Catherine Filene Shouse Chamber Music Institute
June 9 - 24, 2012
Paul Katz, Director
An intensive 2-week coaching and performing experience for the finest young, professional chamber ensembles.
The Shouse Experience
The Shouse Institute seeks emerging ensembles of 3-6 musicians pursuing a career in chamber music. String, wind, brass, percussion or mixed ensembles are eligible to apply. Participating ensembles are viewed not as students, but as young colleagues of the Festival artists, and each group is given multiple performance opportunities on Festival concerts. Shouse fellows enjoy intensive coaching opportunities with some of the world's most renowned chamber musicians. They receive lodging, transportation assistance, and per diem.
The eldest Granddaughter of the Founder of Filene's Specialty Store in Boston, Massachusetts,
Catherine Filene Shouse, grew up surrounded by leaders in the music, education and civic worlds.
Her Parents instilled in her a special sense that with privilege comes responsibility to Society.
Mrs. Shouse became a dynamic, active visionary for political, educational, cultural, international
and women's affairs, who served her country during wartime and peace, with dedication that won her
the highest of honors. Her awards include: The U. S. Presidential Medal of Freedom, Dame Commander
of the British Empire by Elizabeth II, Germany's Commander's Cross of Merit, Austria's Medal of Honor
and France's Officier dans l'Ordere des Arts et des Lettres. Additional appreciation was expressed
through 59 other citations and honors and 14 Honorary Degrees from universities and colleges.
The legacy of Kay Shouse includes the donation of her land in Virginia, buildings
on it and funds for construction of "The Filene Center" to the U. S. Government for the creation of
the first and only National Park for the Performing Arts and Related Education Programs, Wolf Trap.
The gift was accepted by an Act of Congress in l966. The Center is a living monument to the mind,
spirit and generosity of Mrs. Shouse. She served on the Wolf Trap Board and alternated the role of
Program Chairman with Beverly Sills.
During the l970s, Wolf Trap presented such rising young stars as Jessye Norman,
Luciano Pavarotti and James Tocco.
The Catherine Filene Shouse Foundation continues a fundamental interest of Mrs.
Shouse by furthering the careers of promising young people in the performing arts. The Great Lakes
Chamber Music Festival is pleased to be the recipient of support from the Foundation, which Mrs.
Shouse established.
