Mission
To train aspiring symphony conductors and orchestra musicians through an intensive summer program distinguished by a unique teaching legacy, a wide and varied repertoire, and public performances of symphonic, chamber and children’s concerts.
Vision
The Pierre Monteux School and Music Festival, founded as a conducting school in 1943 by renowned conductor Pierre Monteux, aspires to be the finest summer training program and festival of its kind. We provide an intensive, supportive environment based on Monteux’s belief that conductors should play in the orchestra while observing the lessons of their colleagues, thus learning from both sides of the podium. We actively recruit exceptional students through enduring relationships with a global network of distinguished conservatories, universities and alumni. Our goals are to reward the demonstrated talent, commitment and promise of our students by steadily increasing scholarship support, and to serve our local communities by offering a series of symphonic, chamber and children’s concerts each summer.
Values
The core values of The Pierre Monteux School and Music Festival reflect the musical and humanitarian legacy of our founder, Pierre Monteux. Under the guidance of our music director, students approach a challenging repertoire with discipline and rigor, learning from faculty, guest artists and each other in a mutually respectful and supportive environment. We share the power of classical music with our festival audiences and promote goodwill throughout our host communities. In all our activities, we strive to foster and promote profound musical understanding and personal growth.
Diversity Statement
The Monteux School and Music Festival takes place in the homeland of the Wabanaki, the People of the Dawn. We recognize and honor the Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Micmac, Maliseet, and Abenaki Nations, and all of the Native communities who have lived here for hundreds of generations, and continue to do so, in what is known today as Maine.
The Monteux School and Music Festival acknowledges structural inequities have excluded individuals and communities from opportunities, and is committed to cultivating an inclusive musical community of learning, facilitating the success of all people, and supporting all individuals. An inclusive community values diversity in culture, socio-economic status, race, ethnicity, nationality, place of origin, language, physical ability, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religious and non-religious identity, political and social ideology, family background, veteran status, and age, as well as the intersections of these identities.
School seeks the application of musicians of all communities and identities strives to provide opportunities for its students, staff, and audiences to reflect upon their own perspectives while examining the perspectives of others, resulting in a culture of empathy and respect for all.
Approved by the Trustees of the
Monteux School and Music Festival
Hancock, Maine
