Testimonials
“Mostly Modern Festival dazzles with its inaugural year. MMF is the creation of Robert Paterson— acclaimed composer— and his wife, Victoria Paterson— celebrated violinist. Together they have created a refreshingly unique and addictive musical experience that is sure to amaze!”
Performers
“This festival is a MUST attend for those wanting to explore the joys of modern music.”
“Invigorating for performers, conductors, and composers in the most picturesque setting! I thoroughly enjoyed my time at MMF and will definitely be applying next summer!”
“Amazing experience. I left the festival with a sense of direction and confidence to take hold of my future.”
“An incredible three weeks. So many amazing musicians. I am so grateful that something like the MMF exists.”
“…such an amazing experience… a wonderful balance of learning standard 20th and 21st-century repertoire as well as world premiering works by composers attending the festival! Hearing from all the amazing faculty members about how to make it as a freelance musician was so beneficial to all the young professionals at MMF.”
“One of the most creative and supportive communities of students and professionals that I have experienced in classical music. In addition to the incredible musical experiences at the festival I just keep on hearing about all the collaborations for the future that are emerging. I myself even already commissioned pieces. It’s incredible the gift you have given these young composers.
One of my students told me after our master class that the last three weeks have been the best three weeks of his musical life and that it’s really helped him feel included in his space that he didn’t feel included before. In the end, that’s what we all do it for. I’m so grateful to be part of this amazing community. I’m so proud of the amazing work [Robert and Victoria] have done, moving mountains to make this happen.”
“Getting to meet and interact with the composers of an orchestral or chamber music piece was such an eye-opening experience. Knowing that my playing could change the final result of a song gave me more incentive to work harder to allow their vision to come through. I learned so many invaluable lessons from my peers, the faculty, composers, and directors. They gave me insight not only in my playing but entrepreneurship and managing life as a musician.”
“I have to say that my time at MMF has been one of my favorite, summer-festival experiences! Your festival had such a powerful impact on my musicianship: the wide variety of performance opportunities and getting to work with such incredible faculty! I also extremely enjoyed all of the repertoire we got to play, and the moments when all of the participants (conductors, composers, instrumentalists) got to come and collaborate together! ”
“What a fantastic atmosphere! The talent of the composers, faculty, students, conductors, and instrumentalists and the atmosphere of like-minded contemporary music lovers made for a meaningful and valuable experience for everyone involved. The beautiful campus of Skidmore College, with its excellent facilities, food, and location, made for the perfect setting for this life-changing festival. Apply early; this is going to get big!”
“I learned so much during the festival, and I feel like I grew in leaps and bounds as a musician. It was some of the most caring and supportive faculty I’ve ever worked with. I’ve attended many summer programs, but MMF is the first one where I felt everyone truly cared about the participants’ well-being.”
“It was such a treat to do all of my favorite things—new music, chamber music, orchestral playing, and teaching—all at one amazing festival and to do it all at an incredibly high level with fabulous colleagues in a beautiful place with a caring sensibility. Congratulations on crafting such a special festival environment!”
“I really enjoyed interacting informally with the composers. Lots of informative discussions about music, composing, and writing for my instrument took place over meals in the Dining Hall!”
“As a guest artist in MMF’s 2nd Season, I had the pleasure of collaborating with co-founders Victoria and Robert Paterson and several leading musical professionals. MMF promises to become the standard-bearer in developing, nurturing, and promoting new classical music while paying homage to the tradition upon which it builds. An exceptional experience in a beautiful environment!”
“The Mostly Modern Festival has been the most comprehensive, vital, and vivacious music festival devoted to recent music that I’ve ever been a part of. The vast array of music presented and performed in a 3-week space is invigorating and wide-ranging. MMF is definitely a wonderfully unique celebration of both 21st-century music and underperformed or underrated 20th-century repertoire. I know of no other festival that explores all of this music more thoroughly and with such gusto.”
“I performed a great deal and learned a lot, especially on extended techniques. I made awesome friends with who I will likely to stay in touch for a very long time. All in all - it was a blast! The music center is top-notch!”
Conductors
“Mostly Modern opened my eyes to what it means to be a contemporary musician. Attending the festival, I felt embraced in a warm community of pioneers and advocates for tomorrow’s music.”
“THANK YOU for a truly memorable and wonderful week of music-making. I’ve rarely felt so engaged, so useful, and so musically fulfilled. You guys are doing something really miraculous; it was an honor to be a part of it.”
Composers
“MMF easily is the best festival I’ve been to so far. Legendary composers, top ensembles, and colony-like atmosphere in the beautiful woods of Saratoga Springs? What’s not to love!”
“The Mostly Modern Festival was truly an extraordinary experience. Never before have I worked in such a welcoming and supportive environment. Robert, Victoria, and all the MMF staff were so lovely and determined to make this the best new music festival possible. I am looking forward to watching this festival grow in the years to come.”
“I thought the festival was magnificently run. Everyone that I spoke with—34 composers—were enthusiastic. I was charmed by everything: the friendliness, the expertise of the performances, and the general level of professionalism.”
“No words can convey my gratitude. This has been life-changing.”
“MMF is at the forefront of becoming the most popular and groundbreaking music festival in the world; I am grateful that I attended the first year!!”
“Mostly Modern Festival is a volcano on the musical landscape… 35 composers, 100 performers, 10 concerts, 2 weeks. If that doesn’t get the creativity flowing, you may need to call a doctor.”
“One of the most exciting, lively, and enriching summer experiences I have ever had, and I would recommend it to anyone who is serious about being a professional musician.”
“The Mostly Modern Festival is one of those rare cases where the commitment to new and recent music is absolute. What Rob and Victoria Paterson have created is nothing short of extraordinary. Everyone interested in new music—composers and performers alike—should run, not walk, to be a part of this incredible venture! ”
“This festival is an absolute must for new music composers and performers! Ask anyone who’s been—MMF is 110% worth it.”
“Fantastic people, excellent presentations, mind-blowing concerts...this festival was one of the greatest experiences of my life and musical career. Thanks to all who made it possible.”
“I thoroughly enjoyed my residency at MMF... It was wonderful to work with your diverse group of composition students… You have created something truly remarkable with this program, and you should be extremely proud of what you have accomplished thus far. The future looks bright for MMF! ”
“MMF’s strongest asset is its amazing faculty and conductors. They are providing the necessary artistic and business insights musicans need to develop successful, sustainable careers in music.”
“I have no doubt that the Mostly Modern Festival will become the Aspen Music Festival of the East. The collegiality and sharing among everyone involved was at the highest level. For the composers, this was a rare opportunity to have our music performed by first-class musicians. The entire three weeks were a first-class event.”
About Skidmore & Saratoga springs
“Having your own single room, was extremely nice, as well as being able to practice in it - most festivals don’t have this perk, so I really enjoyed it!”
“The campus is beautiful. The food in the main cafeteria was great - I especially liked the variety of food options, the freshness and the ability to cook your own eggs on a grill. It was great that each student got their own room! The town is just lovely, I went downtown anytime I had more than an hour’s break just to sit in the park or window shop. So many great food options!”
“Between rehearsals, concerts, game nights, hikes, and nights out on the town, we all became an MMF family. We pushed four big tables together at dinner and still didn’t have enough room for all the friends!”
“The environment was very welcoming and beautiful! Definitely enjoyed all the food and loved all the nature of the campus.”
“It’s a great location. Zankel Hall is beautiful... The dining Hall offered a good selection of different foods, and the residence hall had communal spaces, which I appreciated in being able to connect with other festival musicians.”
“Nothing was longer than a 6-minute walk away. It’s a very peaceful environment, suitable for an intense musical retreat.”
“It was an all-encompassing homey feeling. Skidmore does a great job with everything they do, as does MMF staff!”