duo526 Sonata Seminar @ IU

The 2024 duo526 Sonata Seminar will take place at Brandon University

duo526 Sonata Seminar @ IU offers an intensive nine-day performance seminar to explore the art of listening for both pianists and violinists. Up to five duos (five violinists and five pianists) will be selected via the application process. The daily schedule includes mentoring time, wellness time, individual coaching, training, and masterclasses. The program will culminate with the recital performance on the final day. Any pianists or violinists aged 18-years and over are eligible to apply.

About duo526: "DuWors and Niekawa are a beautifully balanced duo, with exceptional intonation and a tangible empathy” (Gramophone Magazine). duo526 was founded in 2011 at the Eastman School of Music and has performed across Canada, the U.S., and Japan. Dedicated to creative thought and the art of listening, their recordings have received critical acclaim. Their joy of collaboration results from risk-taking, inspiration, and spontaneous reactions. "Niekawa and DuWors create an art that goes beyond mere interpretation. The personality of the two musicians expands out with a creative attitude towards the world." (Sonograma Magazine). Visit the duo526 website to learn more.

Announcements:

duo526 Sonata Seminar has been hosted both at IU Bloomington's campus and Brandon University in Brandon, MB, Canada since 2018. We are excited to announce that duo526 Sonata Seminar 2024 will be take place at Brandon University, in Brandon, MB, Canada May 17-25, 2024. Renowned pedagogue, pianist, and our mentor, Dr. Jean Barr will be joining us as a special guest!

The online application is open now until February 19, 2024.

Apply here

Key information:

Applications open: November 1, 2023
Fulfill all the audition requirements
Submit all the required information

Academy Faculty

Known for her verve and sensitivity, pianist Futaba Niekawa pushes the boundaries of her artistry as a soloist and collaborative pianist across genres and disciplines. In demand as a collaborative pianist, she has been engaged at the Banff Centre, New England Conservatory, and IU’s String Academy. Niekawa is a Lecturer in Music (Chamber and Collaborative Music) at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music.

Award-winning violinist, Kerry DuWors has been Associate Professor, Chair of Graduate Studies in Music, and Head of Chamber Music at Canada’s Brandon University since 2003. Hailed for her “soaring cantilena” (Gramophone Magazine), DuWors has performed across four continents and champions collaboration across an array of ensembles from her duo work to leading chamber orchestras.

For more information, please contact Dr. Futaba Niekawa at fniekawa@indiana.edu.

Audition requirements

Regardless of your duo partner's plans (pre-formed or not), all intereted applicants should individually submit an applciation with the required audition materials:

Personal statement: Please write about your collaborative experience in a personal statement of approximately 500-words; include answers to the following questions:

What are your long-term artistic goals?
What do you hope to get out of duo526 Sonata Seminar @ BU?
What has been your past experience in collaborative playing?
Why do you value duo playing?

Recordings: Please provide recording links to two contrasting movements or works from the standard repertoire.

Repertoire list: Provide a list of sonata repertoire studied and performed.

Please send audition requirements to Dr. Futaba Niekawa at fniekawa@indiana.edu.

Fees and deadlines

Fees

Non-Refundable Registration Fee - $100 CAD
Full tuition - $500 CAD
Auditor tuition - $150 CAD

Deadlines

Application deadline - February 19, 2024

How to apply

Eligibility: Accepting serious applicants, 18-years and older.
Enrollment limit: 10 participants (5 violin/piano duos).
Application process: To apply, please complete the online registration form.

Thank you to those that participated in the 2023 duo526 Sonata Seminar. We look forward to hosting this program again in the future!

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duo526 Sonata Seminar @ IU