About Rockport Music
Enriching Lives Through Great Music
For over 40 years, Rockport Music has been dedicated to bringing exceptional music to life, inspiring audiences through world-class performances and dynamic programming.
Located in the scenic seaport village of Rockport, Massachusetts, Rockport Music presents year-round concerts and events, including the acclaimed Rockport Chamber Music Festival, which features over 20 performances in just five weeks each summer. Our programming spans classical, jazz, folk, pop and global music, as well as film screenings and HD broadcasts from the Metropolitan Opera and National Theatre.
A Legacy of Excellence
Founded in 1981 as the Rockport Chamber Music Festival by soprano Lila Deis, pianist/composer David Alpher and businessman Paul Sylva, the organization has grown into a cultural treasure.
- David Deveau served as Artistic Director from 1995 to 2017, expanding the festival’s reach and reputation.
- In 2008, Rockport Music officially adopted its name to reflect its growing artistic vision beyond chamber music and its dedication to arts and culture in Rockport and beyond.
- In 2018, Barry Shiffman took the helm as Artistic Director, leading the festival and classical programming to even greater heights.
A World-Class Performance Home
In 2010, Rockport Music celebrated the opening of the Shalin Liu Performance Center, a state-of-the-art concert hall designed by Alan Joslin and Deborah Epstein (Epstein Joslin Architects) with acoustics by R. Lawrence Kirkegaard. With breathtaking ocean views and world-class acoustics, it has become a premier destination for music lovers and artists alike.
Mission Statement: Rockport Music inspires a love and understanding of music through exceptional live performances and creative learning opportunities.
The Rockport Music Experience
At Rockport Music, every performance is an intimate, unforgettable experience. With just 330 seats, our state-of-the-art Shalin Liu Performance Center brings you closer to the music, creating a powerful connection with the artist. It’s no wonder musicians cherish performing here!
During intermission, sip a glass of wine or beer and enjoy a moment of serenity in our stunning third-floor reception hall, where the vast ocean stretches before you.
Make your visit even more special by exploring the charm of Rockport. Wander through picturesque streets, discover local galleries and shops and take in the breathtaking beauty of Motif No.1, one of New England’s most beloved landmarks.
“It is the most beautiful hall in which I’ve ever performed…it is intimate and awe-inspiring. As a performer, it brings out a different inspiration for my music and performance.”
—Wendy Chen, classical pianist
About the Music
Chamber Music Excellence
Our chamber music series continues to attract world renowned artists year after year. Legendary artists include: pianists Leon Fleisher, Richard Goode, Marc-André Hamelin, Lars Vogt and Garrick Ohlsson; acclaimed string quartets including the Brentano, Dover, Juilliard and St. Lawrence Quartets; celebrated ensembles such as the Boston Trio, Eroica Trio and Trio con Brio Copenhagen; and esteemed violinists like Christian Tetzlaff, Midori and Ray Chen, among many other notable musicians.
Jazz, Pop and Folk Icons
Concerts have included performances by Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Dianne Reeves, Chris Botti, Dave Brubeck, Christian McBride, Ellis Marsalis, Graham Nash, Lyle Lovett, 10,000 Maniacs, Marc Cohn, Suzanne Vega, Shawn Colvin, Paula Cole, Arlo Guthrie, Judy Collins, Sutton Foster, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Béla Fleck, The Irish Tenors and GBH’s A Christmas Celtic Sojourn.
Broadcasts and Commissions
Live recordings of Rockport Music concerts have been featured on 99.5 FM Classical New England, NPR’s Performance Today and the Violin Channel. Recent commissions include:
- Mother’s Songs – Lei Liang
- Dido Reimagined – Melinda Wagner
- Granite Coast – Scott Wheeler
- Song Without Words – David Alpher
- Adagio – Charles Wuorinen
Education & Community Engagement
Rockport Music brings the joy of music to over 9,000 students and adults each year through dynamic educational and community programs. From inspiring in-school residencies and hands-on workshops to free community concerts and engaging lectures, we create opportunities for people of all ages to connect with music in meaningful ways.
With annual audiences exceeding 29,000, our commitment to accessibility ensures that everyone can experience the power of live music—whether through a masterclass with world-class musicians, a family-friendly performance or the transformative Cape Ann Jazz Workshop for young artists.
Awards and Distinctions
Best Concert Hall, Massachusetts
Yankee Magazine’s 2013 “Editors’ Choice”
Best Live Music Venue
Northshore Magazine’s BONS Award (13 consecutive years, 2011-2024)
Best New Music Performance & Most Creative Programming
The Boston Globe’s “Best of 2011”
2011 Honor Award, for both the Shalin Liu Performance Center and Epstein Joslin Architects
The Boston Society of Architects