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 special summer program for classical music. It happens every year in Brunswick, Maine. It's like a big summer camp and concert series all in one! The festival started in 1964 as part of Bowdoin College. Since 1997, it has been its own independent group, helping young musicians learn and grow.
Contents
What Happens at the Festival?
Concerts and Performances
The festival lasts for six weeks each summer. During this time, many concerts and events happen. There are about 20 main concerts by professional musicians. Also, over 200 performances are given by the young artists who attend the school. You can also enjoy community concerts, special classes, and talks about music.
Famous Musicians and Teachers
Many famous musicians and groups perform and teach at the festival. Some of these include the Ying Quartet, Yefim Bronfman, Paul Katz, Brentano Quartet, Borromeo String Quartet, Emanuel Ax, Glenn Dicterow, Igor Begelman, and Shanghai Quartet. These talented artists share their skills and knowledge with the students.
History of the Festival
How It All Began
The Bowdoin International Music Festival started in May 1964. Robert K. Beckwith, who led the music department at Bowdoin College, invited a musician named Lewis Kaplan to create a summer concert series. Kaplan was known for leading a music group called the Aeolian Chamber Players. He was also asked to plan a summer music school for the next year. This is how the Bowdoin College Summer Music Festival began.
Early Years and Growth
After a successful first summer of concerts, the Aeolian Chamber Players returned in 1965. They brought 19 students and several modern composers. These composers included Elliott Carter and George Rochberg. This was the start of the festival's focus on new music. This part of the festival later became known as the Charles E. Gamper Festival. In 1966, a composer named George Crumb visited. He presented his new piece, "Eleven Echoes of Autumn, 1965," for the very first time.
Becoming Independent
The Bowdoin Festival grew a lot during the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. It was first called the Bowdoin Summer Music Festival. In 1997, the festival became an independent non-profit organization. This meant it could run on its own. In 2004, its name changed to the Bowdoin International Music Festival. Lewis Kaplan continued to be the festival's director until 2014. That year, the festival celebrated its 50th summer of teaching and performing music!
New Leaders
In September 2014, two brothers, David and Phillip Ying, became the new Artistic Co-Directors of the festival. They are members of the famous Ying Quartet. They now help guide the festival's artistic programs.
