As part of its Carnegie Hall Perspectives series, including performances of the complete cycle of Beethoven string quartets, the Emerson String Quartet leads a workshop on these cornerstones of the quartet literature. Three ensembles wil be selected, and each will study one of the Op. 18 quartets plus one of the folowing: Op. 59, Nos. 1, 2, or 3; Op. 127; Op. 130; Op. 131; Op. 132; or Op. 135. Upon acceptance, each ensemble will submit its repertoire preferences, with the final selections being made by the Emerson String Quartet.
There will be a public master class in Weill Recital Hall on May 17 and final performances there on May 23 and 24.
The Emerson String Quartet, one of the world’s foremost chamber ensembles, has amassed an impressive list of achievements: recordings on Deutsche Grammophon, seven Grammy awards, and performances in the world’s major concert halls. The ensemble is lauded for approaching both classical and contemporary repertoire with equal mastery and enthusiasm.
In 2006–2007, the quartet celebrates its 30th anniversary season with eight Perspectives concerts at Carnegie Hall. The Quartet also celebrates 20 years of exclusivity with Deutsche Grammophon by releasing an all-Brahms disc. Additional performances of note are a Shostakovich cycle at Washington’s Kennedy Center and an extensive European tour including London, Vienna, Berlin, and Paris, and Beethoven cycles in Valencia and Badenweiler.
The Quartet serves as quartet-in-residence at Stony Brook University, where, in addition to chamber music coaching throughout the academic year, it has conducted intensive string quartet workshops in June 2004 and 2006. This season also marks the ensemble’s third educational collaboration with Carnegie Hall. In March 2004,the Quartet was named the 18th recipient of the Avery Fisher Prize—a first for a chamber ensemble.
Formed in 1976, the New York City–based Emerson String Quartet took its name from the American poet and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson. Violinists Eugene Drucker and Philip Setzer alternate in the first-chair position and are joined by violist Lawrence Dutton and cellist David Finckel. Since January 2002, the Emerson has performed while standing, incorporating this practice in all appearances.
Applications will be accepted for string quartet. The average age for quartet members must be 30 or below, and applicants must be at least 18 years old. Quartets that have been in existence for two years or more will be given priority.
There is no tuition for the workshop. For participants from outside the greater metropolitan New York area, travel and shared-room accommodations (two to a room) will be arranged and paid for by Carnegie Hall.
Please complete the application form and return it with the following:
- A current ensemble biography as well as résumés for individual ensemble members. Please be sure to include teachers, master classes, performing experience, education/training, festivals, and awards.
- Two letters of recommendation for the ensemble from present or former music teachers or from musicians of high standing. Letters may be sent separately from the application either by mail or e-mail to PTW@weilmusicinstitute.org but must be marked clearly with the workshop name and the applicant ensemble’s name on the front of the envelope or in the subject line of the e-mail.
- CD recording of the highest possible quality containing:
- A first movement and a slow movement from any of the Beethoven Op. 18 quartets
- A first movement from one of the following Beethoven quartets: Op.59, Nos. 1, 2, or 3; Op. 74; Op. 127; Op. 130; or Op. 132
- A VHS or DVD recording (DVD preferred) in NTSC format of any of the above repertoire, if possible, or of classical-period repertoire. If in doubt, send more than one video.
- Optional: Additional supporting materials—such as a repertoire list, sample programs, press kit, photographs, and videos (DVD preferred)—may be included.
- A non-refundable application fee of $40 per ensemble. Payment may be made by check, money order in US dolars, or credit card. Make check or money order payable to The Carnegie Hall Corporation. A credit card form is available online at weillmusicinstitute.org/workshops.
Emerson Quartet Application Form (940 KB PDF)
All materials must be received by Carnegie Hall no later than
Monday, February 5, 2007. Applicants will be informed of their workshop status on or about March 15.
All workshop participants must be available
May 14–24, including evenings.