The Northern Neck Orchestra’s first Chamberfest, a celebration of chamber music through instruction, outreach and performance, provided a week of professional coaching and concert opportunities for six musicians who volunteer for the orchestra.
The “students,” all members of Northern Neck Orchestra (NNO), were violinists Sandra Byrd of Hayes and Arline Hinkson of Callao, flutist Deb Evans of Wicomico Church, violist Mali Hutchison of Lancaster, and cellists Rita Grinbergs of Kilmarnock and Nancy Wilson of Gloucester.
“Finding in-depth instruction by professionals can be a challenge for adult amateur musicians who want to expand their skills and have ‘play time’ with other instrumentalists,” said Wilson. “Chamberfest coaching achieved that goal in spectacular fashion.”
The chamber music instruction in June included master classes and workshops to help musicians learn new music, improve their techniques and build confidence in their abilities, said Moises Cunha, Chamberfest artistic director and instructor, who also is the NNO’s concertmaster and principal violinist.
Coaches included violinist Elizabeth Cunha, violist Alex Smith, cellist Jake Fowler and flutist Chelsea Anderson.
“Chamber music differs from orchestral music by having a small number of musicians perform in an intimate venue without a conductor, so they must rely on…..
