As Mr. Li Mo, Artistic Director of the MRL Music Festival, stated, the MRL International Music Festival in New York, now in its fifth year and hosted by the American National Classical Music Performance Arts Federation, is dedicated to discovering, inspiring, and nurturing outstanding international musical talents in piano, vocal performance, musical theater, and more. It provides world-class music training programs, promotes the globalization of Chinese classical musicians through international cultural and classical music education exchanges, and enriches the international performance experience and stage practice for both students and teachers.
In the summer of 2017, the organizers invited department chairs and senior professors from The Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, Curtis Institute of Music, New England Conservatory, and Mannes School of Music, as well as Broadway musical theater stars, to conduct a 14-day intensive training program. This allowed participants not only to receive guidance from world-renowned instructors at prestigious institutions, solving practical professional challenges, but also to establish solid learning philosophies and clear directions for their artistic development.
Do you still remember, campers?
How you were deeply moved by the dedication, exceptional teaching expertise, and relentless artistic pursuit of these international masters and stars;
How tears welled up uncontrollably as you watched your teachers walk away alone after class;
How you embraced your newfound friends tightly at farewell, wishing each other the very best;
How, boarding the plane home, your hearts burned with determination to steadfastly pursue your dreams.
All of this is your harvest, an everlasting memory.
In just over ten days, the campers rehearsed and staged four brand-new musical theater excerpts, presenting their very best selves on stage. You were exceptional—expressing your unique interpretive styles with effortless mastery at the piano. You were extraordinary—using your beautiful voices to fully embody each character...
We look forward to seeing your dreams come true soon! Awaiting your wonderful news!
MRL International Music Festival - Vocal
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| Cynthia Hoffman, Professor of Voice, The Juilliard School | Marlan Petersen, Chair of Voice Department, Manhattan School of Music | Karen Holvik, Chair of Voice Department, New England Conservatory | Beth Roberts, Director of Vocal Studies, Mannes School of Music | Gregory Buchalter, Chair of Piano Department, Manhattan School of Music |
MRL International Music Festival - Musical Theater
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| Ann Nathan, Broadway Musical Theatre Artist | Christy Kats, Broadway Musical Theatre Artist | Erika Henningsen, Broadway Musical Theatre Artist | Corey Cott, Broadway Musical Theatre Artist | Robin de Jesús, Broadway Musical Theatre Artist |
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| Constantine Maroulis, Broadway Musical Theatre Artist | Daisy Eagan, Broadway Musical Theatre Artist | Taylor Louderman, Broadway Musical Theatre Artist | Tiffany Haas, Broadway Musical Theatre Artist | Desi Oakley, Broadway Musical Theatre Artist |
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| Adam Kaplan, Broadway Musical Theatre Artist | Clébonte Elder, Broadway Musical Theatre Artist | Leslie Kritzer, Broadway Musical Theatre Artist |
MRL International Music Festival - Piano
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| Mark Silverman, Chair of Piano Department, Manhattan School of Music | Susan Starr, Second Prize Winner, International Tchaikovsky Competition | Gabriel Chodos, Professor of Piano, New England Conservatory | Ernesto Barletta, Pre-College Piano Faculty, The Juilliard School | Zhang Jin, Professor, Central Conservatory of Music |