Each summer, hundreds of talented classical musicians flock to New England to enjoy its beauty and to participate in the region’s rich legacy of prestigious music festivals. So if you’re spending time in New England this summer, here are five classical music series you won’t want to miss.
Boston Symphony Orchestra at Tanglewood; Lenox, MA
June 16 – September 3
Nestled in the hills of the Berkshires between Lenox and Stockbridge, the summer home to the Boston Symphony Orchestra has been a mecca for musicians and music enthusiasts since 1937. This year, Director Andris Nelsons will lead the first BSO performance of Das Rheingold, a masterful operatic drama by Wagner, in what promises to be a season highlight, and a big deal in the world of opera. Other highlights will be performances by Yo-Yo Ma, Emanuel Ax, and a POPS film night conducted both by Nelsons and John Williams. Visit the BSO website for additional information and to purchase tickets.
Newport Music Festival; Newport, RI
July 7-23
Kicking off its 49th season this week, the 2017 Newport Music Festival will host a staggering 56 concerts, and bring 80 of the world’s most talented classical musicians to perform over the two-week festival. With performances located in Newport’s famous Gilded Age mansions, listeners can revel in the beauty of the music and the setting simultaneously as they take in this truly world-class event. For tickets and performance schedules, visit www.newportmusic.org.
New Hampshire Music Festival; Plymouth, NH
July 5-Aug 5
Founded in 1952, the New Hampshire Music Festival takes up residence each summer at Plymouth State University, and highlights classical tradition with performances in symphonic, choral and chamber music. The festival offers a variety of ways to experience music, from free and family-oriented outdoor concerts, to symphonic and chamber performances in the Silver Center for the Arts at Plymouth State, to the informal “caffeinated classics” music making series that takes place on Sunday mornings at the local Café Monte Alto.
Meeting House Chamber Music Festival; Cape Cod, MA
June 25-July 31
The Meeting House Chamber Music Festival brings together Cape Cod musicians and high caliber talent from afar for a six-week festival of relaxing classical chamber music in Orleans, West Barnstable, Cotuit and Falmouth, Massachusetts. Admission is free for those under 18, making this a family friendly activity and a great way to expose young minds to the world of classical music. For more information, visit meetinghousemusic.org
Music Mountain Summer Music Festival; Falls Village, CT
June 11-Sep 17
Take in the nation’s oldest continuing summer chamber music festival at Music Mountain, where you can also experience the intimacy of chamber music performed in Gordon Hall, a small space with legendary acoustics perfectly suited to this kind of music. The festival consists of 16 summer concerts, held primarily on Sunday afternoons, with special Jazz evenings on Saturdays. Concertgoers also get to take in the sights of this historic summer music retreat, which consists of Gordon Hall and several residential halls. Built by Sears Roebuck in 1930, Music Mountain is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
