Testimonials

“We are so humbled to have had the opportunity to come study at Lamp. This place has immensely impacted the growth and direction of our string quartet, and for that we cannot thank you enough. Working with the amazing, diverse collection artists that you’ve assembled is something we will all treasure forever. We hope to be back!”

- Kodak Quartet, String Residency 2022


“I realized the other day that it’s fast approaching the one year anniversary of my arrival in Lunenburg. Even now, I’m at a loss at how fortunate I’ve been to have spent time with each and every one of you at the height of the pandemic. 

Looking back, it all feels like a dream having had this rare opportunity not only to continue performing in the face of the global lockdown but also to share the experience with all of you. Before arriving in Lunenburg, I was struggling and had little to look forward to musically or otherwise. Despite the seemingly insurmountable set of obstacles in the way, you all, without exaggeration, gave me the support I so desperately needed to continue making music from then until today.  Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for supporting me as a musician and making me feel like family. ”

- Tristan Siegel, Ludwig @ Lamp Residency 2020 - 2021


“Thank you for creating and sustaining this incredible space, and for your commitment to young and emerging artists. These past few months have spurred my creativity and reignited my sense of purpose, and I will be forever grateful for that.”

- Pierre-André Doucet, Ludwig @ Lamp Residency 2020


"LAMP provides a type of young artist training and personalized mentorship I didn't think was possible. Burt Wathen has created and cultivated an environment which makes meaningful artistic expression a requirement instead of a rarity. LAMP is a place where one can not only witness great artists but meet and learn from them with unparalleled access: I've found myself sitting in a circle with Barbara Hannigan speaking about the trials of a life in the arts one week and reading and rehearsing piano quintets with the Verona Quartet the next. The support, education and opportunities I've had here wouldn't occur anywhere else in the life of a young pianist, and I am grateful to be allowed to be a part of such a unique and excellent organization."

— Ian Tomaz, Emerging Artist in Residence 2019, 2020 & 2021


"My time at LAMP was exciting and life changing. First time so far away from home, first time doing professional work outside the academic structure. I met wonderful people who, through their openness and commitment, helped in my development as an artist. I worked with musicians of the greatest caliber, I finally felt that I was in the right place at the right time. The first time spent in LAMP resulted in more professional invitations and I can't wait to return!"

— Radoslaw Ungur, Rossini Opera Academy 2019, Vocal Residency 2020, 2022


"The open and welcoming environment that LAMP created allowed me to dive into my work, but in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. Without time constraints and outside pressure, my creativity grew, and I was challenged daily to develop not only as a musician, but as a person.
After participating in Barbara Hannigan's EQ Artist workshop and Gala, my Duo partner and I stayed on to work with Walter Delahunt. We learned so much from his exceptional Lieder expertise, and I can't wait for the next opportunity to return!"

— Jenavieve Moore, Equilibrium for Young Artists 2019


"Before attending LAMP, I expected it to be just another music program. However, the program that [Artistic Director Burt Wathen] has built there separates itself from others in the extreme level of care put into every aspect of music-making. From the beautiful rehearsal and concert space to the strong sense of community built at the academy as well as the extremely high skill caliber of both the instructors and the students, LAMP is a program that truly puts the music first and everything else second."

— Jack Smith, Saxophone Academy 2019, Composition 2019, 2020, 2021,
EQ 2021 & 2022, Canadian Contemporary Music Academy 2021


“LAMP proved itself to be one of the most moving, personal, and powerful experiences that could not be recreated anywhere else.  We can’t say enough times, thank you for your belief, your time, your attention. Let there be more music, more connection, more stories , emotions and love being shared.”

(to view Tong’s full article on her time at LAMP during the pandemic, click here)

— Tong Wang, Composition Academy 2018, Chamber Music 2019, Residency 2020


"I have been to LAMP for a couple of years now and it's been a wonderful and rewarding experience. Getting to meet and work with such great and experienced artists who have no hesitation on sharing all their knowledge in a small but beautiful town is just the perfect combination that one can only dream of. I've made awesome friends, learned and practiced a lot, and enjoyed the best sunsets attending to LAMP, something I will always take with me for life."

– Enrique Guzmán, Rossini Opera Academy 2018 & 2019, Vocal Residency 2021 & 2022


"I am soprano and have participated in two LAMP Renaissance Music courses, both of which have been transformative and facilitated inspiring and meaningful personal and musical connections in my life. From the building itself, with its antique charm and large resonant spaces, to the amazing organizers, whose hospitality and generosity are unmatched, to the beautiful community found in Lunenburg that embraces LAMP and its performers, it is an unforgettable experience. LAMP's world-renowned instructors facilitate interactive learning environments and engaging discussions. The discourse is dynamic and revelatory leading to a deeper understanding of the music and more meaningful collaboration with colleagues. I carry my experiences from LAMP wherever I go and always return as often as possible!"

– Ellen Torrie, Syntagma Musicum 2018, 2019; Women Composers of the Italian Baroque 2021


"My time spent at the academy will forever be helpful in my growth as a musician and as a person."

– Travis MacDonald, Jazz Academy 2017


"My experience at LAMP was life changing for me."

– Geoffrey Conquer, Piano Academy 2017


"I would not be where I am now if I had not attended LAMP."

– Rachel Fenlon, Rossini Opera Academy 2015, Composition Academy 2016


"My time at LAMP was rejuvenating and inspiring. The beautiful town and community, the faculty, and the wonderful environment at LAMP provided such a powerful education and experience."

– BJ Hernandez, Early Music Academy 2016 & 2022


"It was such a great experience the last time and we feel that with our new violist, we could accomplish even more by returning."

– Patrick Shaughnessy, String Quartet Academy 2016 & 2017


"LAMP gave me the confidence to pursue a career as a composer."

– Gavin Fraser, Composition Academy, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021 & 2022