ArtsAhimsa is happy to announce our 14th annual chamber music festival workshop, held at Belvoir Terrace in Lenox, MA, Wednesday August 16 – Wednesday August 23, 2023. The program is open to string players, pianists, and wind players. Applications are due by March 20, 2023.

The ArtsAhimsa Festival at Belvoir Terrace offers opportunities to make music in collaboration with both amateur players and the distinguished coaching faculty. The emphasis is on the shared musical experience.

Participants and faculty play and work together amidst Belvoir’s beautiful setting. The goal of the festival is to set the stage for finding inspiration in a caring and supportive community.

Our daily schedule includes chamber music rehearsals, informal concerts performed by students and faculty, Chorus, chamber orchestra, freelancing, plus time for recreational swimming, hiking, and tennis. Individual players as well as pre-formed groups are invited to apply. Repertoire will be assigned and we encourage participants to be well prepared.

Belvoir Terrace has excellent practice and performance facilities, including the mansion’s gracious Music Room, Reception Hall, and the 300-seat Jesup Theater. Set majestically amongst rolling hills, Belvoir is one of the original Berkshire “cottages” from the gilded age. The town of Lenox, with galleries, restaurants, and shops, is a ten-minute walk from Belvoir, and Tanglewood is only a couple of miles down the road.

Belvoir housing options include single and double rooms with adjacent shared baths. Three excellent meals are served daily in the dining room of the mansion, as well as wine and cheese before dinner. Housing assignments will be arranged prior to arrival.

Our schedule includes up to three 90-minute chamber music ensembles daily: two groups comprised of both faculty and students and one group including student players, that is coached. Students can choose to be assigned to two or three groups. Afternoon scheduling also includes Chorus rehearsal and a recreational block. Evenings will have performances and informal sight-reading. The outdoor heated swimming pool and the tennis courts will be available for recreation.

Lenox is an easy drive from both Boston and New York. ArtsAhimsa Festival 2023 tuition is $2,850 for students living at Belvoir or at Lee house; $2,650 for students living off campus; $1,500 for a guest spouse living at Belvoir. Housing at the Lee property, formerly the Applegate Inn, is available for an additional fee.

In accordance with current CDC guidelines, ArtsAhimsa requires COVID-19 immunizations and boosters for participants, faculty, and staff. After receiving your letter of acceptance, please email a copy of your vaccination card. If you have a religious or medical consideration, please contact us for additional information.

Festival director Laura Jean Goldberg would like to meet and play chamber music with all applicants, if possible. Otherwise, A recording is requested with the application. ArtsAhimsa Inc. is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting peace through the arts. Laura Jean Goldberg will be heading up the distinguished faculty, which will also include Amy Lieberman, Laura Bossert, Terry King, Moshe S. Knoll, Lynn Nowels, Lisa Heffter, Pablo Lavandera, and Kate Dillingham.

For more information, you can also visit ArtsaHimsa.online