Following an international search, Rockport Music announces the hiring of new President and CEO Suzanne Wilson, effective July 1. Suzanne boasts an extensive career in creative leadership, with her most recent position serving as President and CEO of the Phoenix Symphony, as well as roles as Executive Director of the Midori Foundation, Chief of Staff of New England Conservatory and Vice President of Education and Community Engagement for the Celebrity Series of Boston.

"We are thrilled that Suzanne will bring to Rockport Music her deep love of music, a breadth and diversity of arts management experience, particularly in the Boston and New York City areas, her talent as a strong arts advocate and collaborator and her belief in the power and importance of music education,” expressed Jeannie McIntyre, chair of Rockport Music’s Board of Trustees. “We look forward with great excitement to a bright future with Suzanne as she leads Rockport Music to new heights while embracing our mission and passion for excellence."

“I am excited and incredibly proud to serve as the next President and CEO of Rockport Music,” Wilson commented. “I have a profound admiration for its rich tradition of presenting diverse music and educational experiences and bringing audiences together at the stunning Shalin Liu Performance Center.”

Welcome, Suzanne!

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

The 43^rd Annual Rockport Chamber Music Festival, led by Artistic Director Barry Shiffman, has explored traditional favorites such as Chopin and Beethoven, as well as the more contemporary sound worlds of Philip Glass and Lou Harrison. The Festival continues in late June with a Debussy and Ravel program brought by harpist Bridget Kibbey and the Viano Quartet, British cellist Steven Isserlis performs Beethoven, Faure and more and harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani leads a star-studded ensemble in a performance of J.S. Bach's Brandenburg No. 5 as well as the East Coast premiere of Gavin Bryars' new work. 

The Festival closes out July 5-7 with A Far Cry with Kinan Azmeh and Dinuk Wijeratne, The King’s Singers and a Festival Finale concert featuring a program of Poulenc, Dohnányi and Schubert. Additional Festival performances in August include concerts by Canadian Brass, pianist Charles Richard-Hamelin and the Borromeo Quartet with Artistic Director Emeritus and pianist David Deveau and Classical Artistic Director and violist Barry Shiffman. Do not miss out on the Festival--only a few concerts remain!

Enjoy some photos below. Plus, Rockport Music's Julian Mendoza gets up close and personal in an interview with violinist Blake Pouliot and David Skidmore of Third Coast Percussion. 

SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

Created in 2014 to honor four of Rockport Music’s founders, the Susan Gray, Alec Dingee and Phil & Eve Cutter Scholarship Fund has awarded 21 scholarships over nine years to deserving students from our local community who plan to pursue a career in music. Congratulations to this year's scholarship winners, presented on June 15 at a Rockport Chamber Music Festival concert!

Anthony Fisichella
Beverly High School graduate
attending Bridgewater State University as music major

Cameron Arndt
Rockport High School graduate
attending University of Vermont, jazz guitar major

Recipients of the 2024 scholarship have been leaders in the music department at their respective high schools. Both Anthony Fisichella and Cameron Arndt have exemplified a “pay it forward” mindset, acting as mentors for their peers.    

HARRY LASKER

Music Sensibility, Part of the Human Psyche

Harry would often fall asleep to Chopin or Mozart as a child. While his father was a serious amateur pianist, Harry never played an instrument but those memories of live music were profound. Ask him to whistle Mozart.

When Harry moved to Rockport 3.5 years ago he met people on the board of Rockport Music and quickly realized what a local gem he was introduced to – an oasis for high quality music. The music made him feel emotionally alive. He was blown away by that first encounter and it did not take long to return.

As Harry became more engaged with Rockport Music he found the curation of music, the choice of artists and what is being performed on stage “electric.” He found himself wanting to do anything to help and hard to resist when asked if he would be interested in joining the Board of Trustees. He is impressed by Rockport Music’s assets and says its approach to things is unparalleled.

“We consider ourselves lucky to be a 5 minute walk from the Shalin Liu and to be able to enjoy it with the wonderful range of enlightened supporters in town – a unique combination. Thanks for bringing this richness into our lives.”