Imagine a place where the beauty of nature meets the magic of music. That’s what you get at the Classical Tahoe Music Festival, a month-long event celebrating jazz and classical music. This gathering brings together top performers from around the world, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Sierra Nevada. This year’s festival took place at the University of Nevada, Reno’s Lake Tahoe campus.
A standout part of the festival is Chamber Connections, a program that connects university music students with experienced musicians. This year, 14 talented jazz students from the University of Nevada were chosen to collaborate with artists from various backgrounds.
Take Milo Nieves, a second-year student who plays the cello. This summer, he had the chance to work with Simon James, a respected violinist from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Though he felt nervous, Milo was thrilled to receive guidance from such high-caliber musicians.
“I’m excited to learn from everyone around me,” Milo said. “Each musician brings something unique. That diversity opens up countless opportunities to grow.”
Charlotte Drury, another enthusiastic participant, plays the French Horn. She was particularly eager to learn from Thomas Jostlein, the associate principal horn of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Charlotte has been playing since sixth grade and is now pursuing her doctoral degree in musical performance.
“The mentorship is incredible,” Charlotte shared. “Sitting next to professional musicians offers invaluable learning experiences. Even just listening during rehearsals is eye-opening.”
Before the festival, many students didn’t know each other. However, after spending two nights and three days together, lasting friendships formed. Charlotte, like her peers, found great value in the connections made during the program. In the world of music, these relationships can impact future opportunities.
“Being surrounded by great music is truly a joy,” Milo remarked after attending a concert featuring the Emperor Concerto and Eroica Symphony. “They were both fantastic.”
The first session of Chamber Connections was made possible through the generous support of Lin Nelson, who is passionate about music education.
This program not only enhances students’ skills but also deepens their love for music, showing that the bonds created through shared experiences can last a lifetime. According to a recent survey by the National Endowment for the Arts, artistic collaborations like these can enrich local communities and foster lifelong appreciation for the arts. In an age when social media shapes our lives, sharing performances online has become a trend, allowing audiences to engage in ways that were once unimaginable.
In short, the Classical Tahoe Music Festival and its Chamber Connections program highlight the power of music to bring people together, inspire creativity, and build lasting relationships.
