31, local audiences will have eight days to enjoy guest artist recitals by renowned judges as well as master classes and adjudicated performances by the competitors.
For this year’s piano competition, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra will provide the orchestral accompaniment for the five finalists’ concerto performances. The winners will be announced after the judges’ deliberations following the last concerto performance.
Eastman’s Summer Conducting Institute, sponsored by the School with the cooperation of the Rochester Philharmonic, provides advanced apprentice conductors the opportunity to rehearse with a highly skilled professional orchestra. After the participants finish their coursework and initial sessions with the orchestra, up to five conductors will lead the RPO in a concert on July 22 that will be open to the public.
Singers of all ages are invited to take part in Eastman “Summer Sings,” which will be held at 7:30 p.m. in Kilbourn Hall over four consecutive Tuesdays beginning July 6. Each program features one great choral work led by conductor William Weinert, with scores provided at the door. Since the choral music reading program started in 1995, hundreds of singers have enjoyed performing with Eastman faculty and students and outstanding soloists from the Rochester community.
Recitals by faculty from the Eastman School and from the Eastman Community Music School will appeal to a multitude of musical fans and include jazz, classical, and world music presentations. The schedule also features concerts by participants in Eastman’s annual summer programs in trombone, percussion, trumpet, tuba and euphonium, harp, and voice. Other events include the annual Mitzie Collins and Friends World Music Concert and the IMPROVfest series of organ improvisation concerts.
The full schedule of concerts is available at http://www.rochester.edu/Eastman/calendar/ . All are open to the public, and most are free. Tickets for concerts that require paid admission are available at the RPO Box Office, 108 East Avenue, hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (non-concert Saturdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.); by phone: 585-454-2100; or online: www.esm.rochester.edu/concerts
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