Coast Meets Cadence for the 37th Kingston Chamber Music Festival

A legacy concert series returns to the University of Rhode Island campus in Kingston this summer for its 37th season, presenting performances by renowned artists at affordable prices. The Kingston Chamber Music Festival (KCMF), held July 23-August 3 in Edwards Hall, only continues to expand, while upholding a mission of excellence that put the festival on the map.

And it all started when violinist David Kim first visited South County in 1986. “He enjoyed the proximity to picturesque beaches, the small-town charm of Wakefield, and the fresh seafood,” says executive director Valerie Cookson-Botto. “Only one thing could make this place better, he thought: chamber music.” What began as three concerts the summer of 1989 has grown into a world-class series presenting a broad musical spectrum, from cherished classics to new works.

This year’s theme is “Where Coast Meets Cadence,” an idea conceived by artistic director Natalie Zhu’s daughter, Clara Chen, to highlight the sense of place that enriches the performances. “While ‘coast’ is often associated with a landform near the sea, it can also describe effortlessness and fluidity,” Chen says. “The festival embodies both meanings of the word, as musicians come together to make music with one another in Kingston.”

A full schedule of concerts ranges from an opening program celebrating the rich musical traditions of Latin America on July 23 to the festival’s final act on August 2: Concert 6, which begins with Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate’s Rattle Songs, a classical transcription of a piece typically performed by oral musicians in their Native American tradition. A new addition, two showcases of the URI Summer Music Academy, a high school music camp, happen August 1 and 3 prior to KCMF concerts.

“Whether you are a classical music aficionado or have never been to a chamber music concert before,” says Cookson-Botto, “we invite you to come experience unforgettable live performances!”

Purchase individual tickets or a series package online or by calling 401-308-3614, and find a full schedule at KingstonChamberMusic.org.