Amherst Early Music Festival

Directed by Frances Blaker
August 7-14, and 14-21, 2022
Central Program Classes both weeks, with classes available for most early music instruments.
Baroque Academy Opera Project*, August 7-14
Ensemble Singing Intensive Program*, August 7-14
Historical Dance Program, August 6-13
Choral Workshop with Kent Tritle, August 7-14
New London Assembly, August 7-14
Tuition $675 per week
See website for Room and Board options, and complete list of faculty!

Our new location will be convenient for many who are driving. There are train and bus connections. Nearest airport is ABE, Lehigh Valley International Airport. Newark Airport is 1 hour and 15 minutes away. While we hope it will be possible to have a normal Festival, we’ll follow Covid developments and will adjust if necessary. Proof of vaccination will be required. Plans are shaping up so stay tuned for more information! The heart of the Festival is the Central Program. It is the largest and most varied program we offer, with classes available for most early music instruments, and music ranging from Medieval to Baroque. You can choose the combination of classes that works for you -- perfect if, like some of our students, you sing or dance and play an instrument or two. Play in consorts of like or mixed instruments, investigate a new repertory, take a dance class, or begin a new instrument. We also offer a unique program in early notation for all levels starting with absolute beginner. Pitch: most classes will be at a=440. Viol-only and most Baroque ensemble classes will be at a=415. Detailed class descriptions and schedule will be available in May. Schedule: Classes run Monday through Friday, with four class periods per day. In the evening there are lectures, concerts, madrigal singing, English country dancing, drop-in playing sessions, the AEM Auction, and socializing with early music.

*Audition due date of April 1 for Singers, May 1 for instrumentalists.