Bring your artistry to new heights at the Berkshire High Peaks Festival.

Announcing the 2024 Berkshire High Peaks Festival for Outstanding Young Musicians! For the 15th year, an international group of strings, pianists and vocalists will converge for intensive study with distinguished faculty artists.  Each participant will receive private lessons, join in master classes by our faculty and guests, be coached as part of a performing ensemble, and enjoy discussions and workshops by prominent composers, renowned pedagogues and notable figures in the music world who will help guide and inspire as you prepare for a life in the profession.

In addition to enjoying the pillars of our Western canon (Bach, Beethoven, Schumann, Brahms, Dvorak, Tchaikovsky, etc.) in individual and in chamber music repertoire, we explore new music, encourage an adventurous spirit and sometimes take the road less traveled:  Latinamerican legacy, Eastern Europe, 20th Centuryamerican, Hollywood, Asian, and newly written.  Ensembles range from duos to trios, quartets, sextets, etc.

And expect the unexpected! Participants will have the opportunity to branch out and explore the art of improvisation and the language of jazz with expert guides, enjoy the benefits of Tai chi as they work with a musician-practitioner, or attend yoga classes geared to benefit and address physical issues musicians often encounter.  You’ll enjoy hikes, campfire gatherings, and the gorgeous mountain scenery-and still find plenty of time for individual practice!  The 275-acre wooded campus in the heart of the Berkshires could not be more ideally located. Three delicious and healthful meals are prepared daily and the Kilpatrick Athletic Center is available to all participants (8-lane pool, squash, racquetball and tennis courts).

We are planning performance opportunities, both on the beautiful Simon’s Rock campus in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, as well as in various Berkshire and Hudson Valley venues. High Peaks musicians have appeared in popular concert locations, including the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA; Orpheum Theater in Tannersville, NY; Basilica Hudson; the New York State Museum in Albany; Bridge Street Theater in Catskill, NY; the Carey Institute for Global Good in Rensselaerville, NY; the Becket Arts Center, and many others.

Most of all, we look forward to the togetherness, atmosphere of friendship and supportive spirit that our festival is noted for.

Schedule:

July 21

1:30pm - 3:30pm Master Class with Gila Goldstein, Pianist

Bard College at Simon’s Rock

July 22

1:30pm - 2:30pm Opera Talk with Jay Lesenger

Bard College at Simon’s Rock

3:30pm - 5:30pm Master Class with Ida Bieler

Bard College at Simon’s Rock

7:30pm - 9:00pm Moonlight Sonatas Concert

The Kellogg Center

July 23

1:30pm - 2:30pm “All About Rhythm” with Arti Dixson

Bard College at Simon’s Rock

3:30pm - 5:30pm Master Class with Danielle Talamantes and Kerry Wilkerson

Bard College at Simon’s Rock

7:30pm - 9:00pm Moonlight Sonatas Concert

The Kellogg Center

July 24

1:30pm - 3:30pm Master Class with Diego Fainguersch

Bard College at Simon’s Rock

July 25

10:30am - 12:30pm Master Class with Yehuda Hanani

Bard College at Simon’s Rock

7:30pm - 9:00pm Moonlight Sonatas Faculty Concert

The Kellogg Center

July 26

10:30am - 12:30pm Master Class with Alexander Shtarkman

Bard College at Simon’s Rock

July 27

10:30am - 12:30pm Master Class with Peter Zazofksy

Bard College at Simon’s Rock

July 28

3:00pm - 4:00pm Music from High Peaks at Chesterwood

Chesterwood, 4 Williamsville Road West Stockbridge, 01262

7:30pm - 9:00pm Moonlight Sonatas Concert

The Kellogg Center

July 29

10:30am - 12:30pm Master Class with Anthony Devroye

Bard College at Simon’s Rock

1:30pm - 2:30pm “Meet the Composer” with Seth Grosshandler and Tamar Muskal

Bard College at Simon’s Rock

July 30

7:30pm - 9:00pm Moonlight Sonatas Farewell Concert

Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center

Date: July 21-30, 2024

Location: Various Locations in Great Barrington, MA

Click Here for More Information