Rockport Music

For over 30 years Rockport Music has been committed to one enduring purpose–enriching lives through great music. Located in the scenic seaport village of Rockport, Massachusetts, Rockport Music presents exceptional musical performances and events year round, including the acclaimed Rockport Chamber Music Festival, which hosts over 20 performances in five weeks during June and July each year. Rockport Music also presents classical, jazz, folk, pop, and world music, as well as a film series and HD broadcasts from the Metropolitan Opera and England’s National Theatre. Rockport Music was originally founded in 1981 as the Rockport Chamber Music Festival by soprano Lila Deis, pianist/composer David Alpher–both were artistic directors from 1981-1994–and local businessman Paul Sylva. Since 1995 under the artistic leadership of renowned pianist and MIT faculty member David Deveau, the organization has grown exponentially in stature and reputation and is now nationally recognized. In July 2008 the Board of Trustees voted to adopt the name Rockport Music to represent an expanding organization. In June 2010 Rockport Music celebrated the opening of the state-of-the-art Shalin Liu Performance Center, designed by lead architects Alan Joslin and Deborah Epstein of Epstein Joslin Architects and acoustician R. Lawrence Kirkegaard.


The Experience:

“It is the most beautiful hall in which I’ve ever performed…it is intimate and awe-inspiring. As a performer, it brings out a different inspiration for my music and performance..” —Wendy Chen, classical pianist (2012)

Whether attending a classical, jazz, pop, folk or world music concert, you’ll always be up-close-and-personal with the artists in our intimate hall. Musicians love to perform here for just that reason! With 330 seats, every seat has a spectacular view of the stage. During intermission, enjoy a cocktail and refreshments while taking in the unparalleled view of the ocean from the third floor reception hall. In order to complete your Rockport Music experience, arrive early to enjoy the spectacular New England coastal town of Rockport, home of the famed Motif No.1. Stroll through quaint streets, browse local galleries and shops, and enjoy the many cafes and restaurant.


Educational Outreach:

Educational enrichment programs reach nearly 9,000 students and adults each year and include school outreach programs, family and community concerts, lectures, open rehearsals and master classes. Annual audiences exceed 29,000, up from 5,000 just five years ago. From free community concerts and in-school musician residency programs to lectures and masterclasses for adults, Rockport Music is dedicated to fostering an appreciation of music through accessible programs for people of all ages.