The Heifetz Institute will launch the first-ever Heifetz Ensemble-in-Residence Program, or HEIR, to take place in two sessions from January through May 2021. Just as the creation of the Heifetz Virtual Institute was an innovative and industry-leading response to the pandemic (the vast majority of summer festivals effectively suspended operations), the HEIR program is a creative alternative to the Institute’s acclaimed Heifetz on Tour program, designed to offer real-world performance experience and outreach opportunities for our most talented and engaging young alums.

Each of the two sessions will consist of either a string quartet or a piano trio composed of outstanding alumni of the Heifetz Institute, who will live and work in our home city of Staunton, VA for a two month period. Housing, meals, and salaries will be provided for the duration of the eight weeks. Intensive weekly rehearsal, performance, and production schedules will be prepared for the ensembles, augmented by the educational and outreach elements outlined above. Clear and strict policies regarding quarantine periods and social distancing will be enforced to ensure the safety of our artists and of our community