Summer School Attracts Top Musicians

MEDIA RELEASE
Thursday 3 February 2005

SUMMER SCHOOL ATTRACTS TOP MUSICIANS

Twenty six of New Zealand's finest young musicians converge on Nelson this weekend for the annual Adam Summer School for chamber music. Organized by the New Zealand String Quartet and pianist Diedre Irons, the residential School runs from Saturday 5th - Sunday 13th February at the Nelson School of Music. It includes Masterclasses and Concert performances which are open to the public, providing the chance to hear some of our most promising music talents.

The Adam Summer School enables talented young pianists and string players the opportunity to work closely with the members of the New Zealand String Quartet and Diedre Irons. The students are selected by audition and most are completing tertiary music studies with intentions of pursuing professional music careers. This year's students come from as far south as Dunedin and Alexandra, as well as Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland.

Highlights of the nine-day School include intensive group tuition classes each day and free evening Masterclasses for the public to observe the creative process in progress. The School culminates in two concert performances on Sunday 13th February where the students showcase the works studied over the week.

"The Summer School allows students to concentrate indepth on a single piece of music for the entire time - something that is not ordinarily possible in their usual daily study and performance schedules," says Diana Marsh, Manager of the NZSQ.

"For them to have the experience to work so closely with five of New Zealand's top professional musicians, who all enjoy international careers and reputations, is an opportunity not readily available elsewhere in New Zealand. It's something that students say does make a difference to their development and future aspirations.

"This reinforces the Quartet's ongoing commitment to encouraging the growth of chamber music in New Zealand, and nurturing the talents of our promising young musicians - who are, after all, the professionals of tomorrow."

Now in its eleventh year, the 2005 School marks a ten-year milestone for Wellington arts benefactors, Denis and Verna Adam. Through the Adam Foundation they have been the School's key financial supporters for the past ten years. Their commitment has been a vital force behind the School's success and continuation says Diana Marsh.

"It's wonderful to watch the development of these enthusiastic, youthful musicians who mature into talented professionals in their chosen field, and to know we have assisted with that," explains Denis Adam. "There is a lot for students to learn from mixing on an informal basis with top musicians as tutors, so they can truly be inspired and work at their talent. It's also great that the public can experience the process, not just the finished product. Verna and I wouldn't miss attending the final concert performances for the world, and haven't missed one yet!"

Diana Marsh acknowledges: "Denis and Verna Adam have contributed significantly to developing the careers of many young New Zealand musicians, writers and artists from across the arts spectrum. We simply wouldn't have the Adam Summer School if it wasn't for their ongoing, long-term generosity which is always given with genuine good spirit and is an inspiration to everyone who is part of it!"

Adam Summer School, Nelson School of Music, Nile Street, Nelson

Masterclasses (free of charge)

Sunday 6 February, 8.00pm

Monday 7th, Tuesday 8th, Wednesday 9th, Friday 11th and Saturday 12th February at 5.15pm

Concerts ($5 admission per concert - two different repertoire programmes performed)

Sunday, 13 February at 4.00pm and 8.00pm

Ends.

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