An Introduction

The Martha's Vineyard Chamber Music Society began with a series of three concerts by the widely acclaimed Montagnana Trio in the Chilmark Community Center. It has grown into a non-profit organization that each year presents a Summer Music Festival. Artistic Director Delores Stevens carefully assembles top-notch professional artists of national and international acclaim. The Festival Concerts have become known for their high quality of musicianship and performance and for their variety of challenging music. In its commitment to performing music by living composers, the Society has commissioned numerous works.

Children and students have always enjoyed free admission to concerts. In 1986 interest in music education for the Island's young people led to the All-Island String Program offering young children after-school lessons in violin, viola, and cello. The program was later adopted by Island schools into their regular curriculum. The Society has continued support of the string program by creating a unique "lending library" of violins and cellos rented at low cost to chilren who otherwise could not participate. In addition, the Society annually provides scholarships for private lessons for young musicians and an annual scholarship to a high school graduating senior.

The Music Society functions largely with outstanding volunteer help in all areas of its work. Volunteers sell tickets and distribute programs, organize and prepare food for receptions, and assist with publicity. Some offer visiting performers the hospitality of their homes. They administer the instrument lending library and scholarship. We encourage and welcome new volunteers.

Welcome from the Board of Directors

The Martha's Vineyard Chamber Music Society proudly celebrates its 39th Summer Festival. Led by artistic director Delores Stevens and a board of directors of fifteen enthusiastic members and fourteen associate members, we present an eclectic concert series designed to appeal to every music lover on the Vineyard. During the summer of 2009, you will hear chamber music of the 18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries, including jazz, performed by international artists and world-class musicians.

But what is beautiful music without an audience? Thank you for being a part of our legion of faithful supporters. Your appreciation and applause complete our celebration of the finest music and performers in the world. Thank you for joining us!

Did you know that the MVCMS supports the music education programs of our island students by supplying string instrucments to children in Grades K-12? We support the maintenance of the instruments and give lesson scholarships to many deserving youngsters who might, otherwise, not be able to study an instrument. We highlight the achievements of those students with an annual youth concert, and we award a college scholarship each year to a deserving high school student.

Would you like to join our efforts to continue our important work? You may become a patron, a concert sponsor, or a contributor. Or, perhaps you'd like to contribute you energies to the work of our board. We welcome your participation in whatever way is meaningful to you! Now, sit back and savor our sounds!

Elaine M. Pace, Ed.D., President of the Board