Masterclasses with Deborah Dunham and James Dunham
20 Sep 2016 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
The University of Waikato Conservatorium of Music is delighted to be hosting two special back-to-back masterclasses with, Grammy-nominated American violist James Dunham and renowned bassist Deborah Dunham, presented by Chamber Music New Zealand.
1 - 2.30pm. DEBORAH DUNHAM – Double Bass
American bassist Deborah Dunham will hosting a free masterclass in Hamilton open to all who wish to find out more about this fascinating instrument.
Deborah serves as principal bass in the resident professional ensemble for Boston University’s Historical Performance Program, the Boston Baroque, as well as in the Mercury Baroque Ensemble, Houston Bach Society and Ars Lyrica Houston.
She’s currently working at the Rice University's Shepherd School of Music, where she is also enrolled in a Doctorate of Musical Arts program.
Deborah is also a music festival aficionado, boasting a list that includes the Aspen Music Festival, Vermont Musica Viva, Ernen, Switzerland's Festival der Zukunft and Hong Kong's contemporary music festival, Musicarama.
2.30 - 4pm JAMES DUNHAM – Viola
Violist James Dunham’s background includes having been founding member of the Sequoia String Quartet (receiver of the Naumburg International Chamber Music Award) and subsequently violist of the Grammy Award winning Cleveland Quartet.
He’s a member of the Axelrod String Quartet, with access to the Smithsonian collection of Nicolò Amati and Stradivari instruments.
In parallel with his musician career goes his educational vocation. He’s a professor of Viola and Chamber Music at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music and also co-directs their Master of Music in the String Quartet program. His summers are often busy attending Festivals around the world, including the Sarasota Music Festival in Florida and the Aspen Music Festival, where he hosts studio classes as well as performs with top chamber musicians from around the world.
He’s a passionate advocate of new music and has premiered and recorded many works written for him; he recently gave the premiere of Libby Larsen’s Viola Sonata.
“James Dunham is stunning: resonant and vital” - Fanfare Magazine
Both masterclasses are free to attend and are open to the public.
For more information about the QuintEssence Mini Festival in Wellington featuring James Dunham and the New Zealand String Quartet visit http://www.chambermusic.co.nz/whats-on/quintessence