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Chamber Music Retreat
Chester, CT
​March 19-24, 2023

Join us for a Chamber Music Workshop and Retreat 

​March 19-24, 2023

​in Chester, Connecticut

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION FORM
The Guest House Retreat Center is situated on 17 acres in the Connecticut River Valley, just 30 miles east of New Haven, CT. Formerly a country inn, it is now a non-profit center for retreats with a focus on arts, education, and self-discovery.

This calm and relaxing country setting allows participants to concentrate on refining their chamber music skills and playing music with other participants. The Guest House offers a tree-shaded, three-tiered deck overlooking a scenic pond and woods that are adjacent to a 17,000-acre State Forest with extensive hiking trails. Also on the property is a walking meditation Labyrinth, easily accessed from the rear lawn area. 
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Guest House Retreat Center - Great Room
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Guest House Retreat Center - Pearl Room Lounge Area

WORKSHOP ACTIVITIES

Pre-assigned work - Schubert: String Quartet No. 14 in D minor (Death and the Maiden)

DAILY COACHING BY MEMBERS OF OUR SUPERB FACULTY
Our faculty is comprised of outstanding performing artists who combine concert careers as chamber players with a dedication to teaching. They are passionate about sharing their expertise in an encouraging and supportive manner to help you achieve your individual musical goals.​​
  • Individual players are assigned to ensembles that rotate on a daily basis for coaching on Schubert's String Quartet No. 14 in D minor (Death and the Maiden) which must be prepared in advance.
  • Pre-formed groups: Come as a trio, quartet, quintet or sextet and focus on any work(s) of your choosing in coaching sessions.​
The program includes a MASTERCLASS focusing on topics to improve your skill level and refine your understanding for playing chamber music. 
PLUS, PLENTY OF TIME FOR FREELANCE PLAYING!
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MEET OUR FACULTY >>
You'll also have the opportunity to schedule private lessons ​with our faculty members!

​​Accommodations and Price
The Guest House Retreat Center offers accommodations that are the equivalent of a 4-star hotel. Each room has a private ensuite bath, complimentary Wi-Fi, and individual climate control. The guest rooms are spacious and beautifully appointed.
Participating Musicians
Single occupancy:  $2,150 per person 
​Double occupancy: $1,850 per person

Non-playing Spouses or Guests
​Double occupancy only: $1,350 per person
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THE GUEST HOUSE - LEARN MORE >>
Included:
  • 5 nights accommodation at The Guest House Retreat Center with complimentary WiFi, inclusive of all taxes and gratuities, 
  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily starting with dinner on Sunday, March 19th and ending with lunch on Friday, March 24th 
  • Seven coaching sessions, one masterclass, use of music rooms for freelance playing
  • Guided nature walk on the property's grounds​ ​​
DOWNLOAD APPLICATION FORM

Application process, deadlines and payments

The faculty welcomes pre-formed groups as well as individual musicians. Please note that enrollment is limited to 40 participant musicians. Acceptance will depend upon the number of applicants and the need for balanced instrumentation in assembling the participants into full ensembles. 
Fees include a non-refundable deposit of $500 per participant and $300 per non-playing guest. 
Registration deadline is February 1, 2023. Payment in full is due by February 15, 2023. No refunds after February 15, 2023. In the case of applicants who are not accepted, deposits will be returned. 

Cello Rentals are available, please contact us for details. 

Covid-19 Health & Safety Measures
This workshop will be conducted in compliance with all health and safety measures that are in place at the time of the workshop as required by the State of Connecticut and by The Guest House.
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Getting to Chester, CT
  • By automobile: 2-2.5 hour drive from either New York or Boston.
  • We will also assist in organizing carpools for those who do not own a car or prefer not to drive.
  • By train: The Old Saybrook, CT train station is 20 minutes from The Guest House and is served by Metro North from Grand Central terminal in New York via Shore Line East. Old Saybrook also is served by Amtrak from Boston and New York. Taxi and private car services are available from the train station to The Guest House.
  • By air: The nearest airport is Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks/Hartford, CT. Car rentals are available at the airport. We can also assist you with arranging for car service transfers from the airport to The Guest House. The airport is 50 miles (a 1-hour drive), from The Guest House.​

Further information and details

Please contact us at (718) 852-1208 or by email at: workshops@scherzo-travel.com
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  • Chamber Music Workshops
    • Workshop Faculty
    • March 2023 Retreat
    • Resource Guide
  • Patron Travel Programs
  • Travel Insurance
  • Contact Us