Young Chamber Musicians is a music education and performance program for young musicians (strings and piano) ages 14-20 that offers creative chamber music training opportunities and exposure to renowned musical mentors. The Program is based on the vision that the study of chamber music is an essential component in the education of a performing musician.
Purpose
The purpose of the program is to expose developing young artists – our next generation of performers - to the benefits and the joys of a challenging chamber music experience, helping them to mature as performers and cultural leaders.
Vision
The study and performance of chamber music is a complete recipe for musical development; simultaneously building skill, musical imagination and cooperation like no other single musical endeavor. It is also a microcosm of professional life; and, for those who are technically mature at a young age, chamber music offers a portal to a higher understanding of music, culture and the art of working with others.
Programming
Young Chamber Musicians unites young musicians with renowned musical artists to ensure that the legacy of musical performance and the understanding of the great works is passed from generation to generation. Periodically, the program offers master classes; seminars on musical style and culture; admission to professional concerts, and themed chamber music reading experiences free to participants.
Last spring, on a warm Sunday afternoon, a sextet of students with their parents and friends gathered in a Pacific Heights home for a “Chamber Music Reading” in honor of the birthday of Tchaikovsky and Brahms, May 3rd. On this occasion participants included young string players ages 13-19 who had enthusiastically prepared the music ahead of the event. With coach, Susan Bates they worked furiously, ultimately performing Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence and the Brahms Op. 18 sextet for an enthusiastic audience!
Future
Young Chamber Musicians is planning several chamber music immersion projects in 2009. The first, entitled “Genius and Youth – the Mendelssohn Octet for Strings, Op. 20”, will bring 8 exceptional teen-age string players into the world of the 16 year old prodigy Mendelssohn to celebrate this monumental work on the 200th year of his birth. Sunday, January 4, 2009 12:00 - 5:00 PM, Koret Auditorium, San Francisco Public Library, 100 Larkin Street, San Francisco. A second event is planned for late Spring. On this occasion, two young pianists will unite with string players to study and perform the Brahms Piano Quintet.
Young Chamber Musicians was founded to address the needs of young musicians who are ready and eager for a deeper exposure to great musical works – past and present. The Program brings to the West, exposure and experiences equal to any found across America.
Leadership
Susan Bates, Creator/Director holds the 1992 award for “Excellence in Chamber Music Training” from Chamber Music America. For over 25 years, she has trained numerous young chamber musicians who are now pursing careers as professional musicians and playing chamber music “for the love of it”. Ms. Bates is a violist, San Francisco Ballet Orchestra; faculty, Preparatory Division, San Francisco Conservatory of Music; and, the creator of five chamber music education programs for highly skilled California youth.
