Philip Setzer

Violinist Philip Setzer, one of the Emerson String Quartet’s founding members, is this year’s artist-in-residence at the University of Utah’s Chamber Music Workshop which is taking place this week.

“I’m really excited to have him come,” said workshop founder and director Hasse Borup. “Fortunately, he was able to fit us in between two tours.”

Borup has known Setzer for about 20 years, ever since his old quartet, the Coolidge, was in residence at the Hartt School. “The Emerson had a program there at the time, and we studied with them,” Borup said. “I’ve been in touch with Phil and the other members ever since. We also meet up from time to time and various festivals.”

Setzer will be working with the students, who range in age between 12-26, and giving a recital on Tuesday in Libby Gardner Concert Hall. On the program is music by Charles Ives, Béla Bartók, Maurice Ravel and Ludwig van Beethoven. Accompanying him will be Utah Symphony pianist Jason Hardink.

Borup, who is a violinist, will join Setzer at the concert in a selection from Bartók’s 44 Duos for 2 Violins. “Bartók suggested a few suites from these 44 pieces, but Phil picked the eight duos that we’ll be doing,” Borup said.

On Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. Setzer will hold a master class in Dumke Recital Hall that is free and open to the public. “He’s a great master class giver,” Borup said. “He knows how to help a group quickly, and they learn a lot from him.”

Hasse Borup

There are over 50 participants at this year’s workshop. Borup auditioned each one of them and also placed them in groups. “I Skype auditioned everyone,” he said. “That helps me put the appropriate groups together.” It can be challenging because of the wide range in ages, but what it ultimately comes down to is the level of playing. “The key to success is to have groups that are well matched.”

Besides Borup and Setzer, the other coaches at the workshop are Hardink, piano; Robert Baldwin, viola; Kasia Sokol-Borup, violin; and Pegsoon Whang, cello.

When Borup started his workshop at the U., he modeled it after the one at Music@Menlo, which he ran for several years. “We’re doing the same things here,” Borup said. “We’re not just having the students play. They are also learning about what it takes to become a professional musician.

“The whole idea of the workshop is to help students become more complete musicians.”

For more information on the workshop log on to www.music.utah.edu.

• CONCERT DETAILS:
• What: Philip Setzer, violin, Hasse Borup, violin, Jason Hardink, piano
• Venue: Libby Gardner Concert Hall, David Gardner Hall
• Time and Date: 7:30 p.m. June 18
• Tickets: $15 general, $5 students
• Phone: 801-581-7100
• Web: www.kingtix.com
• ALSO: Master Class with Philip Setzer, Dumke Recital Hall, David Gardner Hall, 12:30 p.m., June 19, free.