A New Chapter for Classical Music in Vancouver
The VSO School of Music International Young Artists Festival is a new international summer initiative dedicated to artistic excellence, mentorship, and the long-term vitality of classical music in Vancouver. Bringing together outstanding young pianists and string players from around the world, the festival offers an immersive week of masterclasses, chamber music, orchestral experiences, and public concerts led by distinguished faculty.
This festival is founded on a clear artistic philosophy: serious repertoire, serious preparation, and meaningful performance opportunities. Every element, from the audition requirements to the festival concert programming, is intentionally designed to meet students at a young professional threshold and guide them toward the next stage of their artistic development.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Musicians
A defining feature of the festival is the integration of solo and chamber music study. Selected solo participants are invited to take part in add-on chamber music projects, forming ensembles specifically for the festival week. This approach reflects professional reality: today’s musicians must be fluent both as soloists and as collaborators. Chamber works are chosen to complement the solo repertoire, reinforcing stylistic understanding, ensemble skills, and musical leadership.
The festival offers a full spectrum of educational experiences. Students can apply to participate Masterclasses for Solo or Chamber Music, the Young Artists Festival Orchestra (senior-level youth orchestra) to develop orchestral skills, while adult enthusiasts can join the Amateur Orchestra to enjoy ensemble playing in a supportive setting. Our youngest participants, ages 10 and under, can engage in the Music Adventure Day Camp, exploring music theory, ear training, ensemble work, and world rhythms in a fun and immersive environment.
Masterclass (Solo) Package
Application Fee: $25
Package Fee: $650
Faculty:
- Jonathan Crow (Violin) Concertmaster, Toronto Symphony Orchestra
- Stefan Jackiw (Violin) Concert Violinist
- Carla Birston (Violin) Director, String Studies, VSO School of Music
- Jacob van der Sloot (Viola) Associate Principal Viola, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
- Peter Myers (Violoncello) Assistant Principal Cello, San Francisco Opera
- Bodgan Dulu (Piano) Co-Director, Keyboard, VSO School of Music
- Spartak Margaryan (Piano) Concert pianist
For advanced students seeking focused individual mentorship and professional-level experience. This package includes the following:
- Three (3) x 45-minute individual lessons with one (1) selected faculty mentor for the duration of the festival
- Three (3) x 1 hour integrated chamber music group lessons
- Final solo and/or chamber music recital
- Free admission to all other masterclasses
- One (1) complimentary ticket to each faculty concert
- Optional daily workshop sessions and more!
Masterclass (Chamber Music) Package
Application Fee: $25
Package Fee: $400
Faculty: Calidore String Quartet
- Jeffrey Myers (violin)
- Ryan Meehan (violin)
- Jeremy Berry (viola)
- Estelle Choi (violoncello)
For pre-formed ensembles seeking intensive coaching and artistic refinement. This is ideal for chamber groups wishing to develop interpretation, ensemble communication, and rehearsal technique at a high level and this package includes the following:
- Four (4) × 60-minute chamber music coaching sessions with the festival chamber music faculty, the Calidore String Quartet
- Final chamber music recital
- Free admission to all other masterclasses
- One (1) complimentary ticket per person to each faculty concert
- Optional daily workshop sessions and more!
Orchestra (Senior Youth Level)
Application Fee: $25
Package Fee: $370
Faculty: Carla Birston, Director, String Studies, VSO School of Music
Advanced orchestral training for pre-professional students. This package includes the following:
- Daily rehearsals throughout the festival week
- Sectional coaching with faculty members
- Dress rehearsal and final performance
- Optional daily workshop sessions and more!
Amateur Orchestra
Package Fee: $200
Faculty: Harold Birston, VSO School of Music
For adult enthusiasts passionate about ensemble playing. This package includes the following:
- Evening rehearsals from Monday-Friday 7:00–9:30 PM
- Dress rehearsal Saturday 9:00-11:00 AM and final concert Saturday 2:30PM
- Free admission to masterclasses
- A welcoming, high-quality orchestral experience in a supportive environment to work on this program:
- G. F. Handel: Concerto Grosso in D Major, Op. 6, no. 5
- A. Piazzolla: Milonga del Ángel
- A. Dvořák: Violin Sonatina, Op. 100, arranged for string orchestra by Harold Birston
- P. Metheny: Not to be Forgotten
- O. Respighi: Bergamasca from Ancient Airs and Dances Suite No. 3 (arr. Harold Birston)
- E. Morricone: Suite from Cinema Paradiso
Music Adventure Day Camp
Ages 5.5–10 | Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM, Final Presentation: Friday at 4:30 PM
Camp Fee: $485
Faculty: Kira Bennett, Nadia Petriw, VSO School of Music
Where curiosity, creativity, and confidence grow through play, listening, and ensemble making. The Music Adventure Day Camp offers young children an inspiring and playful entry into the world of music. While the festival welcomes outstanding young musicians from around the world, this special program is designed for our youngest participants: curious minds eager to explore, create, and discover music in a supportive and imaginative environment.
Throughout the week, campers will sing, move, listen, play, and learn together, building foundational skills while experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of an international classical music festival.
The festival does not cover travel or accommodation for accepted participants. We are, however, happy to provide recommendations for more cost-effective options. The festival faculty and its administration look forward to considering your application and hope to have the opportunity to welcome you in August!
Questions? Contact us at youngartistsfestival@vsoschoolofmusic.ca