Newport Music Festival
Newport, Rhode Island, USA
Early JulyDescription
Established in 1969, the Newport Music Festival presents chamber music in the famous Newport Mansions. Millionaires lend their neo-classical and baroque summer mansions to a cultural cause, as Newport presents more than 67 classical concerts in their ballrooms and on their lawns. Some 60-plus international artists play in such venues as The Great Hall of The Breakers, constructed in 1895 by Cornelius Vanderbilt in the style of a 16th century Italian Palace. The purpose of chamber music was to give life to rooms like those at Newport, and chamber music is indeed the focus, although the musical selection runs the classical gamut. The selection process is made by general director Dr. Mark P. Malkovich III, who chooses from the 19th century chamber and vocal repertoire, along with some Romantic-era piano literature. Composers such as Schubert, Brahms or Tchaikovsky are featured in afternoon retrospective concerts. The Festival celebrates its 40th season in 2008, with more than 60 classical musicians from around the world performing in these most gracious settings.
Performers
Newport Music Festival 2008 Celebrates Historic 40th Season Sixty Concerts in Newport Mansions Scheduled July 11-27 Newport, RI, February 20, 2008—The Newport Music Festival 2008 celebrates its 40th season July 11–27, continuing the tradition of presenting unique chamber music programs, American debuts, world-class artists and special events in the Gilded Age “summer cottages” of Newport, Rhode Island. Beginning his thirty-fourth season as General Director, Dr. Mark P. Malkovich, III, researches and selects works from the 19th century chamber music, vocal repertoire and the Romantic-era piano literature, to create one of the most extraordinary festivals in the world. In its thirty-nine year history, the Newport Music Festival has become celebrated for presenting over one hundred thirty artists and ensembles in their American debuts. The Festival will present 60 concerts—three to five per day—in the famous Newport Mansions with American and international artists. Morning concerts are at 11 am, afternoons usually at 4 or 6 pm and evenings at The Breakers, the queen of the Newport Mansions, at 9 pm. Midnight concerts feature one-hour intermission-free works with champagne receptions preceding. The Yamaha Corporation of America and Your New England Toyota Dealer are the major Festival sponsors. The Festival was again selected for “America’s Elite 1000—the Ultimate List,” the very best American luxury goods, shops, services and special events; it was also named one of the “Top 50 Outstanding Festivals & Events” in North America by Leisure Group Travel magazine. Indonesian-born pianist Eduardus Halim (Horowitz’s last pupil) tackles Liszt’s difficult Twelve Transcendental Etudes and the Liszt/Schubert Soirées de Vienne. Spanish pianist Daniel del Pino performs Grandos’ Twelve Spanish Dances as well as Romantic Etudes of Moscheles and Henselt. English pianist John Lenehan will perform Alkan’s Six Chants and Mendelssohn’s Songs Without Words, Book 1, Op.
Venue
Newport Mansions
Times
Various, usually 11:00 a.m., 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Admission & Parking
Morning and afternoon concerts $35. Evening concerts $40. All venues have parking facilities and are handicap accessible.
Website
http://www.newportmusic.org
Infophone
401--846-1133
Email
staff@newportmusic.org