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Violinist Michelle Monk and cellist Madeleine Bouissou have just started the day's rehearsal at Stamford Center for the Arts/The Palace in downtown Stamford. Each is intently concentrating on the work at hand. The two teens are going over their parts for Debussy's String Quartet #1, and every note must match, every bowing technique and shaping of a phrase must be in synch.
"I love the experience because it's very intense and you really get submerged into the music," said Madeleine, who is from Ridgefield.
"Last week, I had the opportunity to be with a clarinetist," said Michelle, who is from Wilton. "It was a really different experience because I had never played with a clarinetist before."
The Chamber Music Institute for Young Musicians offers unique benefits, such as being introduced to different instrumental collaborations while playing in a traditional string quartet. Participants also get individualized study and coaching sessions with accomplished instructors. The two-week festival will culminate in a concert featuring seven student quartets Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
The institute, now in its 13th year, was organized by Asya Meshberg, a founding member of the Lumina String Quartet. Part of the training is helping young musicians not just play the notes, but also feel them, Meshberg said.
"Performing is an interpretation, a reaction," she said. "The same [kind of phenomenon found] in the social structure of all humans to find a connection. We're working to show the beauty and power of emotions."
The institute "helped me be on top of my game and be a better musician," said violist Darius Colson, 15.
"It helps you expand your repertoire," said violinist Daniel Lott, 12. "The pieces we do here make you considerably more focused. And that's a good thing."
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