In 2004, Orpheus launched a professional training project at the Manhattan School of Music (MSM). Orpheus designed and executed a new mentoring program with the help of MSM administrators and faculty members. After working with Orpheus musicians for one semester, the MSM Chamber Sinfonia presented a highly successful concert without a conductor.
This event had a profound impact on both Orpheus and the MSM, providing important groundwork for future professional training programs. It represented the first formal structure for the generational transfer of the Orpheus legacy. The overwhelming success of this program demonstrated, in a concrete way, Orpheus' ability to partner with conservatories and other cultural institutions to provide critical links for aspiring musicians between their conservatory training and the professional music world of the 21st century.
In the fall of 2005, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra expanded the program and launched a professional training program with the Juilliard School. This new initiative, called The Orpheus Institute, is a virtual conservatory without walls. We seek to present opportunities for a broad range of students, including those who have concentrations in orchestral and chamber music performance, as well as piano, conducting and composition.
These programs will allow the members of Orpheus and their world-renowned guest artists to share their open process, unique organizational structure and multi-faceted experiences through seminars, forums, structured open rehearsals, coaching sessions and performances. Throughout this project, Orpheus members will seek to further refine, in conjunction with Juilliard administration and faculty members, a unique curriculum designed to improve students' communication and leadership skills while providing hands-on links and opportunities for professional and practical application.
Orpheus members will work closely with students in small or large ensemble groups to develop skills that will help them to maximize their chamber music skills while providing critical fundamental links to orchestral performance, as well.