This summer, IA&A’s Cultural Exchange Programs welcomed over forty exchange visitors to the United States as they began programs at three sensational music festivals: the Aspen Music Festival and School, Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute, and the Marlboro Music Festival. Each of these festivals has a rich history of musical excellence, creativity, and support for cultural exchange. The programs offered by these festivals have been invaluable in the artistic and professional development of our exchange visitors, who leave prepared to become the creative leaders of tomorrow.
Since being founded in 1951, Marlboro Music Festival has transformed the world of chamber music and continues to play a vital role in cultivating new generations of musical talent. The annual festival is held in Marlboro, Vermont over a seven-week period, during which musicians have the unique opportunity to study and perform a vast repertoire of chamber music. It is a chance for artists to step away from the normal demands of their profession and to dedicate themselves entirely to fostering new skills and techniques in a stunning environment.
For our exchange visitors, participating in Marlboro’s program has also provided opportunities for cultural discovery. As J-1 intern Kei told us, “At festivals in Europe or Japan, the concerts are already fixed and they rehearse for their performances . . . here in Marlboro we focus on the rehearsal process and understanding the pieces without time restrictions.” The festival also brings together artists from a wide array of experience levels. “Having the opportunity to collaborate with world-renowned artists inspires me in all kinds of ways,” explains J-1 intern Rose. “I learned how to be a better chamber musician, which will benefit me when I am back in the UK playing chamber music with my fellow colleagues.”
Moving west, we arrive at Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute in Illinois, where several of our exchange visitors spent the summer at America’s oldest music festival. Each season, Ravinia provides young musicians from around the world the opportunity to learn alongside its roster of renowned faculty members. With three exciting programs (jazz, piano, and strings) to choose from, exchange visitors are able to participate in master classes, receiving solo and ensemble coaching, and perform alongside fellow musicians.
Not only do students benefit from the exceptional standards held by Ravinia, they are also inspired to retain these lessons throughout their careers. Such is the case with J-1 trainee Benjamin, who writes, “Every concert I play as a musician is a step in my development, so the experiences and coaching I have received here will have a lasting effect in how I make music and rehearse chamber music when I am back home in the UK and traveling the world. “ Students at Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute are also able to draw inspiration from the festival’s alumni, many of whom have gone on to headline concert halls, opera houses, and orchestras around the world.
The last stop on our summer music festival tour is the Aspen Music Festival and School, named for its setting in beautiful Aspen, Colorado. Founded in 1949, Aspen is considered one of the top classical music festivals in the United States. Each season, Aspen offers an extensive program of concert performances by an eclectic array of world-class musicians. As president Alan Fletcher explains, “The Festival in Aspen offers an unusual opportunity to experience a myriad of works—some new, some favorites, some rediscovered, some revisited—in a way that makes each fresh again.” J-1 trainee Kathleen echoed this sentiment, telling us “It was a supportive and educational environment. I was constantly learning from my teacher and watching others perform.”
With an emphasis on learning and performance, it is no surprise that our exchange visitors’ experiences at the Aspen Music Festival and School are formative and memorable moments in their artistic careers and personal lives. “Now that I’ve studied in Aspen, I have started to feel more and more comfortable playing in an orchestra,” said J-1 intern Ming, adding, “It is not difficult for me to talk with other friends here because I believe that music is the connection. Through music, I’ve made a lot of new friends this summer.” The power of music to forge connections between exchange visitors is part of what makes the Aspen experience so incredible.
It’s clear that the various music festivals our exchange visitors attended this summer were rich with vision, creativity, and opportunities for cultural exchange. These experiences demonstrate the importance of investing in international educational and cultural exchange programs. Not only do exchange visitors hone their musicianship and performance skills, but they also develop critical leadership characteristics that will benefit them in their future creative careers.