2025 Classical Workshop

Theme: Concert life in Haydn and Mozart’s Vienna
First Church Berkeley UCC (First Congregational)
July 27–August 3, 2025
Kati Kyme and William Skeen, co-directors

  • Join us in exciting recreations of the Quartet parties that Mozart and Haydn enjoyed. We will explore the chamber music of these two classical giants as well as the music of Beethoven, Schubert, Mendelssohn and some others. String players of all levels are encouraged to attend, and pre-formed groups are welcome as well. We can hardly wait to share our enthusiasm for this wonderful music with you!

  • On four of the five full instruction days, participants will be assigned to a quartet or other ensemble with whom they will play in coached and uncoached sessions. Each evening, the groups will perform the day’s piece in front of the whole workshop.

    Wednesday will feature an all-day all-workshop orchestra.

    Sunday, July 27th, check-in, faculty recital in Sanctuary 5:30 pm–7:00 pm
    M–F day classes at First Church Berkeley’s new community building 9:00 am–5:00 pm
    M–F evening session in Sanctuary 5:30–7:00 pm
    Saturday morning at FIrst Church’s Loper Chapel

  • Our faculty features members of The New Esterházy Quartet, one of the country’s leading period-instrument string quartets.

    Kati Kyme director and violin
    William Skeen director and cello
    Anthony Martin viola
    Adam LaMotte violin

  • All string players interested in learning more about Classical-era repertoire and historically informed performance are welcome!

    Some proficiency with sight-reading is recommended. To the best of our ability, we will tailor your experience to your skill level and ability so that you will feel both comfortable and challenged.

  • We’ll be hosting the Classical Workshop again on the grounds of the First Church Berkeley UCC (First Congregational), Berkeley, CA at 2345 Channing Way.

  • TUITION:
    Full tuition     for the Classical Workshop is $875.

    Receive an early bird discount of $50 by applying before March 31. SFEMS members in good standing at time of enrollment receive an member discount of $50. These discounts can be combined!

    You don’t need to pay the full tuition upfront—secure your spot with a non-refundable deposit of $250.

    All outstanding tuition must be paid by July 13; however, to receive the early bird discount, balances must be paid before March 31.

    Tuition (other than the $250 non-refundable deposit) is refundable before July 13.

    SCHOLARSHIPS:

    Tuition assistance is available through our scholarship and work study programs. Please contact administrator Stacey Helley at workshops@sfems.org for more information.

  • If you have questions, please contact SFEMS administrator Stacey Helley at workshops@sfems.org.

3 women playing violins, looking at music on music stands
3 people playing violins, looking at music on music stands
2 people playing violins, looking at music on music stands

This program has been made possible, in part, with support from the Associated Chamber Music Players.