In Perfect Harmony: Chamber Music Comes to UAF
The UAF College of Liberal Arts is proud to share that Dr. Yue Sun, Assistant Professor of Upper Strings and Director of the Northern Lights String Orchestra, has been named a recipient of the prestigious 2025 People’s Endowment Award. This award will support her proposal to bring world-renowned violinist Philip Setzer to Fairbanks for the International Chamber Music Alaska (ICMA) Summer Intensive, set to take place from August 10-16, 2025.
With a mission to revitalize chamber music education at UAF and throughout Alaska, Dr. Sun’s initiative aims to provide high-level training for students while engaging the broader community. The People’s Endowment funds will cover Setzer’s travel and compensation, ensuring that students and audiences alike will benefit from his extensive knowledge and artistry.
Dr. Sun emphasizes the significance of this opportunity, noting that “Fairbanks, Alaska is built on a rich history of music that reflects the community’s deep commitment to the arts. Programs like the Native Fiddlers, String Symposium, String Fling, and the Fairbanks Summer Arts Camp have long played a vital role in shaping generations of musicians and music lovers. However, challenges such as the retirement of experienced educators, fiscal declines, and the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have negatively impacted these traditions.”
She continues, “Notably, these factors have resulted in fewer opportunities for K-12 students to develop skill and interest in music, which is detrimental to UAF’s ability to recruit students who are interested in developing their careers in music education and performance. Indeed, there is a need to reinvigorate the stellar and diverse music traditions that have so enriched Fairbanks and beyond!”
About Philip Setzer
Philip Setzer is a founding member of the 14-time Grammy-winning Emerson String Quartet. With a career spanning decades, he has performed with renowned orchestras worldwide, including the Cleveland Orchestra and the National Symphony. Setzer has also served as faculty at prestigious institutions such as The Juilliard School, London’s Royal Academy of Music, and The Curtis Institute. His expertise in chamber music and dedication to mentorship make him an invaluable addition to the ICMA Summer Intensive.
Dr. Sun is particularly excited about the mentorship Setzer will provide: “What excites me most is the chance for students to engage with Philip Setzer’s wealth of experience in a way that goes beyond technical skills. He has a unique ability to communicate musical ideas and inspire students to develop a deeper emotional connection to the music they play. This is often missing in a purely technical approach.”
She adds, “His expertise in chamber music will also foster collaboration, teaching students how to work together as a cohesive unit—a skill that’s essential not only in music but in broader community engagement as well.”
The Impact of International Chamber Music Alaska
The ICMA Summer Intensive is a transformative experience for musicians of all levels, providing opportunities to collaborate with master artists and educators. The program is designed to meet Alaska’s Arts Standards by fostering creativity, technical skill, and ensemble performance. “Through lessons, chamber music coachings, orchestra rehearsals, masterclasses, faculty concerts, and side-by-side performances with participants, students will gain firsthand insight into what it takes to reach the highest levels of musicianship—an incredibly motivating experience,” says Dr. Sun.
Beyond its impact on students, the program aims to strengthen the Fairbanks music community. “Setzer’s presence will likely inspire a greater appreciation for classical music and could encourage partnerships between local artists and musicians,” Dr. Sun adds. “Through performances, masterclasses, and open rehearsals, his mentorship will create new opportunities for the community to connect with music—whether as listeners, supporters, or aspiring musicians.”
On top of his musical talents, Dr. Sun highlights that “Mr. Setzer is an incredible person with a great sense of humor and valuable life experience. His presence and engagement can elevate the cultural landscape of Fairbanks, sparking pride and excitement in local music students while inspiring a broader audience to connect with the arts. This is an opportunity that could leave a lasting impact on both the students’ musical journeys and the overall cultural development of the community.”
About the People’s Endowment Award
Established at UAF, the People’s Endowment Award funds faculty and staff projects that enhance the university’s research, creative, and outreach efforts. Alongside Dr. Sun, the 2025 recipients from the College of Liberal Arts include Jaunelle Celaire (Music), Tori McDermott (Communication), Sarah McConnell (Music), Jericho Williams (English), Joe Holt (English), and Kevin Michael Carroll (Art, faculty mentor: Jamie Smith).
About the UAF Department of Music
The UAF Department of Music is committed to excellence in music education, performance, and community engagement. Offering a range of programs in performance, education, and music theory, the department fosters an environment where students develop their artistry and professional skills. Through events such as the ICMA Summer Intensive, UAF continues to be a hub for musical growth and innovation in Alaska.