Laurence Lesser

Laurence Lesser is a laureate of the 1966 Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow and a participant in the historic Heifetz-Piatigorsky concerts and recordings. Mr. Lesser has been a soloist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the London Philharmonic, the New Japan Philharmonic and other orchestras worldwide. He has collaborated with conductors such as Ozawa, Mehta, Rostropovich, Tilson Thomas and many others. He was the first to record Schoenberg’s Cello Concerto and, in 1966, was the first to perform it with orchestra since its 1936 introduction by Emanuel Feuermann.

Read more

During your stay at Orford Music, you will create unforgettable memories while evolving into the artist you aspire to be. Orford Music’s master classes are unique opportunities to work on your goals with the mentors of your choice.

The master classes include the following elements:

• Master classes or individual lessons lasting 2.5 hours per week
• Group activities (master class, Q&A sessions, technical lessons)
• Opportunity to perform in student concerts
• Opportunity to perform in paid concerts
• Access to a collaborative pianist
• Networking activities with faculty members and the student community
• Access to conferences on various topics related to a career in music (e.g., mental health, collaboration between artistic disciplines, stage presence development, etc.)
• Accommodation in one of our two residences
• Three meals a day, as well as full access to a kitchen and common areas
• Rehearsal studios equipped with pianos (available from 6AM to 11PM)
• Housekeeping, laundry facilities (for a fee), parking, and free Wi-Fi
• Free tickets to concerts at the Gilles-Lefebvre Hall (subject to availability)
• Opportunity to explore the beautiful landscapes of Mont-Orford National Park, the majestic Lake Memphremagog, and the tourist activities in the city of Magog

Please note that all COVID-19 measures established by the Gouvernement du Québec will be followed.