Emerging Artists

The Emerging Artist program is set up to help outstanding collegiate level musicians who demonstrate both skills in performing and teaching and have a strong love of chamber music. This program helps the young artist gain confidence and a clearer view of what they have to offer as a professional performer and teacher. They work both as a student and coach at the festival and get the opportunity to perform at the faculty concert.

2011 Emerging Artist - Megan Knapp

Megan Knapp is an eager performer, a devoted teacher and an advocate of classical music. Ms Knapp earned a Bachelor’s of Music in cello performance from the University of Northern Colorado in 2008. Her primary teacher’s include Andrew Cook and James Fittz. While at UNC, she was a founding member of a mixed chamber group, the Radical Chamber Ensemble, and an original performer in the Music of Our Time series. Ms. Knapp first attended the Gold Coast Chamber Music Festival in 2006 and has returned annually ever since. After moving to Los Angeles, Ms. Knapp has been a participant in the Steven Geber Master Class in Hidden Valley and has worked with members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic as a “cadet” at the Hilltop Boot Camp. Currently Ms. Knapp is a member of the American Youth Symphony and teaches privately, while pursuing her freelance performance work, including appearances with a local rock band.

Past Emerging Artists were Matthew Park - violoncello (2010), Peter Kibbe - violoncello (2008), Casey Bozell - violin (2007), and Danielle Nesmith - violin (2006)