The Kessler Academy 2020

featuring:

The Microcosmos Quartet:
Marc Destrubé, violin I
Andrea Siradze, violin II
Tawnya Popoff, viola
Rebecca Wenham, cello

with The Kessler Academy’s String Orchestra

There’s no better way to learn than with help from the greats – and, it’s even more fun with powerful music. The sixth consecutive year of The Kessler Academy features an entirely musician-led string orchestra mentorship program, driven by the Vancouver-based Microcosmos Quartet, in partnership with Music on Main.

This uniquely intergenerational project is dedicated to keeping classical music vital and vibrant in the 21st century. Although things look and feel a little different this year, the fundamentals are the same in this exciting educational program.

After five mid-August days of intensive mentorship and rehearsal in a socially-distant, encouraging, and safe environment, these compelling young performers, drawn from throughout the Lower Mainland, will take the stage at the Chan Centre for Performing Arts, alongside the Microcosmos Quartet. Together, they’ll create a video recording of great 20th- and 21st century works. The video itself will be shared digitally with audiences in September.

The Kessler Academy is named in honour and celebration of Vancouver’s legendary, still-living centenarian Mrs. Susan Kessler, whose vision and generosity enabled this initiative to take flight in 2015.

The Kessler Academy is presented by Music on Main & Microcosmos Quartet in partnership with the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts.

The Kessler Academy’s 2020 program cycle has been generously supported by grants from the KPMG Foundation, the Edith Lando Charitable Foundation, the Lloyd Carr-Harris Foundation, Hamber Foundation, The McLean Foundation, The Greygates Foundation, and Beech Foundation.

Music on Main is also deeply grateful to Timothy Agg & Stuart Alcock, Alan & Elizabeth Bell, Frank & Sandy Duck, Maureen Girvan, Martha Lou Henley, Eileen Mate, Karla Pederson & Colin Mar, Marcus & Stefanie Reuter, Karen Shuster, Ric & Lynda Spratley, Elinor Vassar, José Verstappen, Sheri Weichel & Bernard Leroux, and Robin Wenham for their generous individual support of this year’s program.

Would you like to make a tax-receiptable gift of any amount in support of this initiative? Individual generosity represents the lifeblood of The Kessler Academy each year. Every dollar makes an impact, and every donor makes a difference. Contact us to learn more.