One of the most satisfying aspects of my dual career as an active professional violist and the Executive Director of ACMP is when my two worlds intersect. I believe in the importance of playing chamber music among friends and for sheer joy, and I am extra joyous when my colleagues from the performance world are inspired to do something new and wonderful with and for adult amateur musicians that aligns with our mission at ACMP. Violinist Doori Na, with whom I have played in many settings but mainly in the contemporary music group the Argento Chamber Ensemble, is also a member of Decoda. Knowing of my work with ACMP, he sent me information about the group’s new initiative to organize its first adult amateur chamber music retreat, from January 3 through January 9, 2025 at Potash Hill in Vermont. I interviewed Decoda clarinetist Alicia Lee, who is spearheading this exciting project.

Stephanie Griffin (SG): How did Decoda come into existence? Could you please tell our readers about the origins of the group, some early experiences and the group’s original mission?

Alicia Lee (AL): Decoda is a collective made up of musicians who went through Carnegie Hall’s Ensemble Connect fellowship program. The fellowship is an opportunity for young pre-professional musicians to play chamber music at Carnegie Hall and the Juilliard School, and also to work as a teaching artist in a New York City public school. It was an eye-opening experience that compelled a group of us to build on what we had learned: audience engagement skills, creative programming, and a broadened sense of what it means to be a musician in the 21st century. We wanted to create a group that would prioritize equally high-level chamber music and deep community engagement. 

Some of our most impactful community engagement has included composition workshops at correctional facilities and schools. Through our work in these projects, we always reveal new and fascinating aspects of the music we perform. 

Over the last decade-plus, we are proud to have deepened our relationship with Carnegie Hall and we have been given the title of Affiliate Ensemble of Carnegie Hall.

SG: Wow…congratulations on that! What inspired you to organize Decoda’s first ever chamber music workshop for adult amateur musicians?

AL: One of Decoda’s flagship programs for the last 10 years has been our summer chamber music festival for young artists. Our mission through this program is to train a thriving community of young musical artists to rethink and reimagine their role in society. We have always wanted to bring our collaborative and creative approach to music making to the adult amateur community. We feel that the spirit of our group will bring a unique perspective to these adult amateurs.

SG: Can you tell us more about the Potash Hill venue and why you chose it for this retreat?

AL: We are thrilled to partner with Potash Hill for our first retreat, home to the famous Marlboro Music Festival. Several members of Decoda are former Marlboro participants, two of whom will be on the Potash Hill faculty (myself and cellist Saeunn Thorsteinsdottir!). 

The campus is such a special and unique place that holds so much musical history. It is hard to ignore that some of our classical music legends–Rudolf Serkin, the Guarneri Quartet, Mitsuko Uchida, to name just a few–rehearsed and performed in all of the spaces on campus. 

The setting will be beautiful and idyllic and we are excited to also be providing excellent food through the Brattleboro Co-op for all the meals.

SG: In the spirit of Marlboro – will Decoda do any coaching in which the coach plays within the ensemble?

AL: Yes we will! Each participant will be placed in two chamber groups. One group will be coached by a Decoda artist, the other group will include a Decoda artist as a member. Every member of the Decoda faculty is a dedicated collaborator and experienced chamber musician. The side-by-side experience will give our participants a unique opportunity to blend, lead, and follow alongside their coach. 

SG: What other types of chamber music activities will participants enjoy over the course of your workshop?

Besides the two chamber groups, which will meet daily for rehearsals and coachings, there will also be opportunities for reading in small groups as well as large groups: think Bach Brandenburgs or Mozart Piano Concertos!

SG: Outside of chamber music, will there be any fun social activities or excursions?

Be ready to enjoy delicious food and drink during our off time! Our local guide, bassist and faculty member Evan Premo will also be planning 1-2 outdoor excursions.

SG: What do you hope your participants will gain from your workshop, both during and after they return home?

AL: We want our participants to have a rewarding and intensive experience. To Decoda, the most important thing to walk away with is a feeling of collaboration. The connections that we can make with each other in our music-making are some of the most meaningful moments we can have as humans. We want to give our participants the opportunity to experience these moments. 

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