Youth Concerto Competition/ Chamber Music Institute

HILTON HEAD CHAMBER MUSIC INSTITUTE

The HHSO Youth Concerto Competition will be held at SoundWaves on Saturday, January 28, 2023. Conceived with the goal of inspiring a younger generation to pursue their goals in the world of classical music, Joseph Gimbel has served as the Director of the YCC since its inception 13 years ago. Under his stewardship, the event expanded to one of the largest regional competitions of its type in the Southeastern United States. Over the years, Joe has personally assisted many competitors by giving them references for summer programs and recommendations for teachers and conservatories. The 2022 Competition was Joe’s last as Director. Heartfelt thanks to Joe for giving life to and shepherding this amazing event!

Joe Gimbel with 2022 First Prize winner Ewan Manalo and Medalists

Founded and led by Judy Gimbel, the fourth annual Hilton Head Chamber Music Institute was held June 8th – June 19th at SoundWaves. It was staffed with an outstanding faculty: Shannon Thomas, violin, Florida State University, and Caroline Coade, viola, Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the University of Michigan. Serving as CoArtistic Directors were Carolyn Huebl, violin, Vanderbilt University, and Felix Wang, Professor of Cello at Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music. Sixteen terrific high school string musicians were selected via an audition process. They came from seven states: Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Florida, Missouri, and Tennessee.

Students were hosted in private homes. All their needs were met on-site in SoundWaves by wonderful volunteers who arrived at 8 am and did not depart until the day’s activities were complete, usually well into the evening. Committee members were Susan Britansky, Susan Harter, Beth Corry, Linda Fiore, Geri Strigle and Lois Wilson. The intensive program included lots of practice time, private lessons, daily quartet rehearsals, and several master classes.

Students had ample opportunity to perform via several outreach concerts both on the Island and in Bluffton. The week concluded with two concerts featuring four student quartets, capped by a performance from The Chamber Music Orchestra composed of all 16 students and the faculty. Dvořák’s String Quartet, Op. 96 never sounded better! The CMI has booked an annual slot on the HHSO’s summer calendar. Hope to see you here next year!