After much deliberation, the SYSO leadership and board have made the difficult decision to cancel Marrowstone Music Festival this summer. We have been looking forward to another exciting summer of outstanding music and apologize for this very disappointing news. However, when faced with the many uncertainties stemming from COVID-19, we concluded that the program was not feasible to run this summer. We are still exploring ways to support the year-round musical development of Seattle area students and plan to stay in touch as any opportunities arise. We appreciate your understanding of this unprecedented situation.
FESTIVAL DATES: JULY 25 – AUGUST 8, 2021
The following details are subject to change for the 2021 season.
ORCHESTRAL STUDY & PERFORMANCE
Marrowstone Music Festival provides students with intensive rehearsal and performance opportunities in three orchestras: the Marrowstone Philharmonic, the Marrowstone Festival Orchestra and the Marrowstone Chamber Orchestra. These orchestras rehearse daily, receive regular sectional coaching sessions from our distinguished faculty, and perform on Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Repertoire for the orchestras consists of a variety of standard and contemporary works from the symphonic literature.
All Pre-College and University, are required to audition for orchestral placement on Sunday, July 26th. Students will be placed in either Philharmonic or Festival orchestras based on demonstrated preparation level and the instrumentation balance of the ensembles. Orchestral placement audition material and directions for all instruments will be sent to students after acceptance.
CHAMBER MUSIC STUDY AND PERFORMANCE
Chamber Music study and performance is integral to the Marrowstone experience. Student ensembles rehearse and receive coaching sessions from our distinguished faculty every day. Opportunities to perform in student chamber music ensembles are available to all students. Chamber music groups are assigned by our faculty based on participants’ age and ability. Student chamber music performances are held on Friday evenings.
MASTER CLASSES AND ELECTIVES
Marrowstone faculty members present several master classes every weekday over the course of the two week festival. Information on participating in master classes is provided in the student acceptance packet. Each year evening electives and symposiums are offered on a variety of topics, some of which have included: audition preparation, theory, ear-training, composing, and conducting.
FACULTY PERFORMANCES
The heart and soul of Marrowstone is our internationally-acclaimed faculty; members of the world’s most distinguished symphony orchestras, chamber ensembles, opera companies, and conservatories. These legendary performers and teachers are featured artists on our Thursday evening faculty chamber music series. Students have the opportunity to attend Faculty Chamber Music rehearsals and performances free of charge.
RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Located in picturesque Bellingham, WA on the campus of Western Washington University, Marrowstone enjoys spectacular summer weather. Organized daily activities such as Capture the Flag, our swing dancing party and chamber music ice cream cabaret evening, ultimate frisbee and more are available to all students in all divisions.
