The Festival is a summer of immersive music-making in which composition and contemporary music are an integral part of its fabric and history. Each year I look forward to returning to Maine to work with devoted colleagues and young composers whose passion for music and commitment to excellence continues to propel the Festival to greater artistic heights.
Program Overview: The Festival’s summer music Composition Program gives students access to distinguished composers, concerts, and masterclasses while affording each participant ample time to compose in a relaxed environment. Students work with composers-in-residence Derek Bermel and Andreia Pinto Correia, as well as guest composers in both group and individual settings. 2026 guests include Kenneth Hesketh, Elizabeth Ogonek, and Ensemble Dal Niente and activities include a recorded reading/workshop of student works by Dal Niente.
Recent guests have included Kaija Sariaaho, George Crumb, William Bolcom, Sebastian Currier, Dai Fujikura, Joan Tower, Juri Seo, Tania León, Zhou Long, Aaron Jay Kernis, Augusta Read Thomas, Chen Yi, Steven Mackey, Melinda Wagner, Amy Williams, Samuel Adler, John Harbison, Missy Mazzoli, Hub New Music, the JACK Quartet, Talea Ensemble, Music from Copland House, and Sō Percussion. The program culminates in a performance of at least one work by each student. The Festival will assist in assembling colleagues from within the Festival to perform a selected work in a Young Artist Series concert.
Visit ADMISSIONS HOME for information about program fees, student life, and the application process.
