Applications are open for children and teenagers keen to work with world-class musicians this summer developing skills playing viola, cello and violin.

RimuFest Chamber Music Festival, founded by Amelia Taylor and Alejandro Larumbe, is a six-day summer chamber music programme in Tauranga for beginner to advanced string players between the ages of seven-18.

'Students come together in a social setting using teamwork and leadership skills to create music while expanding their understanding of chamber music and strengthening their own individual ability,” says Amelia.

String players attend a six-day summer chamber music programme. Photo: Supplied.

From January 4-9, 2023, students will participate in daily chamber concert series by faculty and visiting guest artists, daily coaching and rehearsals, as well as private lessons, masterclasses, and Alexander technique for string students. Students are placed into an appropriate chamber group based on their audition video. All student workshops are held at Tauranga Boys' College.

Two programmes

Amelia says RimuFest offers two programmes for all levels of string players.

'Our beginner chamber music programme is for the student that has little or no experience in chamber music,” says Amelia. 'This programme is teacher-led. Throughout the six days, students will work on a chamber piece as a group from 9am-12.30pm, learning how to play together, how to lead and how to follow, including other chamber music skills. Students will be divided into smaller groups for the final concert."

String players attend a six-day summer chamber music programme. Photo: Supplied.

'Our full chamber music programme from 9am-2.45pm is for the student that has some to a lot of experience in chamber music or other types of ensembles. This programme is student-led. Students work together in small groups, either a trio, quartet or quintet, with guidance from our high-calibre coaches. Students have the opportunity to premier commissioned works by NZ composers and have the experience of working directly with the composer.”

Concerts

The concert schedule for the January festival includes an evening concert on Saturday, January 7, at Charlemagne Lodge, and a student concert at the Tauranga Boys' College Graham Youth Theatre on January 9.

USA violinist and Rimufest faculty member Chase Ward will make his NZ debut performing solo repertoire on the violin at the Graham Young Youth Theatre on January 10 and will be joined by violinist Amelia Taylor.

Sponsored by Tauranga City Council and Creative Communities NZ, RimuFest organisers hope to find local sponsorship this year for scholarships, festival events and concerts. For more information, visit: www.rimufest.com

String players attend a six-day summer chamber music programme. Photo: Supplied.