Arthur Russell Week (ARW) will present two concerts on July 14 and 15, 2022, at 5:30 pm, at St. John Episcopal Church in Southwest Harbor, Maine. Both concerts are free of charge and open to the public. In compliance with the church’s policy, masks will be required of all in attendance at both concerts.
Named for cellist-songwriter Arthur Russell, Ellsworth Community Music Institute (ECMI) again presents the much-loved student chamber music program Arthur Russell Week July 11-15, this year in collaboration with Camp Beech Cliff. Each morning from July 11-15, young musicians aged 8 to 15 will work together at Pemetic School in small groups to refine their musical skills and have fun learning under the guidance of professional coaches. The same week during the afternoons, amateur adult musicians will receive professional coaching and concert preparation.
Esteemed faculty for the festival are Luke Fatora, violin/viola; Emily Stodola, violin; Noreen Silver (Artistic Director), cello; Phillip Silver, piano, and Nancy Colter, piano.
The week culminates in two public performances: Thursday, July 14 at 5:30 pm will be a benefit concert for Westside Food Pantry, and will feature adult cellists, accomplished student mentors, guest cellist Aaron Wolff, and guest percussionist Beau Lisy. The performance will be a celebration of mixed genres - classical music, and the music of composer Arthur Russell. Friday, July 15, younger students will perform, also at 5:30pm.
An exciting addition throughout the week, video artist Peter Logue will be filming students and teachers live in order to complete a documentary about the history and future of Arthur Russell Week. The premiere of the short film will be released to the public in the coming months.
Arthur Russell Week is a one-week summer festival for young musicians, ages 8-13, and adult amateurs who will experience the wonders of musical collaboration in small groups. Ensembles may include strings, piano, some woodwinds, and possibly percussion.
Both concerts will be held at St. John Episcopal Church, 315 Main Street, Southwest Harbor, Maine. For more information, please contact Ellsworth Community Music Institute at 207-664-9258 or arweek@ellsworthcommunitymusic.org