This workshop has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Please contact the organizer for more information.
Welcome!
Thank you for your interest in the DaPonte String Quartet Institute!
2020 is the inaugural year for our International Institute, a 10 day program of intensive study for conservatory-level string quartets.
This residential program is meant for musicians who wish to explore the finer points of ensemble work and musical interpretation within the specific chamber-music context of the string quartet.
The Institute will provide full scholarships to all accepted students, including tuition, room, board, and ground transportation. The 2020 Institute will be held at the beautiful Medomak Retreat Center; a quiet, rural setting not far from bustling midcoast Maine.
This program is open to pre-formed string quartets and, if and when possible, to individual participants of exceptional ability, to a maximum of 20 musicians. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. For more information, please contact Lisa Westkaemper (Executive Director) at lisa@daponte.org or 207-315-7105.
Artistic Excellence
The DaPonte String Quartet has been a fixture of the performing arts scene in Maine and beyond, for the past twenty-eight years. They undertake a schedule of over fifty events annually, including educational, outreach and mentorship programs. The DSQ is widely known as a world-class chamber music ensemble, frequently receiving rave reviews, and numerous awards from local arts and media organizations.
Stunning Setting
The 250 acre Medomak Retreat Center of mid-coast Maine is a sanctuary for people and nature alike. Medomak offers a respite from the day to day, rushed-life routine most people endure, in surroundings that allow for learning, community, and recreation.
Students are encouraged to develop a personal relationship with Medomak – hike the trails, pick sweet blueberries, or explore the quiet lake by canoe, kayak or sailboat. Her cooling waters are a joy to swim in, paddle through, or simply observe from the docks with a good book. Internet is accessible throughout the Center, cell coverage is good, and emergency services are readily available if needed. Medomak Retreat Center is rural but not remote!
We know that tantalizing your taste buds is as important as stimulating your mind so students will enjoy meals with ingredients from Medomak’s own dairy cows, organic gardens and local farms. Medomak Retreat Center’s impressive green statement can be found here.
Full Scholarship
Students who are accepted to the Institute will receive a full ride! Tuition, housing, food, and recreation are all provided at no cost to the student. In addition, we will provide ground transportation to and from the Portland airport on arrival/departure days and field trip transportation. Transportation from other area airports can be arranged.
Opportunities
The Institute demo, lecture, and coaching sessions begin with score and historical analysis, progressing to visions of a composer’s intention, further focusing on technical questions of intonation, ensemble, balance, phrasing, articulation and color. Students are led and mentored to develop positive and productive communication skills and strategies. The Institute also includes a Faculty Concert and participation in a Student Concert. These well-publicized events will provide opportunities for students to interact with media, local music enthusiasts, and supporters of the Institute and its sponsorship organization, Friends of DaPonte String Quartet.
A field trip to nearby Rockland will offer students a chance to visit shops, galleries, and museums. Rockland was recently named by the Smithsonian as one of the 20 Best Small Towns to visit in 2017 and was also named one of the “Coolest small towns in America” In addition, Rockland was named to the National Historic Trust’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations. With its authentic working waterfront, historic movie theatre, its many and varied arts galleries, its superb dining experience which includes two restaurants that recently won James Beard awards, Rockland is truly a must visit experience. With 2 splendid museums and 20+ exceptional galleries it is obvious why Rockland is the Art Capital of Maine!
Come join us!