Fifth annual festival lineup includes virtual concerts by classical instrumentalists

By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer

Elena Urioste

(Aug. 6, 2020) The fifth annual Chamber Music by the Sea series will return Aug. 18-22 virtually via Zoom.

Chamber Music by the Sea, which was established by Elena Urioste in 2016, is the first classical music festival in Berlin and Snow Hill.

“‘This place has everything… except a chamber music festival!’ was a thought that ran through my mind over 17 years ago when I first visited Berlin, Maryland,” Urioste said.

“The stunning beauty of the Assateague Island National Seashore, picturesque charm of the towns of Berlin and Snow Hill, delicious local food, a real appreciation for art of all varieties — it seemed like an ideal location to set up a summer chamber music festival,” she added.

The summer concerts are usually held at venues in Berlin, South Point and Snow Hill, but this year musicians will perform live from their own homes around the world.

“In the past, we’ve sold up to 500 tickets across the entire festival week, but we’re hoping that because travel is no longer a restriction this year, many more people will want to tune in and hear this group of phenomenal musicians play right from their own homes around the world,” Urioste said.

The 2020 festival lineup features internationally acclaimed artists Elena Urioste on violin, Grace Park on violin, Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt on viola, Xavier Foley on double bass, Brook Speltz on cello, Tom Poster on piano, Juan-Miguel Hernandez on viola, Laura van der Heijden on cello, Rosalind Ventris on viola and Jonathan Biss on piano.

“We’ll have musical contributions from artists in London, Montreal, Los Angeles, Philadelphia … and even one who’s currently based in “the other Berlin” – Germany,” Urioste said.

The 2020 festival is presented in part by Worcester County Education Foundation, Paul M. Angell Family Foundation and Worcester County Arts Council.

All festival ticket sales benefit the Worcester County Education Foundation and support year-round arts initiatives in Worcester County Public Schools.

According to a press release, a grant from the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation will allow for a new initiative called Virtual Visiting Artists, which will enable acclaimed musicians to interact directly with students in live virtual sessions this school year.

A short family concert will take place on Saturday, Aug. 22 at 10:30 a.m. It is a free show and will be broadcast on Facebook and YouTube.

Viewers are encouraged to bring paper and coloring tools for a draw along with the live performance.

Ticket options for the other shows this year are: $20 for a single concert event on Zoom, $40 for a single concert event as well as VIP pass for a 45-minute meet and greet with the musicians before the start of the show and $100 for a full week VIP pass, which includes access to three ticketed events and time with musicians before each show.

For more information about the festival and to purchase tickets, visit www.chambermusicbythesea.com or www.wced.foundation.

Chamber Music by the Sea 2020 festival schedule:

Aug. 18 at 7 p.m.: the music of Grieg Sonata and a #UriPosteJukebox-style set via Zoom

Aug. 20 at 7 p.m.: the music of Schubert String Trio and a selection of popular favorites by Tom Poster via Zoom

Aug. 21 at 11 a.m.: free yoga for musicians workshop via Zoom

Aug. 22 at 10:30 a.m.: a family-friendly concert and draw-along via Facebook and YouTube

Aug. 22 at 7 p.m.: the music of Lila Wildy Quillin and Dvorak’s Piano Quartet in E-flat Minor