The retreat is open to adult chamber players of intermediate to advanced level on violin, viola, cello, and piano; pre-formed groups are welcome.  Winterhaven focuses on in-depth chamber music study, with intensive coaching and private lessons from faculty who are all active chamber music professionals. Emilie-Anne Gendron, violin and viola, will join the Bardin-Niskala Duo as faculty for the 2022 season. You will also enjoy delicious meals prepared by renowned pianist Gil Kalish’s daughter, Judith Kalish! (Browsing through the Winterhaven website, I also noticed that Avaloch’s massage team will be available for an extra $100 per massage. It might seem decadent, but I engaged their services twice, and both times were among the best therapeutic massages I have ever had in my life.)

I reached out to the Bardin-Niskala Duo about this opportunity – and they are offering a 50% discount on the application fee for ACMP members! ($25 instead of $50)

Tuition is $1950 for this 6-day retreat, and includes 6 nights lodging at Avaloch (private room), all meals, chamber coachings, lessons, faculty open rehearsals and faculty performances.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: December 10

APPLY NOW

About the Winterhaven Program:

Winterhaven is an intensive chamber music retreat for adults that takes place at the luxurious facilities of Avaloch Farm Music Institute, in Boscawen, NH.  With spacious private rooms for all participants, large rehearsal studios each with a grand piano, and a serene, peaceful landscape, Avaloch provides an idyllic setting for music-making and relaxing.   Chef Judith Kalish, from Newton, MA, joins us this year to prepare three meals a day from the finest locally-sourced ingredients.  Winterhaven’s faculty play alongside participants and create an encouraging, supportive environment in which to explore and enjoy making music together.

Each participant will play in two chamber ensembles.  One ensemble will be composed entirely of workshop participants, while the other ensemble will include one faculty member who plays as part of the group.  Participants will receive their assigned chamber movements prior to arriving at the workshop, and ensembles will remain together for the full week. In addition to daily chamber music coachings, each participant will receive two private lessons during the retreat.  Participants may choose to bring a solo work to their lessons, or they may choose to use these lessons to work more in detail on their chamber music parts.  

Winterhaven fosters a supportive community for all, where participants and faculty work together formally and informally.   Meals are serve family-style, encouraging conversation and sharing, and days include ensemble coachings and lessons, as well as sight-reading parties, informal ensemble performances by participants, an open rehearsal by the faculty, and a faculty chamber music recital. Participants are encourage to relax in the evenings, either in the privacy of their suites or socializing in the common areas and great hall.  

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