Cherry Hill Teen Studies With Philadelphia Orchestra Principal Players

The prestigious Philadelphia International Music Camp and Festival awarded the Alice Downs Scholarship for Young Violinists to Matteo Lucchi, 14, of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, who used it in July to immerse himself in PIMF’s intensive classical music training program on the grounds of the Valley Forge Military Academy and College in Wayne, PA.

“I’ve been to music camp before, but nothing like this!” Matteo said. “There’s orchestra, sightreading, practice, performances, master classes, chamber music, lots of activities to learn in.”

While Matteo enjoyed all his classes and rehearsals, he feels the focused work in chamber ensembles – where there is no conductor – has improved all aspects of his musicianship, but especially, his musical math: “Before I came to PIMF, I wasn’t super strong in counting and rhythms. It’s MUCH better now. Everyone I worked with was really nice and helpful.”

Over 200 instrumental music students ages 8 through 19 travel to the Main Line from all over the nation and the world for the opportunity to learn from members of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Along with students from North America, Matteo mingled with young classical musicians from New Zealand, Costa Rica, Greece, Norway, Trinidad, Taiwan, Vietnam, and France.

The Alice Downs Scholarship in honor of Valma Lock Hunter was established by her son, David Hunter, Publisher at Haddonfield media company The Gumnut Group, LLC. The select scholarship is open only to a promising student of the violin or viola residing in Camden, Gloucester, or Burlington County in New Jersey.

ABOUT The Philadelphia International Music Festival:

The Philadelphia International Music Festival (PIMF) is a resident summer music program directed by Kimberly Fisher, Principal Second Violin of The Philadelphia Orchestra, offering student musicians from around the world the unique opportunity of spending up to four weeks immersed in music education and performance training with members of the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra.

PIMF offers summer camp programs both online AND live on Philadelphia’s prestigious Main Line. Since March 2020, PIMF’s online platform has expanded its training programs year-round with Master Classes taught by principal players and other members of The Philadelphia Orchestra. The audition portal for “Music in the Mansion” Solo Performance Intensive during winter break in Miami is open at PIMF.org. Young cellists and violinists will polish their musical skills with members of the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra in an elegant estate setting from December 28, 2023 through January 2, 2024.