SummerFest

Free Public Performances & Masterclasses

Kaufman Music Center's SummerFest is an intensive week of masterclasses, lessons, workshops, chamber ensembles and performance opportunities in Merkin Hall led by world-renowned guest artists and faculty for advanced pianists, violinists and cellists age 15 – 23.

During one intensive week of high-level music-making, students will have an unrivaled learning experience with renowned guest artists Richard Aaron, Tanya Bannister, Melvin Chen, Alan Chow, Miriam Fried, Masao Kawasaki, Paul Katz, Mihaela Martin, Zvi Plesser, Antonio Pompa-Baldi, Orli Shaham and Shai Wosner; and chamber faculty members Yari Bond, Alex Croxton, Natela Mchedlishvili and Nurit Pacht. Each participant performs in one masterclass and receives two lessons, or performs in two masterclasses and receives one lesson, with three different celebrated guest faculty.

Festival Director: Igal Kesselman

FREE PUBLIC PERFORMANCES & MASTERCLASSES

Masterclasses (daily Aug 17-22) – 11 am-1 pm
Student Performances – 4:15 pm (Mon-Fri) & 3 pm (Sat)
No tickets are necessary – just show up and enjoy the performances.

MON, AUG 17
11 am - 1 pm – Masterclasses
Masao Kawasaki, violin – The Juilliard School (Ann Goodman Recital Hall, 2nd fl)
Alan Chow, piano – Eastman School of Music (Merkin Hall)
Zvi Plesser, cello – The Juilliard School (Upper Lobby)

4:15 pm – Student Performance (Merkin Hall)

TUE, AUG 18
11 am - 1 pm – Masterclasses
Miriam Fried, violin – New England Conservatory (Ann Goodman Recital Hall, 2nd fl)
Melvin Chen, piano – (Merkin Hall)
Paul Katz, cello – New England Conservatory (Upper Lobby)

4:15 pm – Student Performance (Merkin Hall)

WED, AUG 19
11 am - 1 pm – Masterclasses
Mihaela Martin, violin – University of Music, Cologne; Barenboim-Said Academy, Berlin; Kronberg Academy (Ann Goodman Recital Hall, 2nd fl)
Antonio Pompa Baldi, piano – Cleveland Institute of Music (Merkin Hall)
Paul Katz, cello – New England Conservatory (Upper Lobby)

4:15 pm – Student Performance (Merkin Hall)

THU, AUG 20
11 am - 1 pm – Masterclasses
Mihaela Martin, violin – University of Music, Cologne; Barenboim-Said Academy, Berlin; Kronberg Academy (Ann Goodman Recital Hall, 2nd fl)
Orli Shaham, piano – The Juilliard School (Merkin Hall)
Richard Aaron, cello – San Francisco Conservatory of Music (Upper Lobby)

4:15 pm – Student Performance (Merkin Hall)

FRI, AUG 21
11 am - 1 pm – Masterclasses
Mihaela Martin, violin – University of Music, Cologne; Barenboim-Said Academy, Berlin; Kronberg Academy (Ann Goodman Recital Hall, 2nd fl)
Shai Wosner, piano – The Juilliard School (Merkin Hall)
Richard Aaron, cello – San Francisco Conservatory of Music (Upper Lobby)

4:15 pm – Student Performance (Merkin Hall)

SAT, AUG 22
3 pm – Student Performance (Merkin Hall)

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Perform in one masterclass and receive two lessons, or perform in two masterclasses and receive one lesson, with the celebrated guest faculty
Have the opportunity to participate in chamber ensembles coached by festival faculty members, culminating in a final performance in Merkin Hall, one of NYC's most renowned concert halls
Perform a solo work in one of the student recitals in Merkin Hall
Take part in hands-on workshops
Attend masterclasses and student recitals

Age Range: 15 – 23
Tuition: $1100 | Application fee: $80
Application deadline: March 1, 2026