Hasse Borup (Photo: Courtesy University of Utah School of Music)
When Hasse Borup started the Chamber Music Workshop at the University of Utah six years ago, he was hoping it would be a hit with aspiring young musicians. And it has. It’s proven to be everything Borup wished it would be.
“The level and involvement of the participants has been getting better and better,” he said in an interview with Reichel Recommends. “This year we have 51 participants, which is the absolute maximum we can accommodate to keep the intimate spirit of chamber music intact.” The students come from the Intermountain West area, as well as from Las Vegas, Seattle and elsewhere. “This is really a good thing, because we’re getting the University of Utah’s name out.”
The workshop starts Sunday and runs through June19. It’s open to string and piano students between the ages of 12 and 26 who want to hone their chamber music skills. They’re taught by Borup, who is a violinist and heads the U.’s string and chamber music studies, as well as musicians and teachers Borup invites. As a special bonus, the Cypress String Quartet will be in residence for the entire workshop period. “This is the first time we’re having a whole group coming. They will be coaching and teaching, and the students will benefit greatly from this experience.” In the past, violinists Tim Fain and Philip Setzer (of the Emerson Quartet) have been guest artists. “Having visiting violinists and groups makes a big difference,” Borup said.
Cypress String Quartet (Photo: Gregory Goode)
During the workshop the quartet will give a concert on June 17. On the program is Beethoven’s Quartet in E flat major, op. 74, Harp; Schubert’s Quartettsatz; and Dvorák’s Quartet in E flat major, op. 51.
The following day the Cypress will hold a master class that will be open to the public.
There are many student groups at this year’s workshop, Borup said. “We have a total of 13 groups. A lot of them are coming as pre-formed groups, and some of them I put together.” The student ensembles will give a joint concert on June 19. “Since there are so many, I’ve had to split them up into junior and senior levels.”
Borup said he’s happy with the way the workshop has turned out this year. “We have a good group of kids. We have quite a few repeat participants and a lot of new ones. And there is a fair amount of students from my chamber group at the U. I’m really excited about it.”
- CONCERT DETAILS
- What: Cypress String Quartet
- Venue: Libby Gardner Concert Hall, University of Utah
- Time and Date: 7:30 p.m. June 17
- Tickets: $15 general, $10 seniors/U. faculty and staff, $5 students
- Phone: 801-581-7100
- Web:www.kingtix.com
- ALSO: Cypress String Quartet Master Class, Dumke Recital Hall, David Gardner Hall, University of Utah, 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m., June 18, free.
- ALSO: Student Ensembles, Dumke Recital Hall and Thompson Chamber Music Hall, David Gardner Hall, University of Utah, 4:30 p.m., June 19, free.
(To read Edward Reichel’s review of Hasse Borup’s new Vincent Persichetti CD click here.)