Amidst the grandeur of Newport and its treasure trove of architectural marvels and Gilded Age splendor like the illustrious Breakers mansion, the timeless strains of classical music find their rightful place, echoing through the halls with an air of grace and sophistication.
Imagine, if you will, the scene: as the sun dips below the horizon, casting a soft glow over the sprawling lawns and manicured gardens, patrons gather within the grand ballroom of the Breakers. Here, beneath the glittering chandeliers and ornate frescoes, they are transported to a bygone era, where the melodies of Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach reign supreme. The air is thick with anticipation as the musicians take their places, their instruments poised and ready to breathe life into the notes written centuries ago.
As the first strains of music fill the air, a hush falls over the audience, captivated by the sheer beauty and power of the performance. Each note reverberates off the walls, enveloping the listeners in a symphony of sound that transcends time and space. In this moment, surrounded by the grandeur of the Breakers, one cannot help but feel a profound sense of awe and reverence for the artistry unfolding before them.
It is here, amidst the splendor of Newport’s iconic landmarks, that Newport Classical has made its mark,
bringing the unparalleled beauty of classical music to audiences far and wide. Founded with a vision to celebrate and preserve the rich musical heritage of the past, Newport Classical has become synonymous with excellence and innovation in the world of classical music. And as the strains of music continue to fill the air, one thing becomes abundantly clear: in Newport, the legacy of classical music lives on, vibrant and unyielding, for generations to come.
At the core of Newport Classical’s mission is a commitment to celebrating classical music as a living art form, one that transcends boundaries of age, culture, and background. Through its diverse array of programming, Newport Classical endeavors to enrich the Newport experience by providing access to unparalleled musical performances in stunning, storied venues throughout the city and beyond.
Central to Newport Classical’s offerings is its iconic summer Music Festival, a three-week extravaganza of concerts held in historic mansions across Newport and Aquidneck Island. Newport Classical also presents a year-round Chamber Series, offering patrons the opportunity to experience intimate performances in the organization’s own Newport Classical Recital Hall, along with a series of free, family-friendly Community Concerts, bringing the joy of live classical music into neighborhoods across Aquidneck Island.
The annual Newport Classical Music Festival that stands as a pinnacle of classical music appreciation. The festival, held in July, offers a celebration of musical excellence, bringing together world-renowned and emerging talents in a series of captivating performances set against the backdrop of Newport’s stunning historic mansions and venues.
A recent example of the festival’s grandeur was the world premiere of “The Gilded Cage” by three-time GRAMMY-nominated violinist/composer Curtis Stewart. This groundbreaking composition, performed by Newport Classical’s Festival Artists, took center stage at The Breakers. Inspired by Stewart’s personal connection to Newport and the Baptist AME church community, as well as the history of The Breakers’ caretakers, “The Gilded Cage” added a poignant and evocative touch to the festival’s lineup.
The festival boasts a rich array of musical experiences curated by Newport Classical’s artistic team. From thrilling piano quintets by Schumann, Bruch, and Shostakovich to riveting low-voice acapella ensembles and charismatic soloists, each concert offers audiences a unique and immersive journey into the world of classical music.
Among the festival’s featured artists at a recent festival was Broadway and opera star Kelli O’Hara, renowned pianists Hélène Grimaud, Simone Dinnerstein, and Charlie Albright, and acclaimed cellists Zlatomir Fung and Amit Peled. The festival also showcases dynamic chamber ensembles such as the Hermitage Piano Trio, Aizuri Quartet, Excelsis Percussion Quartet, Sinta Saxophone Quartet, and Fenway Quintet, each delivering performances that captivate and inspire.
Moreover, the Newport Classical Music Festival extends its reach into the community with a series of engaging events, like the free Fourth of July concerts at King Park to Opera Night at The Breakers featuring a bold new un-staged production of Così fan tutte.
Throughout the year, Newport Classical offers a diverse array of musical experiences, each set against the backdrop of Newport’s stunning historic venues and community spaces. From intimate chamber concerts to free, family-friendly community events, Newport Classical brings the transformative power of classical music to audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
One of the organization’s hall-mark event types is the Chamber Series, held year-round in the Newport Clas-sical Recital Hall.
This intimate setting provides the perfect backdrop for performances by world-class musicians, offering audiences a chance to experience the rich array of classical repertoire up close and personal. From solo recitals to chamber ensembles, each concert in the Chamber Series promises an unforgettable musical journey.
In the recent Chamber Series hosted by Newport Classical, audiences were treated to a diverse array of world-class performances, showcasing the organization’s commitment to excellence in classical music programming. One standout event featured internationally renowned violinist Chad Hoopes and pianist Anne-Marie McDermott, who mesmerized audiences with their virtuosity and artistry. Their program, anchored by Beethoven’s Sonata No. 9, showcased the dynamic interplay between two masterful musicians, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
Another highlight of the Chamber Series was the performance by rising-star pianist Eric Lu, hailed by The Guardian as “a veritable poet of the keyboard.” Lu made his Newport Classical debut with a program featuring music by Schubert, Mendelssohn, Bach, and Chopin. His emotive and expressive playing captivated audiences, earning him widespread acclaim and establishing him as a rising star in the classical music world.
In addition to these solo performances, the Chamber Series also featured dynamic ensemble performances, such as the Galvin Cello Quartet’s captivating rendition of works by Vivaldi and Piazzolla. Bursting onto the scene after capturing the Silver Medal at the 2021 Fischoff Competition and the 2022 Victor Elmaleh Competition, the Galvin Cello Quartet showcased their exceptional talent and musicianship, leaving audiences spellbound with their electrifying performances.
Furthermore, bassoonist Eleni Katz and pianist Evren Ozel took the stage in a program celebrating the many facets of the bassoon, featuring works by Debussy, Ravel, Saint-Saëns, Coleridge-Taylor, and more. Their performance highlighted the versatility and expressive range of the bassoon, captivating audiences with its rich and distinctive sound.
The Community Concerts bring free, casual, and welcoming classical music events directly into Newport neighborhoods.
Empire Wild, for example, at Newport Craft Brewing and Invoke at Miantopomi Memorial Park are examples of Newport Classical’s free concerts. Their community events are sometimes straight classical, sometimes genre-bending reimaginings of classics by composers like Beethoven, Ravel, and Bach, infusing them with their own distinct style, and even performances that defies= genre classification, blending classical, folk, bluegrass, and Americana influences into a captivating musical mix. With a lineup of violin, viola, cello, banjo, mandolin, and vocals.
Newport Classical has a rich legacy dating back to its inception as the Rhode Island Arts Foundation at Newport, Inc. in 1969. Originally known as Newport Music Festival, the organization has been a cornerstone of Newport’s cultural landscape for over five decades. From its humble beginnings, Newport Classical has evolved into a premier performing arts organization dedicated to celebrating classical music as a living art form.
The mission of Newport Classical is rooted in its commitment to presenting exceptional concert experiences that resonate with audiences of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds. Through its diverse programming, Newport Classical aims to inspire, educate, and engage the community in the transformative power of classical music. From intimate chamber recitals to grand orchestral performances, Newport Classical seeks to create meaningful connections between artists, audiences, and the music itself.
Central to Newport Classical’s mission is not only presenting excep-tional concert experiences but also engaging with the community through educational ini-tiatives.
Newport Classical’s commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion extends beyond its performances to its Music Education and Engagement Initiative. This initiative aims to enrich the lives of local students and residents by providing access to live classical music and educational opportunities.
Through partnerships with schools and community organizations, Newport Classical brings professional musicians into classrooms, offering interactive workshops, masterclasses, and performances tailored to inspire and educate young minds. By fostering a love and appreciation for classical music from an early age, Newport Classical’s educational efforts contribute to the cultural enrichment and empowerment of the Newport community.’
Over the years, Newport Classical has earned a reputation for excellence, presenting world-renowned and up-and-coming artistic talents in iconic venues across Newport and Aquidneck Island.
As you plan your visit to Newport, Rhode Island, consider adding the unforgettable experience of attending one of Newport Classical’s concerts to your itinerary. Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty and power of classical music while surrounded by the historic charm of Newport’s iconic venues.
Don’t miss the opportunity to elevate your Newport experience with the beauty and power of classical music and take an unforgettable musical journey that will leave you inspired, uplifted, and enriched.
For Newport Classical’s complete concert calendar, visit www.newportclassical.org/concerts
