Posted by Christopher on March 08, 2001 at 16:55:22:
In Reply to: Monteux Institute? posted by Martin on March 08, 2001 at 16:41:16:
I was the tuba player about 8 years ago. It is a summer institute for conductors -- you will be in the rehearsal orchestra and whatever chamber ensembles you care to do on your own. There is no instrumental instruction. When I went, the conductor in charge was Max Bruch, who is about 193 years old, stands 14 inches tall and weighs 340 pounds. He was much fun to watch, although it helps to have a dark sense of humor, because he could get pretty abusive. I had a very good time for the most part, but this isn't like Aspen at all. Hancock is a town the size of your elbow, but in beautiful country!
BTW, the connection to Monteux is a direct one -- the school is run by his estate, and Bruch was his assistant and protege. You can learn a lot about music there, and eat lots of lobster. But you won't have a tuba instructor or chamber coach.
I would have loved that summer if I hadn't broken up with my girlfriend between sending in the checks and showing up there...
Christopher