The annual Adam Summer School for Chamber Music is an opportunity for up to 30 talented young string players and pianists to commit themselves to ten days of intense chamber music-making. Surrounded by their peers and in the idyllic setting of Nelson in summertime, students attend coaching sessions and masterclasses by the New Zealand String Quartet and, in 2025, renowned New Zealand pianist Rae De Lisle. This is an opportunity for young classical musicians to connect with each other and to learn from and be inspired by professional musicians.
The 2025 School will be a particularly special experience for students as, for the first time in Adam Summer School history, a past student is returning as a guest tutor. Malavika Gopal, who attended the Summer School as a student in 2003, 2004 and 2005 will return as the Guest Violin Tutor. We’re incredibly excited to have her return in this full circle moment and share her impressive career with our Class of 2025.
Malavika Gopal
Years Attended: 2003, 2004 & 2005
Instrument: Violin
Malavika Gopal is a violinist and Adam Summer School alumni. She studied at University of Auckland and, since attending th Adam Summer School, has performed extensively with ensembles and orchestras oveseas. She now holds the position of First Violin with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.
1. Describe your Summer School experience in three words.
Fine-tuned my course.
2. As a student, how did you find out about the Summer School and what motivated you to apply?
It was the mid-2000’s and I was studying at the New Zealand School of Music. This, of course, was where the NZSQ was teaching, and I think through them we all just sort of knew about it. I had a core group of friends at music school, and we all thought this would be fun and a cool opportunity to hang out and make music together in the summertime.
3. How does it feel to be returning to the Adam Summer School as a guest tutor?
It’s a dream come true! While I was a student at the Adam Summer School, Nelson became one of my absolute favourite cities in all of Australasia and I’m always excited to get to spend time there. But mainly, I really love coaching and teaching chamber music. I’m so grateful for the Adam Summer School and all the study I’ve been able to do and the wonderful tutors I’ve been able to learn from. To return to the Adam Summer School feels like a really satisfying full-circle experience.
4. What part of being a tutor at the Summer School are you most looking forward to?
Seeing the students have ‘aha!’ moments. Watching as something that I’ve told them clicks into place and helps them figure something out is always extremely satisfying.
5. Is there anything about coming back as a tutor that made you nervous?
I’m a new mum to a six-month-old baby, so I’m worried about being sleep deprived and having baby brain! As a musician you understand that there’s always more you can work on, always more you can be doing so, all in all, I’m more excited than nervous.
6. What was the most memorable moment from your time as a student at the Adam Summer School?
I don’t think I can pick just one! Eating together, celebrating together, playing on stage together, going to the beach together, staying in the youth hostel, morning walks. All of it was incredible, I can’t choose just one moment because they were all so different and awesome.
The connection you make when you’re on stage after having worked so closely with each other over the course of the week is really strong. Theres nothing more satisfying that going through that experience together. We’re all still in touch. I made some life-long friendships at the Adam Summer School. It’s just a magical experience; it’s like your own little musical bubble. It sounds like hyperbole, but it’s true!
7. What repertoire did you play at your Finale Concerts?
In no particular order, Beethoven string quartet Op. 18 No. 4 in C minor, Shostakovich piano quintet in G minor, Op. 57 and Dvořák piano quintet in A major, Op. 81.
The whole experience gave me really strong foundations in a wide range of repertoire, which was extremely useful when I got overseas. Plus, the NZSQ was so knowledgeable, it really set me up for my career later down the line.
8. Were there any pieces of advice you received at the Summer School as a student that you still think about to this day?
Just to keep going and to be enthusiastic. The NZSQ were so enthusiastic, it was really contagious and helped to set us up with the right attitude. That enthusiasm helped me continue through all of my studies and into my career. I contribute a lot of my success to their enthusiasm and that attitude they imparted on us.
9. What does a typical day/week/month look like for you now?
Baby. It’s all baby-related! Sometimes I can get enough practise in, but not always. This is my first baby, so I’m still figuring out how to get enough practise in, stay in playing shape and continue to improve. We as musicians are always striving for the best, but there’s just always more to work on. I’m excited to figure out this new work/ baby balance.
10. Is there anything coming up for the rest of this year that you’re excited about?
I’m extremely excited about returning to Nelson and the Adam Summer School! But beyond that, the NZSO is loaning me a new violin and I’m incredibly excited to get to know it. I’ve had it for about three weeks now and because I haven’t had much time to practise, I haven’t quite gotten to know it yet. I’m looking forward to finding moments for very intentional practise. I get particularly nerdy and geeky, and when I only have short bits of time, it means I can get really deep into it. Plus, I’m excited to play lots of music for my baby!
Celebrate the Adam Summer School by attending a Finale Concert on Sunday 16th February 2025. These concerts are your chance to see the next generation of music-makers in action.
Date: Sunday 16th February 2024
Time: 3pm & 7pm
Location: Nelson Centre of Musical Arts, 48 Nile Street, Nelson
Tickets: $5 - $25, book at ncma.nz
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