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ROCKPORT MUSIC NEWSLETTER : SPRING 2018

Join the r:EVOLUTION! INNOVATIONSFELLOWSSCABARETSSPOPRUPS

The much-anticipated 2018 Rockport Chamber Music Festival is the first under the artistic direction of Barry Shiffman. Opening on June 15 and continuing through July 15, the Festival encompasses a dramatic theme of r:EVOLUTION . This theme is captured in the Opening weekend with composer- in -residence Osvaldo Golijov ’s spectacular song cycle Ayre , presented in a beautifully staged theatrical presentation revealing the musical intermingling of Christian, Arab and Sephardic Jewish cultures.

MIRIAM KHALIL PERFORMING OSVALDO GOLIJOV'S AYRE WHICH WILL BE PART OF THE FESTIVAL'S OPENING NIGHT. Artistic Director Barry Shiffman elaborates, “This performance is a perfect example of evolution, with the original song cycle winner of the 2017 Metropolitan Opera National Council reimagined through the artistic team, especially soprano Miriam Auditions and the 2018 Glyndebourne Opera Cup. She makes Khalil, with breathtaking results. Golijov both inspires and is her Metropolitan Opera debut next season , just after her debut inspired by artists, and to experience the evolution of a work in our Festival! between artists and a living composer is nothing short of magical.” Barry Shiffman shares part of his vision, The Festival’s momentum doesn’t slow down, with such world- It is vital that art has momentum, and space to evolve. Part class artists as the Brentano Quartet, A Far Cry , violinist of the evolution is cultivating new artistic experiences. An James Ehnes, Pinchas Zukerman Trio , the comedic duo example is the Rockport debut of Davóne Igudesman and Joo , and closing with Tines, who is one of the most important the great Emerson Quartet and cellist young bass baritones in America. The Colin Carr . Young competition winners idea for this program was developed by are prevalent throughout the Festival Davóne as he envisioned how a young with the two previous first-prize black American would sing spirituals. winners of the Banff International We are not just presenting, but actively String Quartet Competition, the involved in the development of his Rolston and Dover quartets , as well program. Several of these presentations as the recent Cliburn competition will include theatrical lighting and the winner Yekwon Sunwoo . Hailing from dramatic design of the concert hall allows Marshfield, Massachusetts, mezzo- for the setting to be an equal partner in soprano Samantha Hankey , a graduate the performance. I am excited to watch of Walnut Hill and Juilliard, is a young our artists be inspired b y the space. vocal superstar with two major competition wins— Grand Finals ROLSTON QUARTET Festival r:EVOLUTION continues on pg . 06

ROCKPORT MUSIC 37 MAIN STREET, ROCKPORT, MA 01966 T 978.546.7391 W rockportmusic.org 01 A Different Kind of Swing

BY CHRISTOPHER BLAGG RED MOLLY

As in past years, the lineup for the Summer at Rockport concert series reflects an impressively diverse cast of artists and genres. One particular musical style that stands out this summer is the fiddle-fueled, boot-stompin’ genre known as western swing .

A cousin to both the classic big band swing of the Benny Goodman variety as well as the gypsy jazz made famous by Django Reinhardt, western swing (sometimes called Texas swing) was born in Texas and Oklahoma. Starting out in the late 1920’s, western swing fused country (or “hillbilly music” as it was colloquially called then) with hot club jazz and swing, and was typically fronted by a fiddle player. It was primarily a RIDERS IN THE SKY dance music, bolstered by electrified string instruments like guitars and pedal steel, and given a strong backbeat to fill the adding a hefty dose of family friendly cowboy kitsch into their dancefloor. Throughout the 1930’s and 40’s, its popularity brand of swing—think dusty saloons, wide open prairies, Roy reached its peak, becoming especially popular in California Rogers and “Rawhide.” You may know them well from their during World War II, as artists like Bob Wills and his Texas recordings for the loveable cowboy Woody in Toy Story 2 . Later Playboys, Spade Cooley and his Orchestra, and Hank Thomp son on that month, we are treated to the Texas fiddle trio of the and his Brazos Valley Boys toured all over the country and Quebe Sisters , who arrive in Rockport on July 21 . One of the enjoyed huge hit records. Wills in particular became a sensation , more buzzed-about western swing groups in the country, the with tunes like “San Antonio Rose,” “Stay A Little Longer” and talented young Quebes (rhymes with “maybe”) have graduated “Bubbles in My Beer” becoming standards of the genre. As the from routinely sweeping fiddle competitions as children, to swing era faded, so did the prominence of western swing, but it touring the world and releasing critically acclaimed records has been kept alive throughout the years by groups like Asleep that feature their gorgeous sibling harmonies and expert at the Wheel and Hot Club of Cowtown, and with high profile musicianship. They rely heavily on the western swing canon for songwriters like Willie Nelson and Lyle Lovett. their shows, with stunning arrangements of Bob Wills, Hank Thompson and Cindy Walker classics. Another talented lady This summer we are featuring a handful of groups who pay trio coming to our rocky shores is Red Molly on September 28 . tribute to western swing music, beginning with the nostalgia- While not as traditionally western swing as the Quebes, Red laden country and western group Riders in the Sky on July 2 . Molly still employ the genre’s swinging arrangements and jazzy The veteran foursome, all expert players and pickers, lean flair, but with added accents of bluegrass, gospel and folk. heavily on the “western” part of the country and western genre, Of course this summer you can enjoy plenty of other styles, as we’re offering Celtic, jazz, soul and folk artists throughout the next several months. But we hope you make it out to one o f our delightful western swing bands as well. Cowboy boots are optional.

SUMMER AT ROCKPORT CORPORATE PARTNER

WE’RE MOVING!! Rockport Music's offices—administrative, box office and operations—will join together in our NEW OFFICES at 16 Main Street, Rockport by June 4 (across the street from the Shalin Liu Performance Center). We are truly excited to bring our team together under one roof! QUEBE SISTERS

SPRING 2018 NEWSLETTER 02

GALA CONCERT & DINNER TICKETS $1,250 | $ 1,000 | $ 750 :: C ONCERT ONL Y $100 Mor e inf ormation at 978.546.7391 x105 | r ockportmusic.or g/2018-summer-gala

The singers aren’t all of the jazz variety Summer Serenade though. Raul Malo , frontman for alt BY CHRISTOPHER BLAGG country heroes The Mavericks, gives We sure do love our singers in Rockport. a solo show in May, and will show off Every summer it seems we parade a his love of soul, Latin, blues and the veritable who’s who of vocal talent on American Songbook. The powerful our stage, but this year just might pipes of former Irish Tenor Ronan top them all in terms of sheer talent Tynan will be on display in early June, and breadth of style. For jazz lovers followed in July by the gospel folk especially, this summer’s roster is a anthems of the Grammy-nominated bountiful one. The ever-elegant Dianne Ruthie Foster , a singer-songwriter of Reeves arrives on July 22 bringing astounding empathy and intelligence along her soulful, boundary-crossing with a dynamic voice that could move DIANNE REEVES style and magnetic, commanding stage mountains. presence. In August the daring and technically brilliant Kurt Elling returns to perform during the Rockport Jazz Festival, and later in the month Jane Monheit showcases tunes from her recent Ella Fitzgerald tribute record. A vocal pairing par excellence comes in September with a concert of John

Pizzarelli & Catherine Russel l RAUL MALO performing a program entitled “Billie JAZZ FESTIVAL CORPORATE PARTNERS and Blue Eyes,” focusing on the tunes made famous by Billie Holiday and

Frank Sinatra. KURT ELLING

SPRING 2018 NEWSLETTER 03 E The Campaign –Your Gift Matters Rockport Music’s In Concert with You campaign is still making Why give to Rockport Music? progress towards the ambitious goal of $12 million—with That may best be explained by some of our donors. T nearly $10,850,000* towards our goal (90%) raised to date. The Shalin Liu The In Concert with You campaign will provide much-needed “ funding enabling us to bring more great music to you, our Performance Center is a gem… A patrons; expand learning opportunities for children and it must be preserved!” adults; support the organizational leadership guiding us into our next phase of growth; as well as the ongoing maintenance of our stunning building through the Shalin D Our children and their children Liu Performance Center Preservation Fund. Also added “ to our campaign initiative is the Shalin Liu Performance should have the opportunity that Center Building Preservation Endowment, generously we have…to experience the joy in

P established by our dear friend Shalin Liu. attending concerts and sharing Thank you to all who have already given or pledged to the campaign. This campaign musical experiences with friends.” PROGRAM is for all of us, no gift is too small, or too EXCELLENCE

U ENDOWMENT great, and we look forward to speaking $5,000,000

with you in the coming months about how ARTISTIC &

EXECUTIVE The Shalin Liu Performance you can join in. LEADERSHIP “ ENDOWMENT $3,000,000 Center is not only a superb concert For more information, please visit the campaign website at InConcertWithYou.org BUILDING PRESERVATION hall, but a gathering place for friends or contact Susan Coffin, our Director of FUND N Development, at [email protected] $4,000,000 and newcomers to the North Shore. or 978.546.7391 x113. TOTAL It builds community.” $12,000,000 Stephen Bell & Garth Greimann, G Cam paign Co-Chairs I In Concert with You Donors as of April 18, 2018 Susanne Guyer and Thad Carpen John and Jean Rees A Friend Robert and Deborah Cassady Jerry and Margaretta Hausman Mel and Martha Rosenblatt Anonymous (6) Verne and Madeline Caviness Mary and Jim Hayes Marietta Sackler Jebediah Foundation, The Paul E. Cohan Fund of the Mary and Harry Hintlian David and Marie Louise Scudder A Robert Amory, Trustee Greater Worcester Community Bernie and Lorraine Horn Ruth Shane and Barry Gartell Dianne Anderson Foundation Richard Jewell and Eugene and Kathleen Skrabut Mary Barcus Kathleen Sepers Cohen and Elaine Champagne Seymour and Cameron Smith J.M.R. Barker Foundation Allan H. Cohen Stephen Kaloyanides, Jr. Mary Ruth Sole Ann Batchelder and Stephanie and John Connaughton Marilyn Bone Kloss Joe and Helen Soussou P Bruce Sunstein Linzee and Beth Coolidge Mr. and Mrs. William J. Kneisel Mr. and Mrs. Randall M. Stevens Edward and Sheila Becker Rev. Dr. Pamela Cooper-White Anne Kubik and Michael Krupka Jeffrey and Naomi Stonberg J.J. and Jackie Bell Phil and Eve Cutter Stephen and Sigrid Lindo David and JoEllen Sweet Jill and Stephen Bell Mr. and Mrs. David Dearborn Shalin Liu Jolinda and Bill Taylor Thatcher Bell and Victoria Weil Gene and Nina Doggett Judy and Mark Lurie Richard and Cynthia Tennant Jill and Frank G. Berson, M.D. Richard H. Driehaus Charitable Mary E. Malone Elliott and Antra Thrasher M Michael and Mary Ann Bresnan Lead Trust Denise Marika Mr. and Mrs. Peter H. Van Demark Thomas M. Burger and Linda and Michael Frieze Jeannie and Angus McIntyre Maura Wadlinger Andrée M. Robert Phil Goldsmith and Melissa Boshco Mr. and Mrs. Everett M. Morss Susan and Bill Wagner Lois Brynes and Serena Hilsinger Janet and Mark Gottesman Eileen and Joseph Mueller Mitchell and Barbara Freedman Wand Mollie and John Byrnes Alec Dingee and Susan Gray Richard A. Olliver Thi Linh and Peter Wernau A Janice Cane and Wally Hess Garth and Lindsay Greimann Patricia Petrou Margaret and Chip Ziering

SPRING 2018 NEWSLETTER 04 C Broadening Musical Horizons BY STEPHANIE WOOLF

Eastern Europe – a place of mystery, unfamiliar food, and Roma (gypsy) music. Every other year musicians from Rockport High School travel abroad for music making and as tourists, and this year they went to Austria and the Czech Republic, playing concerts and experiencing the sights and sounds of the region.

To help prepare the students for their trip, Rockport Music engaged musicians for two residencies to help familiarize the students with the music of those countries and with an unusual instrument that they will certainly hear on their trip, possibly being played as a “street instrument.” In October of 2017, the Bohemian Quartet, a string quartet, gave interactive presentations to students, workshopped Roma music, and welcomed students on stage to participate in playing four pieces on their free Community Concert. The Quartet also gave students cultural and historical information. When students experience Roma music as listeners, it is enlightening. However, the opportunity to play it in a public concert takes their understanding to another level. This is the Bohemian Quartet’s second time to provide a residency in Rockport, and they have been a group that students often ask to have back. In March, Nick Tolle, one of a handful of cimbalom players in the United States, gave demonstrations to students in Rockport Elementary, Middle, and High schools. This instrument is BOHEMIAN QUARTET related to the American hammered dulcimer, and is rarely seen often heard performed on the streets there. It is also popular or heard in the U.S. In Eastern Europe every restaurant has in other European countries, especially Spain. Played with two their own cimbalom player as well as “gypsy violinist,” and it is sticks with padded ends, this large trapezoidal instrument is tuned somewhat randomly in its upper registers, and is extremely difficult to play. In May, students will experience modern Eastern European music, and again hear the cimbalom, this time with a chamber group as part of a residency by the Ludovico Ensemble.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER! Rockport Music’s volunteers are invaluable to our organization. Multiple opportunities are available from ushering for concerts to housing

n artists during the chamber music festival. e h o C Consider becoming a volunteer! n o r r a h

S For more details, contact Michelle Alekson

: t i d

e at 978.546.7391 x111 or r C

o

t email at [email protected]. o h P NICK TOLLE, A CIMBALOM PLAYER, SHARES DETAILS WITH STUDENTS ABOUT HIS UNIQUE INSTRUMENT.

SPRING 2018 NEWSLETTER 05 Festival r:EVOLUTION continue d from pg . 01

PINCHAS ZUKERMAN TRIO JAMES EHNES

ROCKPORT FELLOWS DAVÓNE TINES WILL SING TWICE IN THE FESTIVAL, INCLUDING HIS THOUGHTRPROVOKING WERE YOU THERE PROGRAM.

ABOUT THE ROCKPORT FELLOWS This year’s Festival will launch the new Rockport Fellows program which brings violinist Danny Koo, pianist Tony Yang and a special Rockport Fellowship Quartet of young artists— violinists Boson Mo and Jennifer Murphy, violist Laila Zakzook, and cellist Julie Hereish . These young artists are competition winners in the early stages of their careers. The experience for them and for the Festival audience members is invaluable and electrifying. Barry elaborates: I believe there is a responsibility for every established music presenting organization to invest back in the ecosystem of the arts, by nurturing emerging young artists, and by providing established artists with opportunities to create, innovate and explore. The next generation LATE NIGHT IN ROCKPORT of classical music is built on A new late-night concert series— Classical the foundations we lay today , Cabaret —will feature a casual, intimate and Rockport has an opportunity 45-minute performance on th e performance to contribute directly to the center’s third floor. This is an up-close and vibrancy of today, and the personal musical experience where the audience brilliance of tomorrow. is just a few feet from the musicians sitting at café tables with a glass of your favorite beverage. Throughout the Festival, the Fellows will be involved in WATCH OUT FOR RANDOM MUSIC mainstage concerts as well as Be ready, you may be strolling along Halibut bringing music to the community Point at sunset to the soft strains of a string through pop-up concerts, fam ily quartet, or find a cellist playing Mozart in the concerts, and other activities. corner of your favorite coffee shop. Rockport Fellow Danny Koo Do not miss the opportunity to be part of this shares his thoughts: exciting new era of music at the 37th annual It’s all about connecting with Rockport Chamber Music Festival! the community, bringing our love of classical music and embedding it in the community FESTIVAL of Rockport, and that’s something CORPORATE PARTNER I’m really passionate about and excited to do. SAMANTHA HANKEY, FROM MARSHFIELD, MASS., IS WINNER OF THE 2017 MET OPERA AUDITIONS AND 2018 GLYNDEBOURNE OPERA CUP

SPRING 2018 NEWSLETTER 06 Mary Malone: “Rockport is part of my heritage. I want to make it a part of my legacy.” BY KATHY URNER-JONES

performance is the connections and Mary Malone’s roots in Rockport go back for generations . sense of community I experience in She has fond memories of summers here as a child the hall—the intimate connection and almost weekly visits to the town as an adult. to the performers; the sensory When she retired, after years of living in Cambridge connections, including crystal clear acoustics and ever-changing ocean and working in financial services, she moved back views; and the warm social connections to her family home in Rockport. to a community of music lovers.” To help future music lovers enjoy the Mary’s first involvement with Rockport Music was as a volunteer same experience available to her, MARY MALONE, A LINDEN TREE for the Rockport Chamber Music Festival, when it was a four-week SOCIETY MEMBER Mary decided to become a Linden summer festival performed in the Rockport Art Association. In Tree Society member and name 2008, she was elected to the Board of Trustees, where, as an Rockport Music as a percentage beneficiary of her IRA. Retirement officer and committee chair, she became actively involved in a plan assets can carry a heavy tax burden when passed on to variety of Board initiatives, including planning for the Shalin Liu family members and can be complicated enough for heirs to Performance Center. After three terms, Mary retired in 2017 require the help of an advisor. She says, “By designating Rockport and was elected a Trustee Emeritus. Music, a charitable organization, as the beneficiary of a portion She notes, “When I joined the Board, I did not imagine the of my IRA, I can make a gift that is free from income and estate transformation that was about to unfold for Rockport Music,” taxes. At the same time, my will directs other assets, such as as it was to become a year-round presenter of a broad range appreciated securities, to family and friends, without creating of extraordinary music in its own home, a world-class performance a tax problem for them.” center overlooking Sandy Bay. She “Rockport Music never stands still— remarks, “Joining with all those who and I want to make sure that its mission worked tirelessly to make Rockport of enriching lives through extraordinary Music the remarkable success story music and educational programs that it is today could not have been a continues to grow and evolve,” Mary more rewarding experience.” says. “I am giving my gift to help support Mary attends concerts of many genres— this important mission for future classical, jazz, pop—and enjoys Met generations, and I’m hoping it will inspire Opera HD performances. “It is a real treat LINDEN TREE other supporters whose generosity to enjoy such exceptional and diverse will help to make that possible. ” offerings within five minutes of my SOCIETY For more information, contact home,” says Mary, “and to me, what Kathy UrnerRJones at 978.546.7391 x132 is special about a Rockport Music or [email protected]. PLANNED GIVING AT ROCKPORT MUSIC

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Steve Lindo Mollie Byrnes Lois Brynes Anne Pardee Susanne Guyer, Chair Pamela Morss Janice Cane Andrew Calkins Olivia Parker Stephen M. Bell, Frank E. Previte Susan Gray Michael Costello Patricia Petrou Vice Chair Ruth Shane Mimi Harper Deborah Epstein LeeAnne Powers Garth Greimann, Naomi Stonberg William Hausman Frank Fritsch Melvin Rosenblatt Vice Chair David Sweet Mary Malone Sherwin Greenblatt Richard Safier Allan H. Cohen, William E. Taylor Joseph Mueller Karen Hanson David Scudder Treasurer Richard Tennant ROCKPORT MUSIC Judith Hood Mary Ann Sherry Jeannie McIntyre, Susan Wagner COUNCIL Sandra Jesse Hinda Simon Secretary Peter Wernau Dianne Anderson Gillian Kellogg Kathleen Skrabut Frank G. Berson Margaret Ziering James Bacon Susan King Helen Soussou Barry Shiffman J. Robert Cassady, M.D. Patricia Bertero Sandra Lawrence Barbara Sparks Artistic Director Philip Cutter TRUSTEES EMERITI William Bonaccorso Lew Leathersich Bruce D. Sunstein Tony Beadle Nina Doggett James Barker Gregory R. Bover Edward Lowenstein, M.D. Paul Sylva Executive Director Jerry A. Hausman Thomas Burger John Brennan Deborah Nelson

SPRING 2018 NEWSLETTER 07 NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID 37 MAIN STREET, ROCKPORT, MASSACHUSETTS 01966 ROCKPORT, MA PERMIT NO. 7

ROCKPORT MUSIC 2018 ANNUAL FUND Together We Make Beautiful Music!

DONATE TODAY! Envelope enclosed

OFFICIAL HOTEL PARTNER

OFFICIAL TRANSPORTATION PARTNER

Rockport Music is grateful for its continued support by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Editor: Karen Herlitz Contributing Editor: Christopher Blagg

:: Summer 20 18 Calendar :: JUNE 27: Rockport Fellowship Quartet & JULY 15: Emerson Quartet & Colin Carr, cello Tony Yang MAY 3: Harpeth Rising JULY 16: Jim Messina JUNE 28: James Ehnes, violin & JULY 17: Met in HD | Madama Butterfly MAY 9: Education Concert | Ludovico Ensemble Andrew Armstrong, piano JULY 18: Alexa Tarantino Quartet with MAY 10: National Theatre in HD | Macbeth JUNE 29: Film | Virtuosity –The Cliburn

E Ulysses Owens, Jr.

MAY 12: Boston Children’s Chorus N Y JUNE 29: Brentano Quartet & U

A JULY 19: Enter the Haggis MAY 17: Jesse Colin Young J Yekwon Sunwoo, piano M JULY 21: Quebe Sisters MAY 18: Shawn Colvin JUNE 30: Family Concert | Y

Rockport Fellowship Quartet & Tony Yang L JULY 22: Dianne Reeves

MAY 25: Naturally 7 U JUNE 30: Brentano Quartet & J JULY 23: Met in HD | Il Trovatore MAY 26: Raul Malo Dawn Upshaw, soprano JULY 25: Jazz Workshop Faculty Concert JULY 26 & 27: Arlo Guthrie JUNE 1: Lee Ritenour JULY 1: Minsoo Sohn, piano JULY 28: Brothers Four JUNE 2: Gala | Preservation Hall Jazz Band JULY 2: Riders in the Sky JULY 29: Ruthie Foster JUNE 7: Rad Trads JULY 5: Open Rehearsal | Rolston Quartet & JULY 30: Met in HD | Davóne Tines Eugene Onegin JUNE 8: John Sebastian JULY 31: Jake Shimabukuro JULY 6: Film | Exit Music JUNE 9: Ronan Tynan JULY 6: Rolston Quartet & Davóne Tines, JUNE 10: Bolshoi Ballet in HD | Coppelia bass-baritone AUG 3: Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio JUNE 11 & 12: Gordon Lightfoot JULY 6: Classical Cabaret | Bach & Golijov AUG 4: Jazz Fest | Harold López-Nussa E JUNE 15: Festival Opening Night Y AUG 5: Pinchas Zukerman Trio L N JULY 7: A Far Cry U U

JUNE 16: Theatre J J | Kafka & Son JULY 8: The ARC Ensemble & Davóne Tines AUG 6: Met in HD | Turandot

JUNE 16: Montrose Trio & Barry Shiffman T AUG 9: Jazz Fest | Grace Kelly

JULY 9: The Subdudes S JUNE 17: Frederic Chiu & Andrés Díaz U AUG 10: Jazz Fest | Kurt Elling JULY 12: Bach Suites with Colin Carr, cello G JUNE 21: An Evening of Brahms U JULY 13: Dover Quartet & Barry Shiffman, A AUG 11: Jazz Fest | Monty Alexander Trio JUNE 21: Classical Cabaret | Carmen & Liszt viola AUG 12: Jazz Fest | Joe Lovano Quartet JUNE 22: War and Peace: Attacca Quartet JULY 14: Family Concert | Dover Quartet AUG 15: Della Mae JUNE 23: Stephen Prutsman, piano JULY 14: Igudesman & Joo AUG 16 & 17: Paula Cole JUNE 24: Handel Love Duets JULY 14: Classical Cabaret | Schumann & Popper AUG 19: Larry Carlton

ROCKPORT MUSIC 37 MAIN STREET, ROCKPORT, MA 01966 T 978.546.7391 W rockportmusic.org 08