A Summer Festival That Could Only Happen
in Manchester, Vermont
In an intimate setting surrounded by Vermont’s Green Mountains, extraordinary artists and emerging talent share the stage — and the moment — with an audience that’s part of the experience. It’s close and alive in a way that stays with you long after the final note.
Building on a rich legacy of iconic performances, Manchester Music Festival is shaping a fresh vision for what a chamber music festival can be.
You’ve never felt chamber music like this.
Bringing You Closer
To The Music Since 1974
Manchester Music Festival began as The Southern Vermont Arts Center Music Festival, when violinist Carroll Glenn and her husband, pianist Eugene List, realized their dream of bringing the world’s finest chamber music to their summer home in the bucolic town of Manchester. From the beginning, they imagined classical music echoing across the rolling hills of Southern Vermont and pairing unforgettable performances with a deep commitment to nurturing young talent in an intimate, inspiring setting.
Renowned for their virtuosity, they were united by a love of offbeat, often overlooked contemporary works and a desire to create fresh musical experiences beyond the traditional concert hall. Today, Philip Setzer of the acclaimed Emerson String Quartet is carrying forward the storied legacy of creative leadership established by Glenn, List, followed by members of the Rudiakov family, and later pianist Adam Neiman, writing Manchester Music Festival's next chapter — one centered on strengthening community engagement, inventive programming that invites new audiences to embrace chamber music, and unparalleled educational opportunities for a new generation of classical musicians.
Career-Building and Development Opportunities for Emerging Musicians
The Manchester Music Festival’s Young Artists Program is a five-week, full-scholarship chamber music residency for musicians ages 18–26, or those currently enrolled in a conservatory or university music program. Each summer, a small cohort of the most promising emerging musicians from around the world is selected to study and perform alongside an acclaimed faculty of renowned artists.
Each Young Artists cohort is intentionally small — four violinists, two violists, two cellists, and two pianists — ensuring individualized mentorship, meaningful collaboration, and frequent performance opportunities. Together, Young Artists prepare for public performances, appearing both in dedicated Young Artists concerts and alongside featured musical guests during our Thursday Night Mainstage Concerts.
The core of our program is rigorous chamber music study at the highest level. Participants rehearse and perform major works from the chamber repertoire, present solo performances, and collaborate in ensembles ranging from duos to octets, all under the close guidance of distinguished faculty in an inspiring festival setting amidst Vermont’s stunning Green Mountains.
Thanks to the generosity of individual sponsors and endowed support, the Young Artists Program is offered as a full scholarship. Tuition, housing, and a weekly stipend are provided, allowing participants to focus fully on their artistic growth and professional development.
Leadership Team
Manchester Music Festival is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by a dedicated board of directors who work closely with executive and artistic leadership, as well as festival staff. This volunteer group is responsible for establishing and overseeing the strategic goals of the organization. Each member brings insight, experience, and a passion for classical music to further our mission.
PHILIP SETZER
Artistic Director
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Mr. Setzer is well known on the world’s most renowned concert stages as a member of the 9-time-Grammy winning Emerson String Quartet, and from his many collaborations with music legends. This, along with his passion for teaching, have solidified his status as a leading figure in the industry. As MMF’s Artistic Director, Philip Setzer’s unparalleled experience and artistic vision will propel the organization to new heights.
DAVID WHITEHILL
Executive Director
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His career also includes administrative roles with the Laguna Beach Music Festival, Pacific Symphony, and the Philharmonic Society of Orange County. A former board member of the League of American Orchestras, Whitehill was named one of Musical America’s Top 30 Performing Arts Professionals in 2019.
ROBIN POMERANCE
Festival Manager
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She has been at the forefront of managing high-profile music organizations that have drawn international audiences and critical acclaim. Her understanding of the intricacies of event management and music festivals ensures that MMF’s offerings will continue to be of exceptional quality.
Board of Directors
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Alison Denis Longley, Chair
Barbara Smith-Soroca, Vice-Chair
Ingrid Nilsson, Treasurer
Anne Filley, Secretary
Sarah McClintock, At Large
DIRECTORS
Catherine Boothby
Joan Guryan
Josh Mait
Roy Niederhoffer
Brian E. Suslak
Richard Urso
Sandy Wilbur
Kim Wohler
Lou Zellner
FESTIVAL ASSOCIATES
Gail Ebling
Clarissa Lennox
Mary Miller
Elliott Zide
HONORARY DIRECTORS
Dean Fausett*
Phebe Ann Lewis*
Mary Elizabeth Combe*
Irene M. Hunter*
Serena (Bambi) Hatch*
Jean Riddell*
Diana M. Olcott*
PAST PRESIDENTS
The Rev. Jerome Hevey, Jr.*
Marshall Peck*
Diana M. Olcott*
Arthur B. Silverman
Ralph E. Bailey*
Marion M. Hoffman*
Barbara R. Little
Henry C. Lee
Derek Boothby, CMG
Axel Mundigo
Steven W. Sinding
Steven Dear
Peggie Telscher
Lou Zellner
* Deceased