There’s a cliché in the music business that claims: Those who can play, play. Those who can’t, teach.
Nowhere is this less true than in Hidden Valley’s Masters Festival, an annual summer-long gathering bringing the brightest students together with accomplished musician-educators for a live-in experience that proves to be life-changing for teachers and students alike.
“There’s just nothing like simply being in the presence of somebody who plays the same instrument as you who has already been successful in the field,” Hidden Valley founder and general director Peter T. Meckel says. “Every year we have the opportunity to see the future of music in the lives of young players who are coming to the Festival. That is the most exciting aspect for me.”
The event began June 2, and offers five week-long sessions in jazz flute, oboe, bassoon/English horn, classical flute, and cello, with each week culminating in a recital by the week’s educator. Connecticut-based jazz flutist Ali Ryerson opens the festivities this week with a concert called Jazz Flute Club Night, when the concert hall is given a jazz club feel. Ryerson first played Hidden Valley in 1985.
“I’ve been coming here every year since,” she says. “I love it here.”
Following Ryerson is an appearance by Elaine Douvas, principal oboe of New York’s Metropolitan Opera, who will conclude her week of instruction with a recital Monday, June 12.
“If you are going to be a musician,” she says, “it’s important you observe and hear excellence first hand, and that’s what we strive to provide for our students.”
The series continues with a joint recital by principal bassoon of the New York Philharmonic Judith LeClair and Robert Walters, solo English horn of the Cleveland Orchestra, on Friday, June 23. Internationally renowned classical flutist Keith Underwood follows July 25, and Mark Kosower, lead cello of The Cleveland Orchestra, closes things Aug. 15.
“It’s almost a sacred experience – the passing of the torch of excellence from one generation to the next,” Meckel says. “Witnessing that is truly a thrill.”
HIDDEN VALLEY MASTERS CONCERT SERIES June 8-Aug. 15.
ALI RYERSON 7:30pm June 8. $25.
ELAINE DOUVAS 7:30pm June 12. $25. 104 West Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley Village. 659-3115, hiddenvalleymusic.org
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