Classical Music in the Heart of New Hampshire
Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2012, the New Hampshire Music Festival features a summer concert series of orchestral classical music and pops, in addition to chamber music performances and a free pre-concert lecture series. For nearly 20 years, the Festival has been in residence at Plymouth State University in July and August, and is now a fixture at the Hanaway Theater in the Silver Center of the Arts. Classical music concerts are performed on Thursdays and Fridays, with Pops concerts on alternate Saturdays. Chamber music performances take place on Tuesdays in the intimate Smith Recital Hall, also at the Silver Center.
The Festival attracts some of the finest classical musicians from around the country, representing many of the nation’s premiere symphony orchestras. The special bond between members of the orchestra has been built over many summers of playing music and enjoying the peace and beauty of the Lakes Region of New Hampshire together. We believe that special bond is reflected in the quality of the music we play, and in the fondness of the community for this very special community of fine musicians.
This is our 60th year of bringing high quality classical music to New Hampshire! From humble beginnings on an island on Lake Winnepesaukee in 1952, the Festival has grown to be a jewel of classical music in New England. This summer’s program promises the same mix of favorites and exciting new works that is a hallmark of the Festival’s offerings, and features our newly named Conductor Laureate Paul Polivnick conducting the first three classical concerts, with candidates vying to be the Festival’s next Music Director conducting the last three concerts. Matt Catingub returns to conduct Pops concerts featuring the Great American Songbook, the music of the Rat Pack and a tribute to Ray Charles.
Join us this summer as we celebrate 60 vibrant years of
classical music in one of the most beautiful settings in the country!
Come to a performance this summer!
We'll look forward to seeing you.
A Letter from Conductor Laureate Paul Polivnick
Dear Friends,
When I took over the reins from my esteemed predecessor, Tom Nee, I observed the positive spiritual and professional culture that he had fostered for more than three decades.
During my eighteen years at the helm, I made it my mission to maintain and develop that culture while continually raising the bar artistically.
As a result, the working atmosphere at the New Hampshire Music Festival is as close to an ideal scene as I can imagine thanks to the talent, camaraderie, and unified sense of purpose shared by the fine musicians who come there year after year.
But the lasting effect of this culture is the community that has developed around the Festival, led by the public that adores “their orchestra.” That is the big story of the Festival’s continued success.
This summer, I’m returning to our Festival. Will you?
Join me in celebration of the last sixty years - and in preparation for the next sixty - through a contribution to the 2011 Annual Fund.
Sincerely,
Paul Polivnick, Conductor Laureate
