On Friday, June 2, Rockport Music brought classical music lovers together in a grand Opening Night Gala with the world-renowned violinist Joshua Bell.
Prior to the concert, Rockport Music board chair Susanne Guyer announced the launch of a $12 million campaign entitled In Concert with You to ensure that the highest caliber of music continues to be presented at Rockport Music and for the preservation of the Shalin Liu Performance Center. Ms. Guyer also announced that the Campaign Committee—led by Stephen Bell, Garth Greimann and Joe Mueller—has already raised over $9 million of that $12 million goal and that more information will follow in the coming months on how people can participate in this momentous campaign.
The Opening Night Gala also honored Artistic Director David Deveau for his 22 years of artistic leadership. In appreciation of his work, Trustee Emerita Susan Gray spoke about the tremendous growth and progress made as he closes out his acclaimed tenure with the organization. During the concert, violinist Joshua Bell and pianist Alessio Bax performed a dramatic program of works by Beethoven, Brahms, Grieg and Sarasate. Following the concert, Gala guests gathered for a spectacular evening under a grand tent at Millbrook Meadow for cocktails and a gourmet dinner.
The Opening Night Gala provides critical support for the organization’s artistic programming, the numerous Rockport Music educational and community outreach programs throughout the year, as well as operational funding.
Rockport Music is grateful to Gala Committee Co-Chairs Dianne Anderson, Eve and Phil Cutter, and Susan Gray and Alec Dingee for their tireless efforts to ensure this evening was a tremendous success. Rockport Music wishes to thank the many sponsors, donors, underwriters, volunteers and patrons who made this event a truly special occasion for all involved—especially the generous support of our Corporate Sponsors–Brookwood Financial, Glovsky & Glovsky, Woburn Toyota, Epstein Joslin Architects, Timothy S. Hopkins Catering, Boston Financial Management, and Wernau Asset Management.