Who We Are

Where passion meets purpose.

Through diverse and dynamic events and first-class instruction, Bay Chamber takes the lead in making music accessible to all.

With this two-pronged approach to promoting excellence in the performing arts, we are able to connect a wide range of audiences and ages to some of the most vibrant music and musicians in the world.

Our mission

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Bay Chamber champions the power of music to inspire joy and encourage discovery, bringing together a community of music lovers.

We achieve our mission by:

  • continuing our 60+ year tradition of presenting chamber music in the State of Maine.

  • Introducing audiences to the depth and breadth of the genre of chamber music in its broadest sense.

  • Offering varied and participatory music education for all ages and abilities regardless of financial need.

  • Expanding community engagement programs and collaborating with other organizations.

  • Providing a sound organizational structure, prudent financial management, and an endowment sufficient to accomplish our goals.

Our
history

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Founded in 1961 by two brothers, pianist Andrew Wolf and flutist Thomas Wolf, Bay Chamber was created to model the former Curtis Institute of Music’s summer music colony in Rockport, Maine.

The first 25 years were devoted to summer classical concert programs. In 1974, Bay Chamber began offering concerts year-round, adding jazz and world music to its program series. 

Over the next 25 years, Bay Chamber, in partnership with the Town of Rockport, restored the Rockport Opera House. In addition, Bay Chamber established an annual Young Stars of Maine Prize program for outstanding Maine student musicians; added an array of educational offerings culminating in 2010 with the founding of the Bay Chamber Music School; and developed community engagement programming for those who have limited access to live performance opportunities. 

Our
impact

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For more than 60 years Bay Chamber has committed itself to bringing excellence to Midcoast Maine.

We are proud of the community we serve and the role we play in allowing the arts to be an engine of creativity and joy, a site for intersection and engagement, and a vital facet of our diverse community.

By fostering the talent and passion of musicians across Maine we build a bridge between classical music and community engagement while our performance series, which brings a wide variety of professional musicians to our doorstep, allows for the solace, healing, and beauty of chamber music to be shared.