2026 Chamber Music Intensive
A full-scholarship program for music majors ages 20–26
June 15–July 13
Riley Center for the Arts at Burr and Burton, Manchester, Vermont
Meet our 2026 Young Artists!
An experience like no other…
The rigorous, four-week program is open to nine music majors ages 20–26. Taconic Music accepts four violinists, two violists, two cellists, and one pianist. The program is divided into two-week cycles and each Young Artist is assigned two ensembles each cycle (usually a string quartet and a group with piano), culminating in a public performance. This is a full-scholarship program, with tuition and housing covered for all participants.
The schedule consists of daily coachings with Taconic’s faculty, rehearsals, wellness and professional development workshops, and ample performance opportunities, including with the Taconic Pops Orchestra.
Performances in diverse settings…
Young Artists perform at the Riley Center for the Arts at Burr and Burton Academy, as well as the Southern Vermont Arts Center, Manchester Community Library, Israel Congregation, Dionondehowa Wildlife Sanctuary and School, art galleries, assisted-living residences, and other area venues.
Young Artists will find themselves welcome members of the surrounding community during their time in the program.
Professional and personal growth…
Young Artists will have the unique opportunity to engage and inspire local children through musical activities, and mini-concerts at a 5-day morning camp.
In their free time Young Artists can hike, visit historic locations and local farms, cook dinners together and gather around the fire-pit for s'mores and bonding.
Joana Genova, violin: Co-Artistic Director; Williams College; Bennington College; The Indianapolis Quartet
Ariel Rudiakov, viola and conductor: Co-Artistic Director; Bennington College; Music Director, Danbury Symphony and Yonkers Philharmonic; Assistant Conductor Greenwich Symphony
Heather Braun, violin: Boston University, St. Anselm College, Arneis Quartet
Davide Cabassi, piano: Concert pianist, Brescia Conservatory “Luca Marenzio”, Italy
Willis Delony, piano: Boyd Professor, Louisiana State University
Hannah Holman, cello: New York City Ballet, Quad City Symphony
Danwen Jiang, violin: Arizona State University
Tom Landschoot, cello: Arizona State University
Drew Petersen, piano: Concert pianist; Avery Fisher Career Grant and American Pianists Award
To watch young artists and faculty concert videos, visit our YouTube channel
Immerse yourself in chamber music in an inspiring setting.
Manchester, Vermont is located about 30 minutes north of Bennington, in the valley between the Green Mountains and the Taconic Range, just a few hours from Boston, NYC, and Montréal. The town's New England charm, excellent restaurants, bookstore, outlet stores, arts, and outdoor activities make it a popular tourist destination year-round.
Our motto is “where music meets life” and it is important to us not only to teach technical skills and repertoire, but to make sure that all students have multiple opportunities to perform, get used to coping with nerves and become comfortable speaking in front of an audience; to learn how to rehearse efficiently and master new pieces quickly; to build professional relationships with faculty and each other, be able to engage with any age group, socialize with donors and supporters—and to balance musical activities with relaxation.