Eastern Shore Chamber Music Festival

The Eastern Shore Chamber Music Festival (ESCMF) is a classical music series located in Fairhope, Alabama, that showcases chamber music performances. Founded by Artistic Directors Sahada Buckley and Trace Johnson, the festival was conceived out of a deep appreciation for the Eastern Shore of the Mobile Bay, an area known for its natural beauty and supportive community. Buckley, a native of Fairhope, and Johnson, both professional musicians, sought to enrich their hometown by introducing a cultural event that would resonate with music lovers and contribute to the local artistic scene. The inaugural season of ESCMF is scheduled for May 28, 2023, to June 11, 2023, and marks the festival's commitment to accessibility by offering concerts free of charge. The festival's programming places a special emphasis on diversity by featuring works from women and BIPOC composers, aiming to bring these underrepresented voices to the forefront of the classical music community. Beyond performance, ESCMF is dedicated to education and community engagement. The festival includes educational music intensives for local students, led by festival artists. In 2023, ESCMF plans to host a special side-by-side concert featuring both ESCMF artists and local youth musicians, fostering a collaborative environment for musical growth and learning. The ESCMF is a fiscally sponsored organization by Fractured Atlas, and its operations are supported by various sponsors, including Fairhope Chocolate, Freda Burner, Louis Mapp, and The University of Wisconsin-Madison. These Jubilee Sponsors have played a significant role in supporting the festival's vision and ensuring its success. As ESCMF continues to develop, it stands as a testament to the power of music to inspire, educate, and bring communities together, reflecting the founders' passion for chamber music and their commitment to enhancing the cultural landscape of the Eastern Shore.