The 30th annual MASTA Chamber Music Festival was held virtually this year due to the pandemic. Eight student groups submitted videos and received online coaching from Katri Ervamaa, Kathryn Votapek, and Aaron Berofsky. Students also participated in an enrichment class with Melissa Knecht.
The winning ensemble of the 30th annual MASTA Chamber Music Festival Virtual Competition is the St. Joseph High School String Quartet for their performance of the first movement of String Quartet No. 2 by Alexander Borodin. The St. Joseph High School String Quartet is Kevin Wang, violin, Ben Savage, violin, Anna Miesse, viola, and Grace Portenga, cello. They were featured at the virtual Michigan Youth Arts Festival (MYAF) in May. You can enjoy their video below.
Congratulations to these students and their coaches, Steve Reed and Burke Lokey!
Thanks to Aaron, Katri, Kathryn, and Melissa, and to all the MASTA members who sent students to the festival! I am sure that our virtual festival provided students with an opportunity to grow as musicians during this very difficult year. We are all looking forward to an in-person festival in 2022!