Festivals
Rockport Music, founded in 1981 as the Rockport Chamber Music Festival and now a leading year-round arts presenter, hosts two signature festivals each season. The Rockport Chamber Music Festival—the cornerstone of the organization—is a five-week summer celebration held each June and July, featuring many of the world’s finest chamber ensembles and soloists. The Rockport Celtic Festival, presented each September, explores traditional and contemporary music from across the Celtic world.
Building on the organization’s artistic foundation established by Lila Deis and David Alpher, and further shaped by Artistic Director Emeritus David Deveau, Rockport Music continues today under the artistic direction of Barry Shiffman. All festival performances take place in the “stunning acoustics and dramatic setting” (Boston Globe) of the Shalin Liu Performance Center.
“New England’s most magical spot for chamber music.” –The Boston Globe
Rockport Chamber Music Festival
June 12-July 12, 2026
Barry Shiffman, classical & festival artistic director
For 45 years, Rockport has been a place where great artists feel free to take risks and audiences feel deeply connected to the music. This season reflects everything the Festival has grown to represent—artistic excellence, bold collaboration, and a spirit of discovery—creating a summer of music that is richer, more vibrant, and more inspiring than ever.
Rockport Celtic Festival
September 10-13, 2026
Exploring Celtic Roots & Branches
Maeve Gilchrist, Celtic Festival artistic director
Save the dates for the 2026 Rockport Celtic Festival! Rockport Music and Artistic Director (and harpist) Maeve Gilchrist return with a Celtic Festival that that will explore traditional and contemporary music from around the Celtic world. This Festival was co-founded by the late GBH Celtic Sojourn host Brian O’Donovan.