Luzerne Music Center
Encyclopedia
Founded in 1980 by cellist Bert Phillips and his wife and pianist, Toby Blumenthal, the Luzerne Music Center (LMC) is a summer camp and performing arts center located in the New York Adirondacks. LMC offers an international summer music program for talented student instrumentalists, ages nine through eighteen. LMC maintains special relationships with the Philadelphia Orchestra
and New York City Ballet
. Junior Session students travel to performances of the New York City Ballet
, while Senior Session students attend weekly performances of the Philadelphia Orchestra
, all held at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center
in nearby Saratoga Springs, New York
. Philadelphia Orchestra
members and visiting performing artists present masterclasses and sectionals for all instruments on campus throughout the summer. Located on beautiful Lake Luzerne, LMC provides a positive and nurturing environment for students to learn and perform. At LMC, students have the opportunity to perform in a variety of large and small ensembles all while receiving weekly private lessons.
In 2011 Elizabeth Pitcairn
was appointed President and Artistic Director of Luzerne Music Center. An alumna of Luzerne Music Center, Ms. Pitcairn has earned a stunning reputation as one of America’s most beloved soloists. She made her New York debut at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall in 2000 with the New York String Orchestra and she appeared as soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra at the Academy of Music. Ms. Pitcairn is a member of the distinguished faculty at the Colburn School of Performing Arts in Los Angeles, where she currently resides.
Luzerne's curriculum includes: private lessons, student chamber and large ensemble instruction, Symphony Orchestra experience. In addition, students attend weekly concerts presented on campus by faculty members at the Friday Night Faculty Series and by faculty members and visiting artists at the Monday Night Luzerne Chamber Music Festival.
Luzerne's Faculty is composed of Philadelphia Orchestra
members; well-seasoned classical musicians who play in the nation's top symphony orchestras; professors from university and college instrumental, voice and orchestral departments; dedicated graduate and undergraduate music students; and renowned guest artists.
Luzerne Music Center maintains special relationships with the Philadelphia Orchestra
and New York City Ballet
. Junior Session students travel to performances of the New York City Ballet
, while Senior Session students attend weekly performances of the Philadelphia Orchestra
-- all held at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center
in nearby Saratoga Springs
. Philadelphia Orchestra
members and visiting performing artists and composers present Master Classes for all instruments on campus throughout the summer.
All students audition on a weekly basis for opportunities to play as soloists, chamber musicians and ensemble members in the camp's Saturday Night and Sunday Afternoon Student Concerts.
.
faculty. Jazz is open to all students, including piano majors and all orchestral players.
.
and members of the New York City Ballet
Orchestra come to the camp to present masterclasses. Student Chamber groups and solo performers are selected by the artistic director to perform at masterclasses on the basis of their readiness for the experience.
.
In addition to attendance of their performances, students can participate in Masterclasses.
Chief Charles Dutoit
serves on LMC's Artistic Advisory Board.
Students live in wooden cabins equipped with bunks, electricity, and limited storage space. Students are housed four to six per cabin, with one counselor for every ten students. Counselor's cabins are interspersed between campers' cabins, assuring that supervision is maintained at all times. Indoor plumbing and modern shower and bathing facilities are adjacent to the cabins.
Luzerne's instructional and counseling staff are mature young professional performers and teachers possessing skills in waterfront, sports and other recreational activities. They provide counseling, serve as excellent role models for students, and participate daily in recreational and social activities. In addition to home style meals in the dining hall, there is also a camp store and small infirmary with a nurse.
Philadelphia Orchestra
The Philadelphia Orchestra is a symphony orchestra based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States. One of the "Big Five" American orchestras, it was founded in 1900...
and New York City Ballet
New York City Ballet
New York City Ballet is a ballet company founded in 1948 by choreographer George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein. Leon Barzin was the company's first music director. Balanchine and Jerome Robbins are considered the founding choreographers of the company...
. Junior Session students travel to performances of the New York City Ballet
New York City Ballet
New York City Ballet is a ballet company founded in 1948 by choreographer George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein. Leon Barzin was the company's first music director. Balanchine and Jerome Robbins are considered the founding choreographers of the company...
, while Senior Session students attend weekly performances of the Philadelphia Orchestra
Philadelphia Orchestra
The Philadelphia Orchestra is a symphony orchestra based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States. One of the "Big Five" American orchestras, it was founded in 1900...
, all held at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Saratoga Performing Arts Center
The Saratoga Performing Arts Center is an amphitheater in Saratoga Springs, New York, which presents summer festivals of all kinds of music , dance, and opera, as well as a Wine & Food Festival...
in nearby Saratoga Springs, New York
Saratoga Springs, New York
Saratoga Springs, also known as simply Saratoga, is a city in Saratoga County, New York, United States. The population was 26,586 at the 2010 census. The name reflects the presence of mineral springs in the area. While the word "Saratoga" is known to be a corruption of a Native American name, ...
. Philadelphia Orchestra
Philadelphia Orchestra
The Philadelphia Orchestra is a symphony orchestra based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States. One of the "Big Five" American orchestras, it was founded in 1900...
members and visiting performing artists present masterclasses and sectionals for all instruments on campus throughout the summer. Located on beautiful Lake Luzerne, LMC provides a positive and nurturing environment for students to learn and perform. At LMC, students have the opportunity to perform in a variety of large and small ensembles all while receiving weekly private lessons.
In 2011 Elizabeth Pitcairn
Elizabeth Pitcairn
Elizabeth Pitcairn is an American classical violinist. She has concertized widely as a soloist and is noted for performing on the Antonio Stradivari violin that is said to have inspired the film The Red Violin.-Childhood:...
was appointed President and Artistic Director of Luzerne Music Center. An alumna of Luzerne Music Center, Ms. Pitcairn has earned a stunning reputation as one of America’s most beloved soloists. She made her New York debut at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall in 2000 with the New York String Orchestra and she appeared as soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra at the Academy of Music. Ms. Pitcairn is a member of the distinguished faculty at the Colburn School of Performing Arts in Los Angeles, where she currently resides.
About
Luzerne Music Center offers an international summer music camp program for student instrumentalists, composers and conductors ages 11 through 18.Luzerne's curriculum includes: private lessons, student chamber and large ensemble instruction, Symphony Orchestra experience. In addition, students attend weekly concerts presented on campus by faculty members at the Friday Night Faculty Series and by faculty members and visiting artists at the Monday Night Luzerne Chamber Music Festival.
Luzerne's Faculty is composed of Philadelphia Orchestra
Philadelphia Orchestra
The Philadelphia Orchestra is a symphony orchestra based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States. One of the "Big Five" American orchestras, it was founded in 1900...
members; well-seasoned classical musicians who play in the nation's top symphony orchestras; professors from university and college instrumental, voice and orchestral departments; dedicated graduate and undergraduate music students; and renowned guest artists.
Luzerne Music Center maintains special relationships with the Philadelphia Orchestra
Philadelphia Orchestra
The Philadelphia Orchestra is a symphony orchestra based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States. One of the "Big Five" American orchestras, it was founded in 1900...
and New York City Ballet
New York City Ballet
New York City Ballet is a ballet company founded in 1948 by choreographer George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein. Leon Barzin was the company's first music director. Balanchine and Jerome Robbins are considered the founding choreographers of the company...
. Junior Session students travel to performances of the New York City Ballet
New York City Ballet
New York City Ballet is a ballet company founded in 1948 by choreographer George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein. Leon Barzin was the company's first music director. Balanchine and Jerome Robbins are considered the founding choreographers of the company...
, while Senior Session students attend weekly performances of the Philadelphia Orchestra
Philadelphia Orchestra
The Philadelphia Orchestra is a symphony orchestra based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States. One of the "Big Five" American orchestras, it was founded in 1900...
-- all held at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Saratoga Performing Arts Center
The Saratoga Performing Arts Center is an amphitheater in Saratoga Springs, New York, which presents summer festivals of all kinds of music , dance, and opera, as well as a Wine & Food Festival...
in nearby Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs, New York
Saratoga Springs, also known as simply Saratoga, is a city in Saratoga County, New York, United States. The population was 26,586 at the 2010 census. The name reflects the presence of mineral springs in the area. While the word "Saratoga" is known to be a corruption of a Native American name, ...
. Philadelphia Orchestra
Philadelphia Orchestra
The Philadelphia Orchestra is a symphony orchestra based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States. One of the "Big Five" American orchestras, it was founded in 1900...
members and visiting performing artists and composers present Master Classes for all instruments on campus throughout the summer.
All students audition on a weekly basis for opportunities to play as soloists, chamber musicians and ensemble members in the camp's Saturday Night and Sunday Afternoon Student Concerts.
Large Ensembles
The Orchestra, String Orchestra and Brass Ensemble rehearse daily to prepare for weekly concerts held on Sunday afternoons at the camp. Conductors emphasize the importance of listening for intonation, tone quality, dynamics, articulation and rhythmic precision in preparing for their performances. Luzerne's faculty members review seating in all ensembles on a weekly basis and make student assignments on a rotating basis. Sectional rehearsals and masterclasses by visiting artists aid in the preparation of a precision ensemble and are an important part of the large ensemble program at Luzerne.Chamber Music
Chamber Music is at the heart of the Luzerne training experience. All string, woodwind, brass, percussion, and piano faculty work together to create student chamber groups and ensure they study and perform repertoire appropriate for their level. Faculty members coach student chamber groups in daily rehearsals, prepare them for public performance and decide when they are ready to appear on stage in Luzerne's weekly Saturday Night Student Concert Series.Piano Studies
Luzerne has one of the most successful summer piano programs as developed by Toby Blumenthal. Luzerne provides 18 quality pianos each summer, both for practice and performance. Luzerne's Piano Department serves individual needs and emphasizes sight-reading, solo, and ensemble repertoire in preparation for weekly solo recitals, and chamber music performances on Saturdays and Sundays. Piano students participate in daily theory, piano masterclasses, four-hand piano ensembles and chamber music ensembles. Luzerne offers numerous performance opportunities for solo repertoire in masterclasses, Sunday recitals and in chamber groups on Saturday evenings. Pianists often perform as a part of the orchestra and in the percussion section if needed. They may also take jazz piano lessons and participate in jazz ensembles if qualified.String Program
In addition to participating in String Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra and in a chamber ensemble tailored to his/her musical strengths, students work closely with string faculty in individual lessons often leading to solo performances in masterclasses and student recitals. Student string majors are given two one-half hour lessons per week, participate in weekly string sectionals, masterclasses, as well as string pedagogy classes.Woodwind Program
Members of the woodwind faculty coordinate an intensive schedule for flute, clarinet, oboe and bassoon players together with other wind teachers, which includes preparation for chamber ensembles, masterclasses and solo performance. Double reed teachers offer instruction on reed making at no additional cost.Brass Program
The brass faculty coordinates instruction of trumpet, horn, trombone and tuba for participation in performances and masterclasses. Brass ensemble and chamber groups rehearse daily and prepare for weekly Saturday and Sunday student concerts.Percussion
Luzerne's percussion program includes private instruction and participation in percussion ensembles, Brass Choir and Orchestra. During the senior session percussion majors have the opportunity to participate in Masterclasses with principal players of the Philadelphia OrchestraPhiladelphia Orchestra
The Philadelphia Orchestra is a symphony orchestra based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States. One of the "Big Five" American orchestras, it was founded in 1900...
.
Jazz Studies
Luzerne's Jazz Program covers basic improvisational techniques and performing as a jazz ensemble. It is offered by John Nazarenko, jazz pianist, guitarist and member of the Skidmore CollegeSkidmore College
Skidmore College is a private, independent, liberal arts college with an enrollment of approximately 2,500 students. The college is located in the town of Saratoga Springs, New York State....
faculty. Jazz is open to all students, including piano majors and all orchestral players.
Theory & Composition
Theory classes are offered as an elective for instrumentalists and are required for all pianists. Depending on their knowledge of theory, students may be placed in elementary or advanced theory, which meet on a daily basis. Private composition lessons may be arranged at extra cost with Luzerne's composer in resident.Conducting
LMC's resident conductors instruct a limited number of students in basic score reading, baton and rehearsal techniques. Proficient students are given the opportunity to conduct a portion of an orchestra rehearsal. During Senior Session students will observe a rehearsal of the Philadelphia OrchestraPhiladelphia Orchestra
The Philadelphia Orchestra is a symphony orchestra based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States. One of the "Big Five" American orchestras, it was founded in 1900...
.
Masterclasses
Resident artist faculty, visiting artists, members of the Philadelphia OrchestraPhiladelphia Orchestra
The Philadelphia Orchestra is a symphony orchestra based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States. One of the "Big Five" American orchestras, it was founded in 1900...
and members of the New York City Ballet
New York City Ballet
New York City Ballet is a ballet company founded in 1948 by choreographer George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein. Leon Barzin was the company's first music director. Balanchine and Jerome Robbins are considered the founding choreographers of the company...
Orchestra come to the camp to present masterclasses. Student Chamber groups and solo performers are selected by the artistic director to perform at masterclasses on the basis of their readiness for the experience.
Vocal Studies
Caroline Barclift has designed a program of studies for instrumentalists who are interested in developing their voices. Vocal repertoire is chosen according to each individual's abilities with concentration on diction and stage presence.Philadelphia Orchestra
Luzerne Music Center is honored to have a long-standing relationship with the esteemed Philadelphia OrchestraPhiladelphia Orchestra
The Philadelphia Orchestra is a symphony orchestra based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States. One of the "Big Five" American orchestras, it was founded in 1900...
.
In addition to attendance of their performances, students can participate in Masterclasses.
Chief Charles Dutoit
Charles Dutoit
Charles Édouard Dutoit, is a Swiss conductor, particularly noted for his interpretations of French and Russian 20th century music...
serves on LMC's Artistic Advisory Board.
Student Life
Luzerne Music Center is an ideal setting for a very memorable summer, overlooking a beautiful pristine lake and surrounded by picturesque mountains. On a 20-acre wooded campus, with its own private beach, Luzerne Music Center provides a perfect environment for students to practice and perform their music, both indoors and outdoors. They also participate in a number of outdoor recreational activities including swimming, canoeing, sailing, table tennis, basketball, softball, soccer, volleyball, kickball, Frisbee, movies, dances, and campfires. Off campus trips include whitewater rafting, hiking, walks into town for tennis matches and ice cream.Students live in wooden cabins equipped with bunks, electricity, and limited storage space. Students are housed four to six per cabin, with one counselor for every ten students. Counselor's cabins are interspersed between campers' cabins, assuring that supervision is maintained at all times. Indoor plumbing and modern shower and bathing facilities are adjacent to the cabins.
Luzerne's instructional and counseling staff are mature young professional performers and teachers possessing skills in waterfront, sports and other recreational activities. They provide counseling, serve as excellent role models for students, and participate daily in recreational and social activities. In addition to home style meals in the dining hall, there is also a camp store and small infirmary with a nurse.
Artistic Advisory Board
- La Mar Alsop
- Luis Biava
- Judith BlegenJudith BlegenJudith Blegen is an American soprano, particularly associated with light lyric roles of the French, Italian and German repertories.-Life and career:Blegen was raised and attended high school in Missoula, Montana...
- Chris BrubeckChris BrubeckChristopher Brubeck , better known as Chris Brubeck, is a U.S. musician and composer, both in jazz and classical music. As a musician, he mainly plays electric bass, bass trombone, and piano. The son of noted jazz pianist and composer Dave Brubeck, he toured and recorded for ten years with The Dave...
- Norman Carol
- Sarah ChangSarah ChangSarah Chang is a Korean American violinist. Her debut came in 1989 with the New York Philharmonic and the Philadelphia Orchestra. Shortly thereafter, Chang was recognized as a child prodigy. She enrolled at Juilliard School to study music, graduating in 1999 and continuing university studies...
- Gloria dePasquale
- Charles DutoitCharles DutoitCharles Édouard Dutoit, is a Swiss conductor, particularly noted for his interpretations of French and Russian 20th century music...
- Raymond GniewekRaymond GniewekRaymond Gniewek is an American violinist. He served as concertmaster of the Metropolitan Opera orchestra for 43 years; upon his appointment in 1957 he was the youngest person to ever hold the post. He has also had a career as a soloist. His final performance as concertmaster with the orchestra...
- Michelle Kim
- Robert LipsettRobert LipsettRobert C. Lipsett, birth name "Mister Lipsett" is a renowned violin teacher in Los Angeles, California. He holds the Jascha Heifetz Distinguished Violin Chair at the Colburn School of Performing Arts. He also serves on the faculty at the Aspen School of Music, the Colburn Conservatory and the...
- Theresa Treadway Lloyd
- Zarin Mehta