Ensemble Connect

A fellowship program at the crossroads of virtuosity and social engagement

 

Ten years of promoting artistic excellence, characterized by the values of leadership, education, community, and entrepreneurship—and a prolific cultural exchange between Paris and New York. This is a description of Ensemble Connect, a two-year fellowship program developed by Carnegie Hall, the Juilliard School, and the Weill Music Institute, in partnership with the New York City Department of Education. 

The challenge

The musicians of the Ensemble Connect program work with students at New York’s public schools. The great majority of those students live below the official US poverty line and are from diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds: 40% Hispanic/Latino, 28% African-American, and 15% Asian. 

Founded in 2007 under the name Ensemble ACJW, Ensemble Connect is a unique collective of exceptional young musicians. Over the course of two years, around twenty or so international young talents benefit from comprehensive training that supports them in both their personal and professional development. The program combines an extraordinary artistic journey for those involved with an exemplary level of social engagement with the diverse communities of New York City, particularly in the public schools of its five boroughs. 

 

 

Our ambition

The Edmond de Rothschild Foundations are partnering with this ambitious program by offering musical residencies in Paris. These are designed to promote communication and a sharing of knowledge between the members of Ensemble Connect, invited artists, students, and children. Such residencies fall within the stated aims of both Carnegie Hall and the Edmond de Rothschild Foundations, in terms of supporting the arts and music and thereby promoting openness and dialog between cultures. 

To combine musical excellence and professionalization

as part of a demanding educational program

To develop the teaching skills of residency participants

by sending them to work within schools

To expand the professional network of the young talents involved in Ensemble Connect

by introducing them to and allowing them to perform alongside leading figures on the international music scene

Our solutions

Competition

A highly selective recruitment process for program residents via auditions held at Carnegie Hall

Advanced training

by means of masterclasses, coaching, and workshop concerts led by renowned artists

Social impact

of the workshops and interactive concerts within public schools across the wider Paris region

Performance

Participation in several public and private concerts including a recital with the special involvement of soprano Nathalie Dessay

Results

18

resident musicians every two years

100

over 100 artists trained since 2007

30

NYC elementary schools involved

“It was a true privilege to be a part of the Paris residency team. A highlight of the trip was a school visit to host an interactive performance for a class of fourth graders. It was a wonderful experience to bridge a cultural and language barrier through the exploration of musical expression and education.”

Rosie Gallagher
2016-2018 alumna
Ensemble Connect

“The most memorable night was Monday—our performance at the Philharmonie for the Rothschild Foundations. Every detail was carried out meticulously and worked together to create an overall unforgettable experience of performing in Paris.”

Julia Yang
2016-2018 alumna
Ensemble Connect

The way forward

  • To further develop the Franco-American collaboration by running the artistic residency program again and strengthening links with the partner institutions.
  • To cooperate with more and more international institutions and leading names in classical music.
  • To consolidate our alumni network in order to initiate collaborations and allow those involved to exchange professional opportunities.

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