Message from Seth Brenzel,
Executive Director
Dear Walden friends,
I hope the warmth of approaching spring is finding you wherever you are. My heart is warmed by the many ways Walden community members have been coming together to celebrate, make music, and prepare for another incredible summer of creativity in Dublin, New Hampshire.
February brought with it the second Memphis Composers Institute, a collaborative project between The Walden School, the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, and the University of Memphis. Read on for a reflection on this exciting project by D. J. Sparr and Caroline Mallonee.
Throughout December and January, the Walden community came together at holiday parties, both in person and online. Thank you to those who opened their homes for these events, and to all who attended to celebrate the new year together!
Upcoming Walden events include a fundraiser and celebration in Los Angeles this Saturday, March 14, featuring exilio, a vocal ensemble that champions the work of emerging composers, and that boasts two Walden alumni as members. You won’t want to miss their performance! And please save the date for a fundraiser and celebration in Washington, DC on Sunday, April 26.
Applications for Walden’s 2026 summer programs are still open, and our spring application deadline is Monday, March 30. Both the Young Musicians Program (YMP) and Creative Musicians Retreat (CMR) will be held on the beautiful Dublin School campus in Dublin, New Hampshire. Walden is also hiring for several summer positions at YMP—read on for more details, and please help us spread the word!
Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you at a Walden event or program soon!
Sincerely,
Seth Brenzel
Executive Director
(415) 587-8157
Highlights from the 2026 Memphis Composers Institute
Below Right: Walden alumni, faculty, and staff at the Memphis Composers Institute 2026. Left to Right: Dede Ondishko, Sky Macklay, D.J. Sparr, Seth Brenzel, and Caroline Mallonee.
Reflections from D. J. Sparr and Caroline Mallonee
The 2026 Memphis Composers Institute was a success! Now in its second year, the Institute continues to grow as a meaningful winter offering for The Walden School, created in partnership with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music at the University of Memphis.
This year’s gathering began with an unexpected challenge: Memphis was still recovering from a major snowstorm, and rehearsal logistics shifted multiple times as icy conditions lingered. In true collaborative fashion, Memphis Symphony Executive Director Peter Abell and D. J. Sparr assessed the situation together and regrouped with Seth Brenzel over barbecue (a Memphis essential!) to finalize the plan. The first rehearsal was ultimately moved to the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, and the week moved forward smoothly after that—a testament to strong partnership and shared commitment.
The Memphis Symphony Orchestra (MSO) rehearsed and premiered four new works by living composers.
Three were selected from more than 150 submissions to the international call for scores: Dede Ondishko’s Singing Strength, incorporating birdsongs she recorded in South Carolina; Fulya Kapucugil’s Leaving the Nest, reflecting on the experience of leaving Turkey to pursue her musical studies in the United States; and Ethan Soledad’s Cages of Jade, which was inspired by poetry from Angel Island.
The program also featured Curtains of Light, a new orchestral work inspired by the Northern Lights by Walden alumna and Creative Musicians Retreat Director, Caroline Mallonee.
Throughout the week, undergraduate and graduate students from the University of Memphis — including students of Professors Kamran Ince and Mahir Cetiz — attended rehearsals and the concert, supported their colleague Fulya Kapucugil, and engaged closely with the music-making process.
For the selected composers, the opportunity to hear their work performed by a professional orchestra was transformative. As Fulya reflected, hearing the piece “as it is meant to be” and experiencing rehearsals from the composer’s seat is unlike any other moment in a young artist’s development. Ethan noted the rarity of working directly with a professional orchestra and the value of sharing new music with new audiences. Dede expressed deep gratitude for the chance to move her symphonic work out of isolation and into the hands of musicians and listeners. Carrie was thrilled to work with the enthusiastic orchestral musicians of the MSO.
The culminating concert on February 4 showcased not only four distinctive artistic voices but also Walden’s enduring commitment to mentorship, collaboration, and the lived experience of hearing new music come to life. It was inspiring to see that spirit extend beyond the summer and take root once again in Memphis.
Upcoming Fundraising Event
A Walden celebration and fundraiser in Los Angeles
Los Angeles Athletic Club
Saturday, March 14, 2026
6 to 8 p.m.
Please join The Walden School Board of Directors, along with Walden and Junior Conservatory Camp (JCC) alumni, faculty, staff, artists, and friends, for an evening of music and refreshments to celebrate Walden and support its 2026 summer music programs.
Guests will enjoy a performance by exilio, a dynamic Los Angeles-based vocal octet that includes two Walden School alums. The group is dedicated to highlighting underrepresented and emerging composers through performances and educational outreach.
This evening of music, community, and refreshments will celebrate Walden’s mission of inspiring artistic expression and personal growth through experiential music programs. Contributions to The Walden School Annual Fund will underwrite essential student scholarships and inspiring artist residencies at Walden’s programs this coming summer.
You are welcome to RSVP or contact us with any questions by emailing donors@waldenschool.org or calling (415) 587-8157.
RSVP for Walden’s Los Angeles Event
Washington, DC – Save the Date! 
Please save the date for a Walden celebration and fundraiser in Washington, DC on April 26, 2026. This afternoon of music, community, and refreshment will take place at the beautiful DACOR Bacon House. For more information or to RSVP, please email us or call us at (415) 587-8157.
2026 Walden Holiday Parties
Throughout December and January, Walden community members gathered for holiday/new year parties in cities around the country, and online!
Walden holiday parties were held in New York City, San Francisco, and Silver Spring, Maryland. Alumni of the Junior Conservatory Camp (JCC), Walden’s predecessor program, also gathered for a holiday reunion over Zoom.
These events brought together Walden and JCC alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and board members for festive potluck gatherings. Delicious food and drinks were shared, music was played, new friendships and connections were made, and much merriment was had. Many thanks to our wonderful volunteer hosts: Stephen Smith in San Francisco, Peter Colohan and Fenton Blake in Silver Spring, and Matthew Egan and Sookyoung Lee in New York City.
Thank you to all who gathered to celebrate the new year with Walden community!
Apply for Walden 2026
The spring application deadline is Monday, March 30
The spring application deadline is Monday, March 30Applications for The Walden School’s 2026 summer programs are open! The spring deadline to apply to the Young Musicians Program (YMP) and Creative Musicians Retreat (CMR) is Monday, March 30.
We encourage you to share the news with your friends, family, colleagues, students, and teachers.
Creative Musicians Retreat
June 13–21, 2026
Dublin School, Dublin, New Hampshire
for musicians ages 18–98
Young Musicians Program
June 27–August 2, 2026
Dublin School, Dublin, New Hampshire
for pre-college musicians, ages 9–18
Application materials for both programs are available on our website.
Write to us at applicants@waldenschool.org with any questions.
Apply to Walden 2026!
Young Musicians Program (YMP) Information Sessions
Do you know a student who writes songs or arranges music? Or a young improviser who wants to strengthen their musicianship and meet like-minded peers? Or a music teacher who might like to learn about Walden’s unique curriculum?
Join us at one of our online interactive information sessions, featuring presentations and Q&A with Walden’s Executive Director, Seth Brenzel, alongside YMP leadership, faculty, staff, and students.
All YMP Info Sessions are held on Zoom. Learn more and register for one of the info sessions below:
Wednesday, March 19
Wednesday, March 25
These events are open to prospective students, music teachers, and anyone else who would like to learn about Walden’s flagship program for musicians ages 9 to 18.
Walden is Hiring!
Walden is hiring for 2026 summer positions at our Young Musicians Program (YMP) and Creative Musicians Retreat (CMR) in Dublin, New Hampshire. We are seeking new teammates to join our creative community, and we hope that you might help spread the word about these opportunities to your friends and colleagues.
The positions currently open are:
Staff Member and Staff Lifeguard – Young Musicians Program (YMP)
Faculty Member – Young Musicians Program (YMP)
Electronic Music Faculty – Creative Musicians Retreat (CMR)
Choral Director – Creative Musicians Retreat (CMR)
Please contact us with any questions or inquiries. All positions are open until filled.
Opportunities for Composers
Did you know that Walden hosts a continually updated webpage of competitions, awards, and calls for scores? Please let us know of additional opportunities that may be of interest to the Walden community.
Here is one featured opportunity with upcoming deadlines:
Chicago a cappella HerVoice Competition and Mentorship Program
Chicago a cappella and the Santa Fe Desert Chorale seek submissions for HerVoice, a competition and mentorship program for women composers. Up to six winners will be selected to receive mentorship from a committee including composers Stacy Garrop (a Walden alum and former faculty member) and Chen Yi (a past Composer-in-Residence at Walden and a member of Walden’s Advisory Council), a workshop rehearsal, and a premiere performance of their work. In addition, all composers who submit will be invited to participate in a virtual meeting with Stacy Garrop about navigating a career as a female composer. Submissions should be 3-5 minutes in length and scored for up to 10 voices (SSSAATTBBB). Apply by March 15.
Community News
Freya Waley-Cohen celebrates three world premieres 
This spring, Young Musicians Program (YMP) alum Freya Waley-Cohen has announced three world premieres of her works. On February 20, her new string received its premiere performance at Wigmore Hall in London. Titled Dances, Hymns and Songs for Friendship, the work was commissioned by Sacconi Quartet to celebrate their 25th anniversary. In a review of the concert, The Guardian described her piece as “a striking new work—and one that fellow ensembles should eagerly consider adding to their repertoire.” In April, the principals of the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields will perform Waley-Cohen’s new wind quintet, titled Small Plinths, on tour in the United States. Among the performances of this work are April 17 at the University of Chicago and April 16 at Harris Hall in Memphis, TN—the same venue where Walden’s Memphis Composers Institute took place in February. On June 20, Waley-Cohen’s Violin Concerto No. 1 will be premiered at the Aldeburgh Festival, played by Tamsin Waley-Cohen, Freya’s sister and a past Walden visiting artist.
Walden alum named in Yamaha’s 40 under 40 music educators
Creative Musicians Retreat (CMR) alum Matt Siffert was recently named one of the 2026 Yamaha 40 music educators under 40, in recognition of his work with the Musical Mentors Collective (MMC), bringing music education and mentorship to under-resourced students across the U.S. through homeless shelters, supportive housing networks and low-income Title I schools. Yamaha’s profile of Matt’s work highlights several of his contributions to MMC’s programming: shifting their programs from short-term to year-long, consistent mentorship; launching MMC’s Summer Sounds program to close education gaps during the summer months; and spearheading their Community Events program, providing free tickets to concerts and dress rehearsals for students in need. Congratulations, Matt!
Walden artist performs at Berkeley Piano Club 
On February 28, the Earheart Trio presented a performance at the Berkeley Piano Club, featuring music by Shostakovich and Haydn and the premiere of a new work by Ben Dorfan. The Earheart Trio is composed of pianist Kumiko Uyeda, cellist Mary Artmann, and violinist Kate Stenberg, a past visiting artist at Walden.
Del Sol Quartet premieres music of Walden faculty member 
On February 22, the Del Sol Quartet premiered a new piece by Osnat Netzer, an alum of Walden’s Teacher Training Institute (TTI), past faculty member at YMP, and current faculty member at CMR. The new work for string quartet and live electronics, Galim Levanim, was presented at Constellation Chicago on a program alongside works by Chinary Ung, Meilina Tsui, Theresa Wong, and Vivian Fung. This performance comes at the culmination of the quartet’s Midwest tour, which includes residencies at the University of Iowa and Augustana College.
Alan Chan Jazz Orchestra performs at The Baked Potato
On February 22, TTI alum and former YMP faculty member Alan Chan performed at the historic Baked Potato jazz club in Los Angeles. Alongside vocalists Ben Thomas and LC Powell and oudist Dmitri Mahlis, the 17-piece Alan Chan Jazz Orchestra presented a program celebrating the Year of the Horse. Founded by keyboardist Don Randi in 1970, the Baked Potato is the oldest continuously operating jazz club in Los Angeles.
Sam Pluta releases new album, performs with Walden visiting artists
On February 12, the Sam Pluta Big Band presented music by Sam Pluta, a YMP and CMR faculty member, at the DiMenna Center for Classical Music in New York City. The ensemble is comprised of the Wet Ink Ensemble, a past Walden ensemble-in-residence, alongside a cast of talented guest artists that includes two other past Walden visiting artists, Madison Greenstone and Peter Evans. The hour-long immersive musical experience celebrated the release of Pluta’s new album, Slays Well with Others, on Carrier Records. Congratulations, Sam!
Composer Portraits concert series features works of Lisa Bielawa
On February 26, past CMR composer-in-residence Lisa Bielawa was featured in the Composer Portraits concert series at the Miller Theatre of Columbia University. The program included the world premiere of Balloon Variations, a new work commissioned by the Miller Theatre for the event and performed by the Contemporaneous ensemble. Also on the program were two vocal works performed by the composer.
YMP alum leads musical theatre showcase at Princeton
On February 21, The Lewis Center for the Arts at Princeton University presented How to Be Not Alone, a
concert of original and Broadway songs performed by the Princeton Playhouse Ensembles, led by Solon Snider Sway, a YMP alum and current Walden board member. The concert highlighted musical theater storytelling, performance, composition, arranging, direction, and choreography while featuring the work of current Princeton students and alumni. Audiences heard selections from A Little Night Music, Godspell, Evening Primrose, Kimberly Akimbo, In the Heights, Maybe Happy Ending, Next to Normal, Rent, and Waitress alongside new works by student composers and arrangers.
Loretta Notareschi honored by Regis College
Dr. Loretta Notareschi, an alum of YMP and TTI and a longtime faculty member at both
YMP and CMR, was awarded the 2025 Faculty Lecturer of the Year award by Regis College at Regis University, where she is Professor of Music. Each year, one faculty member is chosen to give a talk on a subject of their choosing to an audience of the other faculty in Regis College, students, the dean, the provost, the president, and guests. On February 20, Loretta gave a lecture with the Walden Musicianship-inspired title, “Sound in Time: What and Why Is Music?” In addition to the lecture, former Walden guest artist Steve Beck, piano, and Laura Sacks, viola, premiered Loretta’s new piece, the Quintal Sonata. Congratulations, Loretta!
LA Philharmonic performs work of Walden alum
On March 7, the Los Angeles Philharmonic premiered a new work by CMR and TTI alum Nicolás Lell Benavides in a concert inspired by the Great Wall of Los Angeles mural by Judy Baca. Benavides describes his piece, titled ¡AGUAS!, as “a sometimes beautiful, sometimes dissonant, fast-paced, mambo-inspired work that implores us to keep our wits about us as we navigate a world full of hazards, both big and small.” The work examines the treatment of Mexican Americans in LA during the Zoot Suit riots in the 1940s, and is particularly inspired by the mural panel pictured here. In addition to ¡AGUAS!, the concert featured music celebrating historically significant Angelenos by composers Juhi Bansal, Viet Cuong, Estevan Olmos, Xavier Muzik, and Nina Shekhar, all performed alongside an original film by director Alejandro G. Iñárritu. Congratulations, Nicolás!
We Want To Hear From You!
If you have a recent or upcoming premiere or concert, publication, award, new job, or a celebratory life event, please share your news, which needn’t be music-related (although we love your music-related news to be sure!). Email your news to alumni@waldenschool.org.
Stay in Touch
You can like The Walden School page on Facebook and join The Walden School private group to hear about events and opportunities throughout the year. You can also find us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, bandcamp, and at waldenschool.org.
