Chamber Music Festival Brings World-Class Talent to Fairbanks
By Amber McCain
Photo by David McCain
Cellist Charly Akert introduces the performers.
The International Chamber Music Alaska, or ICMA, Summer Intensive was held from August 11-16, filling the Davis Concert Hall with the sounds of live chamber music. The week featured concerts, workshops, and masterclasses that brought musicians, students, and the community together in a shared love of music. Centered on active collaboration and guidance, ICMA offered emerging talent the chance to learn straight from seasoned experts.
Violinist Philip Setzer, founding member of the Grammy-winning Emerson String Quartet, was the week’s highlight. His visit was made possible by Dr. Yue Sun, assistant professor at UAF, who secured the 2025 People’s Endowment Award to bring him to Fairbanks. Setzer gave a recital and led two masterclasses, sharing his expertise in chamber music and ensemble playing.
About 150 people attended Thursday’s faculty performance where cellist Charly Akert joked, “What a thrill it is to perform with my former students. I taught them everything they know.” After laughing, he added, “No, they went out into the world, but what a wonderful reunion for us all.”
Photo by David McCain
Violinist Philip Setzer, founding member of the Grammy-winning Emerson String Quartet, was the week’s highlight.
The 2025 faculty was led by guest artist Philip Setzer, celebrated violinist and founding member of the Emerson String Quartet. Faculty included violinists Dr. Brian Bak, Dr. Sheng-Ching Hsu, Dr. Yue Sun, and Dr. Patrick Yim; violists Jun Wang and Dr. Yim; and cellists Charly Akert, Dr. Karl Knapp, and Dr. Yi Qun Xu.
The 2025 ICMA program brought together a wide-ranging group of musicians from Fairbanks, Alaska, the Lower 48, Taiwan, and China. While ICMA welcomes donations, it was through free concerts and events that the community was invited to experience classical music up close.
With more programs planned for the future, ICMA is on track to become a major part of Alaska’s chamber music community, nurturing talent and sharing chamber music at the highest level.
Photo by David McCain
Dr. Brian Bak, and Dr. Sheng-Ching Hsu during the faculty performance of the ICMA on Aug. 14, 2025.