Behind the Scenes
News & Updates |
Retreat for Musicians
Each year during the first week of September, ten professional musicians from around the world visit NewPark for a special musicians' retreat. We step out of our everyday roles in our respective musical communities to make music with friends, new and old, in a relaxing, intimate, and inspiring setting. Some musicians have performed together for years while others meet for the first time at the festival. Many are new to Ithaca. All leave with lasting memories, friendships, and new repertoire under their belts.
In the weeks leading up to the festival, musicians are assigned repertoire and chamber music groups and begin preparing their individual parts. Typically, everyone arrives three days before the opening concert of the festival. We spend the week getting acquainted through intensive rehearsals and a variety of activities- bonfires, family-style meals, hikes, and group outings that showcase the best of Ithaca: the Farmer's Market, the Commons, restaurants, parks, and Cayuga Lake. As musicians, we are constantly trying to hone our skills, to learn, create, collaborate, and share music with others. Chamber Music @ NewPark provides artists with an opportunity to do all of the above in a beautiful and relaxing space, while connecting with an open-minded, welcoming, and diverse audience that reflects Ithaca's important values. We are grateful for an opportunity to learn from each other in such a supportive and energizing environment. We love Ithaca, and we hope Ithaca loves us too! 
For Young Musicians
An important element of the festival is engaging and mentoring young aspiring musicians. Families and children of all ages are welcome and tickets are free for those under the age of eighteen for every concert.
In mid-August, we extend an invitation to music programs, teachers, and schools to recommend eligible advanced students for our annual Side-by-Side concert, which concludes the festival. During the festival, the young musicians are invited to NewPark for a side-by-side rehearsal and picnic where we get to know one another, work together, and chat about our lives and careers as musicians. It is an incredibly fun and rewarding opportunity for everyone involved and we look forward to it all year long. If you would like to take part in our educational activities or recommend a young musician, please write us at chambermusicatnewpark@gmail.com Chamber Music @ NewPark combines the connective power of chamber music with a stunning location to create unforgettable experiences for both the audience and the performers... the concerts offer beautifully curated, top-notch performances by artists they otherwise wouldn't have a chance to hear. I loved my experience and can't wait to return! |