JULY 2026 NEWSLETTER

We’re Excited for the Upcoming Season!
Early‑Bird Discount Ends 7/31 - Apply Now

The 2026-27 JCM season is approaching, and applications are open. Families who apply by July 31 will receive the early-bird discount, saving $20 on the application fee.

For families new to JCM, here are a few key things to know:

• JCM places students into small chamber ensembles (trios, quartets…) based on level, experience, and availability.

• Ensembles receive coaching sessions with JCM esteemed coaches, plus opportunities for masterclasses, workshops, and performances.

• Students perform in a final concert at the end of the season, and each group receives a professional video recording of their performance on our YouTube channel.

To learn more about how JCM works, families can explore information on our website: www.juniorchambermusic.org

If you haven’t applied yet, now is the perfect time - early‑bird ends soon. Apply here:
https://www.juniorchambermusic.org/eligibility-application

The Heart of Chamber Music at JCM

Chamber music gives young musicians a space where collaboration, communication, and deep listening become the foundation of their musical growth. It’s where students learn to shape ideas together, respond with sensitivity, and discover how their individual voices contribute to a shared artistic vision.

Through this experience, students learn to:
- Shape musical ideas together with intention and creativity
- Listen and respond in real time
- Build confidence through teamwork
- Form friendships rooted in trust and artistry

Families who participate in JCM are giving their children a rare musical education, one that strengthens their solo playing, deepens their musicianship, and prepares them for any ensemble experience they pursue in the future.

We are grateful for every family who chooses this path and helps build a community that values depth, artistry, and connection.

Alumni Spotlight: Geneva Lewis

We are proud to feature Geneva Lewis, a distinguished JCM alumna who has become one of the most compelling young violinists of her generation.

Born in New Zealand and raised in Irvine, Geneva began violin studies at age three and later trained at the Colburn School and New England Conservatory. She has earned major international recognition, including:

BBC New Generation Artist (2022–24)
2021 Avery Fisher Career Grant
Grand Prize, 2020 Concert Artists Guild Competition
Kronberg Academy’s Prince of Hesse Prize (2021)

Geneva has appeared with leading orchestras including the BBC Symphony, Auckland Philharmonia, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony, and Vancouver Symphony. She made her BBC Proms debut in 2023 at Royal Albert Hall.

A passionate chamber musician, she has collaborated with Jonathan Biss, Gidon Kremer, Kim Kashkashian, András Schiff, and Mitsuko Uchida.

She currently performs on a 1776 composite violin by Giovanni Battista Guadagnini, generously on loan from a charitable trust.

Her achievements continue to inspire our students, and we are proud to celebrate her as part of the JCM family.

Featured Chamber Work: Arensky’s Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor, Op. 32

Anton Arensky (1861–1906) isn’t a household name today, but in his time he was one of the bright voices of Russian Romanticism. A student of Rimsky‑Korsakov and a mentor to Rachmaninoff, Arensky stood at a fascinating crossroads in Russian music - blending classical elegance with the emotional warmth that defined the late‑Romantic era. Though his life was short, he left behind chamber works that continue to resonate for their lyricism, sincerity, and beautifully crafted ensemble writing.

Arensky’s Piano Trio No. 1 is his most beloved chamber work. Written in 1894, it showcases everything listeners love about Romantic chamber music: sweeping melodies, rich harmonies, and expressive dialogue between the instruments.

- The first movement (Allegro moderato) opens with a soulful violin line that immediately sets the emotional tone. The cello soon joins with its own warm voice, and the piano weaves between them, sometimes supporting, sometimes leading.
- The second movement, a set of variations, is one of Arensky’s most admired creations. Each variation highlights a different character, from tender to playful to virtuosic.
- The finale brings the trio to a dramatic close, full of rhythmic energy and bold contrasts.

For listeners new to chamber music, this trio is an ideal entry point. It’s expressive without being heavy, lyrical without being sentimental, and full of moments where each instrument shines. It also reflects a moment in Russian musical history when composers were exploring deeper emotional colors and more intimate forms of expression.

Some performances by JCM students of this piece:

JCM San Diego - Now Enrolling!

We’re happy to share again that Junior Chamber Music has opened a new branch in San Diego, led by acclaimed pianist and educator Xiao Chen. This expansion brings JCM’s chamber music program to even more young musicians across Southern California.

Students ages 8–20 who play strings, piano, woodwinds, brass, harp, guitar, percussion, or voice are invited to join the inaugural season of JCM San Diego and experience high‑level coaching, ensemble collaboration, and inspiring performances.

If you have family or friends in the San Diego area, we’d love your help sharing this opportunity. Personal recommendations help us grow our community and reach students who would thrive in JCM.

Stay Connected!

Follow us for inspiration, student spotlights, and behind-the-scenes fun:

• Instagram: @juniorchambermusic

• Facebook: @juniorchambermusic

• YouTube: @juniorchambermusic

Thank you for continuing to be part of JCM. We’re excited for all that’s ahead.

With gratitude,
The Junior Chamber Music Team