Arthur Russell Week is Accepting Youth and Adult Session Applications until June 1
Southwest Harbor: Arthur Russell Week is a one-week festival designed to encourage young musicians to experience the joy of musical collaboration, form deep and lasting friendships, benefit from professional mentors, and share the wonder of performance and exploration of diverse music genres. During the week of July 11-15, 2022, all young musicians will receive morning session festival coaching and the option to add afternoon activities at Camp Beech Cliff on nearby Echo Lake.
Additionally, adult musicians interested in chamber music may also participate in a week of music making at the festival. Coaching is provided by experienced professional musicians, culminating in a public performance. Preformed groups are encouraged to apply, as well as individuals.
The festival is sponsored by Ellsworth Community Music Institute (ECMI).
Applications are being accepted for both the youth and adult sessions until June 1, 2022 at ellsworthcommunitymusic.org. Scholarships are available and are based on demonstrated need.
Public concerts are a fundamental component of the festival. Adult students will play a concert to benefit the Westside Food Pantry on Thursday, July 14 at 5:30pm and all students will play in a concert Friday, July 15 @ 5:30pm. Both concerts will be held at Saint John Episcopal Church in Southwest Harbor, Maine.
In 1998, Arthur Russell Strings was founded as a way to honor the legacy of a New York City avant garde cellist, composer, singer, and musician with ties to Mount Desert Island, Maine. Arthur Russell approached music with a sense of openness and wonder. Arthur’s work spanned the genres of classical, disco, folk and rock. He collaborated with artists like Allen Ginsberg, Talking Heads, and Philip Glass, to name but a few. When Arthur died of AIDS in 1992 at the age of 40, he left a volume of compositions and recordings admired around the world. Arthur may be best remembered for the extraordinary and beautiful sounds he produced with his cello and his exploration of the range of musical emotions, from reverence to playfulness.
Interested students and families may direct questions to Ellsworth Community Music Institute (ECMI) at 207-664-9258 or arweek@ellsworthcommunitymusic.org