Bowdoin International Music Festival facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bowdoin International Music Festival |
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|---|---|
| Genre | Classical |
| Location(s) | Brunswick, Maine, USA |
| Years active | 1964-Present |
| Founded by | Robert Beckwith, Lewis Kaplan |
| Website | http://www.bowdoinfestival.org |
The Bowdoin International Music Festival is a super cool summer event in Brunswick, Maine. It's a place where young musicians can learn and perform, and everyone can enjoy amazing classical music concerts. It started way back in 1964 and has been helping musicians grow ever since!
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What Happens at the Festival?
Every summer, for six weeks, the Festival is buzzing with music! You can enjoy many different concerts, from professional shows to performances by talented young artists. There are also special classes where students learn from famous musicians.
Some of the amazing musicians who have been part of the Festival include:
- The Ying Quartet
- Yefim Bronfman
- Emanuel Ax
- The Brentano Quartet
- The Shanghai Quartet
These artists share their skills and passion for music with everyone.
A Look Back: Festival History
The Bowdoin International Music Festival has a rich history, starting over 50 years ago!
How It All Began
In May 1964, a music professor named Robert K. Beckwith from Bowdoin College had a great idea. He invited a musician named Lewis Kaplan to create a summer concert series. Lewis Kaplan was known for leading a group called the Aeolian Chamber Players, who played both old and new classical music.
The plan was to have concerts that summer and then start a music school the next year. And just like that, the Bowdoin College Summer Music Festival was born!
Growing and Changing
After a successful first summer of concerts, the Aeolian Chamber Players returned in 1965. This time, they brought 19 students and some modern composers. This was the start of the Festival's focus on new music, which later became known as the Charles E. Gamper Festival.
In 1966, a famous composer named George Crumb came to the Festival. He performed his new piece, "Eleven Echoes of Autumn, 1965," for the very first time.
The Festival kept growing through the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. Its name changed a few times, eventually becoming the Bowdoin International Music Festival in 2004. Lewis Kaplan led the Festival for a long time, celebrating its 50th summer in 2014!
New Leaders
In September 2014, David and Phillip Ying took over as the Festival's Artistic Co-Directors. They are members of the famous Ying Quartet, and they continue to lead the Festival into the future.
