Эндрю Вольф

 The Curtis summer colony was discontinued in 1945, but many musicians continued to summer in Rockport and Camden. In an effort to restore the great musical tradition of the earlier years two teen-aged musicians, Thomas and Andrew Wolf (pictured above), established a chamber music organization in 1960, calling it Bay Chamber Concerts. Mary Curtis Bok Zimbalist, the Curtis Institute’s founder, was the original patron and honorary President of the organization. She was joined by the Wolf’s grandmother, violinist Lea Luboshutz (pictured left), their uncle, opera impresario Boris Goldovsky (pictured left) and many other musicians who had been part of the Curtis summer colony.

Other Important Events in the History of Bay Chamber Concerts

1961 First concert given in Camden Episcopal Church parish house (July13)

Establishment of Fox Island Concerts on Vinalhaven Island as ancillary series.

First music prize given by Bay Chamber Concerts to a Maine musician for excellence in musicianship. Today eight prizes are given each year with many musicians going on to illustrious careers.

1970 Establishment of Machias Bay Chamber Concerts in a town 30 minutes from the Canadian border. Several concerts continue to be presented there under Bay Chamber Concerts’ auspices each summer.

1972 Andrew Wolf (pictured right) and Bay Chamber Concerts receive Governor’s Arts Award for distinguished service to the State of Maine.

1973 Initial restoration of the Rockport Opera House, built in 1891, which becomes Bay Chamber Concerts’ new home and has been called one of the architectural and acoustical gems of New England.

1974 Establishment of Bay Chamber Concerts Winter Series, offering the community year-round concerts and educational residencies throughout the year.

1985 Andrew Wolf, long-time Artistic Director, dies at the age of 42. A national chamber music award is established in his memory. Jeffrey Kahane is the first recipient of the prize in 1987 (which consists of a $15,000 cash award and several concerts).

1986 Thomas Wolf assumes the position of Artistic Director. Later, the position includes the title of Executive Director.

Patron Elsie Bixler gives Bay Chamber Concerts a new Steinway D concert grand piano. Over subsequent years, additional Steinways are given to Bay Chamber Concerts by the Sokoloff family.

Bay Chamber Concerts adds a second weekly concert to its summer series.

1990 Bay Chamber Concerts is awarded several major grants to develop a national model music education project – the Next Generation program. The initiative brings young people from around the state for a summer chamber music camp and becomes regular part of organization.

1991 BCC launches classical music radio show with host Thomas Wolf, featuring concert broadcasts and educational commentary.

Second renovation of the Rockport Opera House (picture left) with complete restoration of auditorium and addition of air conditioning. Bay Chamber Concerts contributes a major portion of the cost.

1993 Bay Chamber Concerts inaugurates jazz and world music programs throughout the year.

1994 Completion of Bay Chamber Concerts capital campaign and establishment of operating endowment.

1999 Annual student prize winner concerts initiated by Bay Chamber Concerts.

2000 Strom Auditorium at Camden Hills Regional High School introduced as additional venue for large-scale events.

Annual “First Chair All Stars” concerts inaugurated which bring principal players from major American orchestras to Rockport for chamber music concerts.

2001 Fall Foliage Chamber Music Weekend initiated for adult amateur musicians

2002 Renovated Camden Opera House added as third Bay Chamber Concerts venue

2004 Dance performances added to Bay Chamber Concerts offerings

2005 Renovated Strand Theatre in Rockland becomes fourth Bay Chamber Concerts venue.

2006 Odeon Youth Orchestra merges with Bay Chamber Concerts adding educational offerings to the local community.

2008 Private Instruction program begins for youth and adult students in violin, viola, cello and piano.

2009 Odeon Strings Program expands to 4 ensembles: Junior, Youth, Chamber and Adult.

Bay Chamber Concerts Council of Overseers established

2010 Bay Chamber Concerts celebrates its 50th Summer Music Festival season and establishes its new home in the Shepherd Block in Rockport Village (picture right) with the founding of its Community Music School.