Testimonials from LAMP alumni
LAMP sets a surreal and unmatched standard for what Canadian Contemporary/New Music workshops can be. The faculty, staff, performers and participants all contributed towards a well-crafted, unique and unforgettable experience. LAMP was absolutely transformative in my journey as an emerging composer, and I am grateful for the lessons, relationships and memories I will hold very dearly for the rest of my life.
Reid Contreras Woelfle, Composition Academy 2024
LAMP is truly an experience of a lifetime for emerging composers. My time in this program has opened my eyes to all kinds of new ideas about what music can be. The relationships I've developed with mentors, performers, and other composers during this program have been very special and have inspired future collaborations.
Shanti Sivarulrasa, Composition Academy 2024
LAMP has given me the opportunity to work in an environment designed for my growth and creative development. The faculty was supportive, available, and invested in my voice as a composer, all set in Lunenburg as beautiful backdrop to work in. Lamp has drastically changed the way I approach my artistry from here out, and I'll always look back on my stay here as a turning point in my career.
Jeremie Boudreau, Composition Academy 2024
My time at LAMP was rejuvenating in many ways - both in terms of the ideas and concepts shown to me by the faculty and my colleagues which expanded my knowledge in such a vast and unique way, but also in the peaceful nature and surroundings that LAMP provides. It is a place to hone your craft mindfully and is such an incredibly special space for artists to work and grow. Every time I leave LAMP, I am left with a feeling of mental space and awakening, a new understanding and love for my art, and a profound sense of gratitude.
Rebecca Benjamin, Ludwig @ LAMP Residency 2020, Viola Academy 2024
I had the most beautiful and wonderful time at LAMP. I will forever remember it fondly. Thank you to the team, headed by the visionary Burt (supported by his wonderful wife Jane), for making it all happen so smoothly. Never have I thought I would come to love this little town of Lunenburg so fondly.
Chris Au, pianist - Angela Hewitt Masterclass 2022, Piano Fellowship 2023
I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the incredible experience I had with LAMP. It has been nothing short of amazing! From the moment I arrived at LAMP I was welcomed with open arms and warm smiles. The journey has been an eye-opening and enriching one, and I have learned so much regarding diction, musical interpretation and technique. LAMP's dedication to supporting young artists and local community is truly commendable. The experience I have had with LAMP has left a lasting impact on me. The opportunities to collaborate, learn, and grow have been both rewarding and inspiring. It's evident that the hard work, passion, and commitment of everyone at LAMP make it a truly exceptional organization. I am thankful for the experiences, knowledge, and friendships I have gained through my involvement with LAMP. It has been a privilege to be a part of this program. Thank you once again for the amazing experience, and please know that your efforts are greatly appreciated. You are making a difference, and I am grateful to have been a part of it.
Roanna Kitchen, French Opera Academy 2023
Superb experience—LAMP is a national treasure, as are Burt and staff, and the faculty and program overall were exceptional. In particular, the LAMP “vibe” was wonderful—Burt et al have clearly done their homework in terms of attracting good people who set the tone and provide a friendly, collaborative (not competitive) but at the same time intensive and highly productive environment.
Barry Honda, Early Music 2023
I was completely happy with my experience at LAMP ... The staff and faculty were all so welcoming, and I felt a freedom to test the boundaries of the music and my abilities that only happens in such a supportive, artistically adventurous environment. A week later and I feel a profound shift in my approach to my playing, and I'm excited for what is to come. Lastly, I'm so grateful to have made so many strong connections; finding "your tribe" as a freelance musician can be a huge challenge, but I feel as though I made true friends during my time at LAMP. Thank you again!
Heather O’Gara, Bass Clarinet 2023
I was completely happy with my experience at LAMP. The staff and faculty were all so welcoming, and I felt a freedom to test the boundaries of the music and my abilities that only happens in such a supportive, artistically adventurous environment. A week later and I feel a profound shift in my approach to my playing, and I'm excited for what is to come. Lastly, I'm so grateful to have made so many strong connections; finding "your tribe" as a freelance musician can be a huge challenge, but I feel as though I made true friends during my time at LAMP. Thank you again!
Alexandra Vaduva, Composition Academy 2023
My experience at LAMP was beyond wonderful. The accommodation was really great as that saved me a lot of money. Moreover, I was able to learn a lot from the guest faculty. I had an amazing time meeting with other musicians in the relaxing atmosphere of Lunenburg.
Edward Ng, Composition Academy 2023
“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, 2023
“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, 2024
EQ 2021, EQ2022, 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, 2024; EQ 2024;
Chamber Music 2019; Residency 2020, 2023, 2024
"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, French Opera Academy 2023
"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,
French Opera Academy 2023
"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