Immerse yourself in the diverse and captivating world of Newport Classical's 2024/2025 season. From the soul-stirring harmonies of Cantus’ Lessons and Carols to the dynamic vibrance of Frisson's Classical Christmas, this season promises to be a tapestry of musical excellence. Highlights include the debut of the Telegraph Quartet, the charismatic duo Boyd Meets Girl, and the evocative performances of Trio Karénine. Each event weaves a unique narrative, offering a blend of traditional, contemporary, and eclectic musical journeys that transcend time and space.

A Harmonious Journey Through Newport Classical's Enchanting Performances

Enjoy the vibrant collaboration of Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw and the innovative Sō Percussion in an electrifying program blending voice and percussion quartet as they share the music from their newest album Rectangles and Circumstance. Co-written by Caroline Shaw and Sō Percussion, the genre-blending songs use verses from nineteenth-century poems by Christina Rosetti, Emily Brontë, Emily Dickinson, Gertrude Stein, and William Blake. Chamber music meets singer-songwriter storytelling in this extraordinary performance showcasing vital, expressive, and imaginative music-making.

Sō Percussion and Caroline Shaw

The Colony House Newport

Iconoclastic pianist and cultural visionary Lara Downes returns to Newport after a sold-out performance in 2021 to present THIS LAND, a probing, nuanced reflection on the kaleidoscopic diversity of stories and journeys that have converged and collided throughout American history, from an artist renowned for her musical explorations off the beaten path. Downes celebrates the beauty of the American experiment while offering an unflinching acknowledgment of its flaws and failings, ultimately embracing the power of hope and humanity as a pathway to common ground and a brighter future.

Closing Night with Pianist Lara Downes

The Breakers Newport

Pianist Lara Downes has been called “a musical ray of hope” by NBC News and “an explorer whose imagination is fired by bringing notice to the underrepresented and forgotten” (The Log Journal). She brings her sought-after talents to this free afternoon performance and conversation crafted for the youngest listeners and families alike! 

EPSG:4326

Lara Downes Family Concert

Newport Classical

A bold composer, a brilliant pianist, and an inventive vocalist, join Clarice Assad for a conversation regarding her background and composition process, particularly as it relates to the creation of her newly commissioned piece that will be premiered later in the evening by PubliQuartet and mezzo-soprano Renée Rapier at The Breakers. The newest chapter in Chronicles of Ghosts, “Whispers from the Pirate Queen” explores the timeless bond between two remarkable women: Grace O’Malley, the legendary 16th-century Irish pirate queen, and Anne Hutchinson, the influential Puritan spiritual leader and pioneer of the 17th century.

Composer Talk with Clarice Assad

“Whispers from the Pirate Queen” explores the timeless bond between two remarkable women: Grace O’Malley, the legendary 16th-century Irish pirate queen, and Anne Hutchinson, the influential Puritan spiritual leader and pioneer of the 17th century. Through a series of mystical encounters and dreams, Grace O’Malley’s spirit reaches across time to guide, inspire, and empower Anne Hutchinson in her journey of courage and resilience. The story weaves together fact and fiction, history and fantasy to create a multi-layered narrative that speaks to the enduring power of female strength, solidarity, and legacy. As Grace O’Malley’s whispers echo through the ages, she symbolizes the unbreakable spirit of women who dare to challenge societal norms and fight for their convictions. 

PUBLIQuartet performs a World Premiere

Join returning Festival Artist Llewellyn Sánchez-Werner for an invigorating afternoon piano recital at historic Emmanuel Church, known for its breathtaking English Gothic Revival architecture that enhances the acoustic ambiance. “A gifted virtuoso,” (San Francisco Chronicle) Sánchez-Werner quickly became a beloved pillar of the Newport Classical Music Festival, bringing technical prowess and passion to every electrifying chamber performance. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear him in a recital that showcases his tremendous talents as a soloist.

Llewellyn Sánchez-Werner Live

Emmanuel Church Newport

Experience the stunning sunrise over Newport’s iconic Cliff Walk during this inspiring and introspective concert as the festival artists take you from Beethoven through inspiring works by some of today’s most interesting composers. These works, vibrant and warm in nature and written in different string configurations, together make for a meditative and uplifting way to begin your day.

Melodic Introspections at Sunrise

Chinese Tea House

Acclaimed for its playing of chamber music through the centuries, Handel and Haydn Society embraces historically informed performances, bringing classical music to life with the same immediacy it had the day it was composed. Don’t miss this joyful series of concerti and works for chamber orchestra from the Baroque period featuring acclaimed soprano Joélle Harvey and featured soloists from the Handel and Haydn Society violinist Aisslinn Nosky, oboist Debra Nagy, and organist Ian Watson.

Handel and Haydn Society

Embark on a musical journey led by acclaimed Spanish concert pianist and beloved past Festival artist Daniel del Pino, accompanied by the talented violist Marian Herrero, as they unveil a treasure trove of rarely performed masterpieces by Spanish composers. Experience the richness and diversity of Spanish musical heritage in an unforgettable evening curated by these esteemed artists. The culmination of the concert brings together the 2024 Festival Artists in a joyous collaboration for a celebratory performance of Joaquín Turina’s masterpiece, promising an enchanting fusion of talent and tradition.

Daniel del Pino, Marian Herrero, and Friends

This red-hot young quartet was founded in 2019 at the Juilliard School and launched their current trajectory by winning one of the most prestigious awards in chamber music at the 2022 Banff Competition. Their artistry and limitless potential were further recognized when they were awarded a 2023 Avery Fisher Career Grant. Hailed for their “blazing virtuosity” by Violinist.com, the Isidore Quartet aims to revisit, rediscover, and reinvigorate the string quartet repertoire by creating enjoyable, approachable, and intimate concert experiences.

Isidore String Quartet

Indulge in an extraordinary morning with the renowned Lincoln Trio as they mark the culmination of their illustrious twentieth anniversary. Revered for their pioneering spirit and innovative contemporary repertoire, the Trio promises an unforgettable performance with the iconic Brahms C Major Piano Trio that catapulted them to acclaim alongside a curated selection of works by trailblazing female composers, including the visionary Stacy Garrop, whose groundbreaking composition left a lasting impression as the inaugural Composer-in-Residence for Newport Classical in 2021. Experience a captivating fusion of tradition and innovation as the Lincoln Trio celebrates two decades of musical excellence.

Lincoln Trio

The Elms Newport

Experience the emotional depth of John Williams’ haunting Schindler’s List and the nostalgic charm of E.T., alongside the adventurous spirit of Indiana Jones. Journey through the realms of fantasy with enchanting selections from Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Lion King, and Lord of the Rings, as the magic of film meets the beauty of chamber music. Relive the magic of blockbuster classics performed by our resident Festival Artists at the beloved Blithewold Mansion―the perfect summer outing for classical music lovers and film buffs alike.

Classical Movie Music

Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum

Newport Classical returns to the picturesque Castle Hill Inn for a mesmerizing and thoughtfully curated program of works for two pianos featuring the dynamic talents of American pianist Drew Petersen and beloved returning Festival Artist Llewellyn Sánchez-Werner. Be transported to a realm of musical enchantment as these two young virtuosos ignite the keys with passion and precision, where the gentle ocean breeze harmonizes with the melodies, creating an atmosphere of pure magic and musical bliss. 

Two Pianos are Better than One

Castle Hill Inn

Esteemed American violinist Anne Akiko Meyers graces the illustrious halls of The Breakers mansion in her Newport debut with an exquisite program that includes a new piece specifically commissioned for Meyers by the legendary Philip Glass. Joined by the virtuosic pianist Max Levinson, this evening promises to be a radiant celebration of artistic brilliance and innovation, ensuring an unforgettable experience that resonates long after the final note fades into the grandeur of the night.

An Evening with An Evening with Violinist Anne Akiko Meyers

Prepare to have your perceptions transformed as the captivating Hanzhi Wang unveils the accordion’s versatility and charm in a spellbinding performance at the historic Redwood Library and Athenaeum. Witness the fusion of Wang’s ethereal mastery with the timeless elegance of the acclaimed Poulenc Trio, creating an enchanting musical dialogue that transcends genres and eras. Step into a realm of intimacy and discovery as these virtuosic artists breathe new life into the classical repertoire, promising an unforgettable concert experience that defies expectations and leaves a lasting impression on all who attend.

Poulenc Trio with Hanzhi Wang

Redwood Library and Athenaeum

Hailed as the epitome of brass excellence, Canadian Brass treats Newport to an extensive program of compositions ranging from works by Mozart, Bach, and Rimsky-Korsakov to the beloved Beatles Songbook. Renowned for their captivating concert presentations that seamlessly blend virtuosity with charm, Canadian Brass promises to ignite The Breakers with their genre-transcending talents, ensuring an unforgettable evening of musical brilliance and boundless entertainment.

Canadian Brass 

Experience the captivating return of GRAMMY®-nominated chamber orchestra A Far Cry to Newport, joined by Canadian pianist Dinuk Wijeratne and acclaimed Syrian clarinetist Kinan Azmeh. This deeply personal and reflective program explores themes of emigration, travel, and home, featuring original compositions by Wijeratne and Azmeh in the first half. Following intermission, revel in the enchanting melodies of a young Janáček as he draws inspiration from Czech folk traditions, a lush and mesmerizing showcase for the ensemble. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of musical storytelling and global connection.

A Far Cry

Witness the dawn of a new day with the Newport Classical Festival Artists as they enchant audiences with a transformative program of meditative musical poetics. Immerse yourself in a harmonious journey curated to instill a profound sense of positivity and buoyancy, leaving an indelible impression that accompanies you throughout the day. Join us for a truly uplifting morning experience that promises to awaken your senses and ignite your spirit, setting the perfect tone for a day filled with inspiration and joy.

Sunrise Meditations

Experience the captivating reimagining of Bizet’s timeless masterpiece, Carmen, as director Peter Brook delves deep into the intricate relationships of the four lead characters in La tragédie de Carmen, inspired by Prosper Mérimée’s novella. Get closer to the heart of the narrative and feel the elemental power of the main character unfold in a sensational semi-staged production directed by Tara Branham. Immerse yourself in the same beloved arias and musical moments, infused with renewed vitality and intensity, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of The Breakers for an unforgettable formal evening, complete with a red carpet photo experience. Don’t miss this thrilling fusion of tradition and innovation, brimming with love, lust, passion, and betrayal.

Opera Night: La tragédie de Carmen

Inspired by the 18th-century French chateau d’Asnieres outside Paris, The Elms is the perfect place for a morning concert of delightful French repertoire ranging from Baroque elegance to neoclassical charm. The Festival Artists breathe new life into these timeless masterpieces, creating an unforgettable concert experience steeped in elegance and charm.

French Musings

Two of our 2023 Festival Artists, violist Edwin Kaplan and cellist Titilayo Ayangade, return to Newport as the innovative pair, Duo Kayo. Making bold statements in the classical music world, Duo Kayo challenges traditional thinking about the genre, serving as a vessel for new and exciting music. Surrounded by the beautiful art collection that is the Newport Art Museum, enjoy an interdisciplinary afternoon, featuring a diverse program of intriguing pieces, from Vivaldi’s Double Cello Concerto to Leonard Bernstein’s “Cool” from West Side Story. 2024 Festival Artists Jordan Bak and Jonathan Swensen join Kaplan and Ayangade for the final work by Paul Wiancko, Vox Petra.

Duo Kayo

Newport Art Museum

Step into the world of Broadway magic as Newport welcomes the legendary Laura Benanti, celebrated for her Tony Award-winning performances and captivating presence on stage and screen, including her memorable role in HBO’s The Gilded Age. From her iconic portrayals in Gypsy, Into the Woods, Nine, and My Fair Lady, Laura’s unparalleled talent promises to dazzle audiences with her extraordinary voice and undeniable star power in an intimate performance not to be missed.

An evening with Laura Benanti

Experience a morning of musical mastery at The Elms as our esteemed Festival Artists enchant you with an extraordinary concert of piano trios. Delve into the rich tapestry of classical repertoire, starting with Beethoven’s lively and nimble Piano Trio in B-flat Major, then journeying through Elfrida Andree’s evocative and dramatic Piano Trio in G minor, before culminating in the sublime beauty of Schumann’s revered Piano Trio No. 1. Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance and virtuosity of these compositions, performed with passion and precision by our resident artists, promising a morning of enchantment and musical delight not to be missed.

Piano Trios

Surrounded by the serene beauty of the Norman Bird Sanctuary, join the Festival Artists for this delightful morning program of Italian chamber music, including an arrangement of Rossini’s beloved William Tell Overture, artfully arranged to captivate and delight audiences amidst the serene natural surroundings. Accompany us for a delightful journey through the heart of Italy’s musical heritage, where each note resonates with the beauty of the landscape, promising a morning of unparalleled enchantment and musical discovery.

Italian Strings in Nature

Norman Bird Sanctuary

GRAMMY® Award-winning male-voiced “orchestra of voices” Chanticleer makes their much-anticipated return to Newport after a sold-out concert during the 2021 Festival. Called Music of a silent world, this program features songs of the natural world and gives a voice to the rocks, stones, trees, and rivers that share the planet with us. Works include music by Stephen Sondheim, Heinrich Isaac, and Joni Mitchell, and a new commission from Chanticleer’s composer in residence, Ayanna Woods. 

Chanticleer

The Breakers

Captivating audiences with her virtuosity and interpretive sensitivity, GRAMMY®-nominated pianist Joyce Yang brings her tactile, expressive playing to the timeless beauty of The Breakers. Acclaimed by the New York Times for her “vivid and beautiful playing,” Yang promises a passionate evening, captivating audiences with selections from the legendary Russian composers of the Romantic and Classical eras. Embark on a journey through the timeless beauty of classical music, where each note resonates with depth and emotion, ensuring an unforgettable and transformative experience for all in attendance.

Joyce Yang

Experience the groundbreaking artistry of Sphinx Virtuosi, an extension of the renowned Sphinx Organization committed to amplifying Black and Latinx voices in classical music. Set against the opulent backdrop of The Breakers, the self-conducted chamber orchestra delivers a pioneering program spotlighting historically marginalized composers. With cellist Thomas Mesa joining their ranks as soloist for Jessie Montgomery’s Divided, prepare to be moved to your core by the sheer brilliance and passion of this 18-piece ensemble, delivering a performance that will leave you breathless.

Opening Night with Sphinx Virtuosi

Join us for this relaxed open-air concert at King Park to kick off your Fourth of July festivities (and the Music Festival!). Fenway Quintet, one of the Boston Area’s most esteemed professional brass quintets, have prepared a joyous patriotic program complete with percussion, celebrating America’s birthday with iconic sounds that shaped the nation. Bring your family, cozy up, and stay for the fireworks with a stunning view of the Pell Bridge. Celebrate in style with music, laughter, and the spirit of Independence Day.

Patriotic Pops

King Park Newport

Newport Classical presents a modern twist on a timeless Christmas tradition with Cantus’s Lessons and Carols for Our Time. The acclaimed low-voice ensemble, known for their trademark warmth and blend, returns to Newport after an enchanting, sold-out performance in 2023. Perfect for families and classical music aficionados alike, this hour-long concert beautifully blends poetry with sacred and secular music by reimagining the beloved Nine Lessons and Carols format made famous by the Choir of King’s College at the University of Cambridge. With a special appearance by the Professional Choristers of The Choir School of Newport County, this promises to be a moving holiday experience that celebrates the spirit of the season.

Cantus at the Mansion: Songs of the Season

Rosecliff

Join us for this delightful holiday celebration as we present two spirited afternoon concerts of classical chamber music in the English Gothic Revival architecture of Emmanuel Church. The dynamic ensemble Frisson, featuring young master musicians led by oboist Thomas Gallant, will perform seasonal favorites including the Nutcracker Suite, Vivaldi’s “Winter,” Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 4, Carol of the Bells, a Christmas Jazz Suite, and traditional carols. Following the concert, ring in the holidays with a festive reception graciously hosted by the Vestry of Emmanuel Church.

Classical Christmas with Frisson

Now celebrating its 10th season together, the Telegraph Quartet formed with an equal passion for the standard chamber music repertoire and contemporary works alike. Described by the San Francisco Chronicle as “…an incredibly valuable addition to the cultural landscape” and “powerfully adept… with a combination of brilliance and subtlety,” the Telegraph Quartet was awarded the prestigious 2016 Walter W. Naumburg Chamber Music Award and the Grand Prize at the 2014 Fischoff Chamber Music Competition. For their Newport debut, the Quartet explores compositions that may never have been fully experienced by the creators themselves. Rebecca Clarke, a truly accomplished composer of the 20th century, composed her Poem for String Quartet but would never see the work published and disseminated in her lifetime. Beethoven had begun losing his hearing by his late 20s and by the time the good-natured “Harp” Quartet was composed, its cheery quality belied the composer’s 11-year-long struggle with hearing loss that would have kept him from fully experiencing this work. Similarly, Smetana would not have been able to even hear his first string quartet at all, as he fell victim to severe hearing loss in 1874. His autobiographical string quartet, for all its joy and enthusiasm, ends with a piercing e-string note that denotes the onset of that hearing loss two years before the quartet’s creation.

Telegraph Quartet performs Beethoven

Spend Valentine’s Day with Boyd Meets Girl, Australian classical guitarist Rupert Boyd and American cellist Laura Metcalf, who have toured the world sharing their eclectic mix of music from Debussy and Bach to Radiohead and Beyoncé. Both acclaimed soloists in their own right, Boyd has been described as “truly evocative” by The Washington Post, and as “a player who deserves to be heard” by Classical Guitar Magazine, while Metcalf, who has also toured as a member of the popular chamber ensembles Eighth Blackbird, Break of Reality and Sybarite5, has been called “brilliant” by Gramophone. 

Boyd Meets Girl

Acclaimed Trio Karénine has established itself in recent years as a key group on the French and international stage. The piano trio is lauded for its musical integrity and joie de vivre by critics and audiences alike. In a true celebration of the piano trio, this program opens with Schubert’s second piano trio, one of the very last compositions completed during this lifetime. The program concludes with Dvořák’s rarely programmed second piano trio, filled with color, warmth, lively dance, and Slavic folk elements.

Trio Karénine performs Schubert and Dvořák 

Praised for his “virtuosic,” “dazzling,” and “brilliant” performances (New York Times) and his “bold, keen sound” (The New Yorker), oboist James Austin Smith boasts an extensive chamber music career. In this compelling recital, he will present a program of works by William Grant Still, Clara Schumann, Camille Saint-Saëns, and more!

Oboist James Austin Smith in Recital

Bulgarian American violinist Bella Hristova has won international acclaim for her “expressive nuance and rich tone” (New York Times) and “impressive power and control” (Washington Post). She has distinguished herself on the world stage as a performing artist with a remarkably diverse repertoire and bold approach to programming. In collaboration with returning pianist, Anna Polonsky, Hristova marks her Newport debut in a varying program which includes stalworth works by Bach, a transcription of a movement from Messiaen’s Quartet for the end of time, Grieg’s thrilling second violin sonata, and folk songs from the childhood of composer Reena Esmail.  

Violinist Bella Hristova performs Bach and Grieg

Virtuosic pianist Orion Weiss returns to Newport for a solo recital of Bach’s beloved Goldberg Variations, the composer’s most popular keyboard work, consisting of an aria and 30 variations. One of the most sought-after soloists in his generation of American musicians Weiss is widely regarded as a “brilliant pianist” (The New York Times) with “powerful technique and exceptional insight” (The Washington Post).

Orion Weiss performs The Goldberg Variations

The crystalline voices of GRAMMY®-nominated Trio Mediaeval have captivated with their “astonishing clarity and focus.” The New York Times proclaims, “few vocal ensembles produce quite as beautiful and finely blended a sound as this Norwegian trio.” Be immersed in one of the sound-worlds that make Swedish and Norwegian vocal folk music so distinctive is the tradition of singing without words, a style known as tulling, sulling, or tralling in which a sequence of consonants is invented or improvised by the singer. Experience this enchanting conclusion to the 2024/25 Chamber Series with Norwegian and Swedish traditional songs, hymns, fiddle tunes, and ballads.

Newport Classical

Dec 8, 2024

Cantus at the Mansion: Songs of the Season

Dec 14, 2024

Classical Christmas with Frisson

Jan 24, 2025

Telegraph Quartet performs Beethoven

Feb 14, 2025

Boyd Meets Girl

Feb 28, 2025

Trio Karénine performs Schubert and Dvořák

Jul 21, 2024

Sō Percussion and Caroline Shaw

Jul 21, 2024

Closing Night with Pianist Lara Downes

Articles & News

Newport Classical