Get an insider’s sneak peek into how professional musicians approach training the next generation of gifted artists. Watch and listen to talented young Maine violinists perform for and be coached by master violinist Jennifer Koh in a one-on-one masterclass.

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Master Class with Jennifer Koh

Skidompha Public Library

Vijay Iyer’s new piano concerto, Handmade Universe, incorporates elements of jazz in a work written for Shai Wosner and the East Coast Chamber Orchestra, presented here in a special partnership with Portland Chamber Music Festival. Violinist Jennifer Koh joins festival directors Wilhelmina Smith (SBC) and Melissa Reardon (PCMS) in Missy Mazzoli’s folk-inspired string trio and Mozart’s dark and brooding G minor Piano Quartet to bring the festival’s 30th year to a rousing conclusion.

Festival Concert 4

Lincoln Theater Damariscotta

Grammy-award-winner violin virtuoso Jennifer Koh performs works by J.S. Bach for solo violin at this special solo recital. 

Violinist Jennifer Koh is recognized for her intense, commanding performances, delivered with dazzling virtuosity and technical assurance. A forward-thinking artist, she is dedicated to exploring a broad and eclectic repertoire, while promoting equity and inclusivity in classical music.

Solo Recitals at the Strand: Jennifer Koh, violin

Strand Theatre, Rockland

Join us at Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness in their space in Downtown Bangor for a free concert of music celebrating nature and culture. Passamaquoddy singer Lauren Stevens joins Salt Bay Chamberfest Artistic Director and cellist Wilhelmina Smith, with cellist Yeesun Kim of the Borromeo String Quartet, in a collaborative performance featuring works by Grammy-nominated Dawn Avery of Mohawk descent, Pulitzer Prize winning Diné composer Raven Chacon, Passamaquoddy composer Allen Sockabasin, and Italian composer Giovanni Sollima.

Musical Roots: Connecting Nature, Ancestry, and Culture Through Music

Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness

Brazilian-American composer Clarice Assad’s eclectic style finds inspiration in jazz. Drawing a parallel to French Impressionists who were likewise inspired, this program pairs Assad with Ravel’s masterful Violin Sonata and Fauré’s evocative Piano Quartet No. 2.

Festival Concert 3

Two-time Grammy nominee and Avery Fisher Career Grant recipient violinist Jennifer Frautschi has appeared as soloist with innumerable orchestras including the Cincinnati, Chicago, and Milwaukee symphony orchestras; Los Angeles Philharmonic; and the Minnesota and Saint Paul Chamber orchestras. As chamber musician she has performed with the Boston and Lincoln Center’s chamber music societies, and appeared at Chamber Music Northwest, La Jolla Summerfest, Music@Menlo, Tippet Rise Art Center, and the Toronto Summer, Bridgehampton, Charlottesville, Lake Champlain, Moab, Ojai, Seattle, and Spoleto music festivals.

Music on the River with Jennifer Frautschi

Riverside

Blue Maine waters are the inspiration for a concert featuring pianist Anne-Marie McDermott and a new work by composer Xavier Foley paired with Schubert’s famous “Trout” Quintet.

Festival Concert 2

New Zealand-born violinist Geneva Lewis has forged a reputation as a musician of consummate artistry. Named a BBC New Generation Artist (2022–24), Ms. Lewis is also the recipient of a 2022 Borletti-Buitoni Trust Award, and a 2021 Avery Fisher Career Grant. She was Grand Prize winner of the 2020 Concert Artists Guild Competition, winner of the Kronberg Academy’s Prince of Hesse Prize (2021), Musical America’s New Artist of the Month (June 2021), a Performance Today Young Artist in Residence, and a YCAT Concordia Artist.

Solo Recitals at the Strand: Geneva Lewis, violin

What is a viola da gamba? Arnie Tanimoto has quickly established himself as one of the foremost viol players in the USA. Join us at the Skidompha Public Library as he introduces audiences to this beautiful Baroque instrument through musical demonstration, talk, and informal Q&A with listeners. 

 

Gold medalist and first-ever American laureate of the 7th International Bach-Abel Competition, Arnie Tanimoto has quickly established himself as one of the foremost viol players in the US. Described by the New York Times as a “fine instrumental soloist,” he has performed and recorded in venues across North America and Europe with the likes of Barthold Kuijken, Boston Early Music Festival Ensemble, and the Smithsonian Consort of Viols.

Lecture/Demo with Arnie Tanimoto, viola da gamba

This concert is a favorite for all ages, and introduces children and adults to great chamber music in engaging and entertaining ways. Come sing, clap and enjoy a musical morning with our wonderful musicians. Hosted by Mark Mandarano.

Kids & Family Concert

Central Lincoln County YMCA

On the 100th anniversary of the premiere of George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, pianist/composer Conrad Tao presents a newly composed work—co-commissioned by SBC— honoring the original masterpiece’s highly theatrical spirit. It is paired with Bartók’s dance-infused Contrasts.

Festival Concert 1

Join us for our annual benefit concert featuring Rachmaninoff ’s Sonata for Cello and Piano performed by husband-and-wife duo Edward Arron and Jeewon Park. Enjoy oysters, hors d’oeuvres, wine, and art in an airy church-turned-art studio home in Damariscotta Mills.

2024 Benefit Concert

Traditional Acupuncture: Susan Weiser Mason

Get an insider’s sneak peek into how professional musicians approach training the next generation of gifted artists. Watch and listen to talented young Maine violinists perform for and be coached by master violinist Sean Lee in a one-on-one masterclass.

Master Class with Sean Lee, violin

SBC 2023 Festival Concert 4

Wabananki Public Health & Wellness hosts Salt Bay Chamberfest as they open their space in Downtown Bangor for a free concert and discussion.

SBC-commissioned composer and Grammy-nominated musician of Mohawk descent Dawn Avery joins SBC Artistic Director and cellist Wilhelmina Smith with fellow SBC musicians in a performance of Avery’s works, including commentary by Avery.

We invite you to join us starting at 12:30 pm before the concert to enjoy traditional Wabanaki refreshments, and traditional Wabanaki music by Chief Clarissa Sabbatis & Lauren Stevens.

Composer Talk & Performance with Dawn Avery

SBC 2023 Festival Concert 3

A free and informal outdoors concert featuring violinist Sean Lee playing solo works, overlooking the Damariscotta River. 

Limited chairs are provided for this one-hour event, but you are welcome to bring your own lawn chairs or blankets. Audience seating is on a sloped grassy lawn.

Music on the River with Sean Lee, violin

SBC 2023 Festival Concert 2

Family Concert with the Brentano String Quartet 2023

The Brentano String Quartet gives a lecture/demonstration focused on Fanny Mendelssohn, Felix’s talented sister, at the Frances Perkins Homestead in Newcastle.

“Fanny & Fannie” Lecture/Demo on Fanny Mendelssohn with the Brentano String Quartet

Frances Perkins Center

SBC 2023 Festival Concert 1

Lecture/Demo with Arnie Tanimoto, viola da gamba 2023

Duets for violin and cello performed by Grammy-award winner Jennifer Koh and SBC Artistic Director Wilhelmina Smith fill the airy church-turned-art studio home in Damariscotta Mills. Enjoy music, art, wine, and hor d’oeuvres at this special event.

Salt Bay Chamberfest

Aug 17, 2024

Master Class with Jennifer Koh

Aug 16, 2024

Festival Concert 4

Salt Bay Chamberfest