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Press Releases
Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival 2026, 'How Sweet the Sound': Thirteen Concerts July 18 – August 16
Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival 2026, How Sweet the Sound: Thirteen Concerts July 18 – August 16
The 43rd Season Marks the Nation’s 250th Birthday with Looks Back and a New Work by Steven Banks
From Leonard Bernstein and Aaron Copland to Jennifer Higdon and Steven Banks, whose BCMF-commissioned work inspired by Nina Simone will have its New York premiere, the American composers and their music on the programs represent the festival’s tribute to, in Marya’s words, “the open spirit of the country that allowed me, and so many other artists from all different backgrounds to follow their passions and thrive.
“We have included a number of personal moments in these concerts – Leonard Bernstein’s short tributes to friends titled Anniversaries, Kenji Bunch’s salute to his father in Ralph’s Old Records, Paul Moravec’s Nancye’s Song honoring my own mother, and Michael Stephen Brown’s Pour Angeline for his partner – with the aim of creating an intimate aspect to our celebration,” continued Martin. “The American musical legacy is boundless because it includes contributions from so many different individuals and traditions, so many of them thinking out of the box. Sometimes the best way to show this is to stop time with a particular moment and savor it!”
Highlights, American and otherwise
The festival is the lead commissioner, along with Chamber Music Northwest and La Jolla Chamber Music, of a work from saxophonist and composer Steven Banks to have its New York premiere at the festival’s opening night: ‘to be free,’ inspired by the legendary singer Nina Simone, which will feature a vocalise, or wordless part, for singer, with flute, saxophone, violin, viola, cello, bass, and piano (Banks will also perform in the work).
Among other American highlights are Copland’s Appalachian Spring in its original 13-instrument arrangement as well as his Old American Songs, Aaron Jay Kernis’s 100 Greatest Dance Hits for guitar and string quartet, and Jennifer Higdon’s Amazing Grace arrangement for string quartet, along with music by William Grant Still, George Gershwin, Samuel Barber, Henry Cowell, Robert Beaser, John Corigliano, Paul Schoenfield, Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson, and Mark O’Connor.
In addition, concerts of featured spotlights for violin (Johnny Gandelsman reimagining Bach’s Solo Cello Suites), marimba (“Marimba at the Gardens” at the Madoo Conservatory), and guitar chamber music (“Everybody Loves the Guitar”) join such works as Haydn’s Symphony No. 104 in a chamber arrangement, Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik in an arrangement for winds and strings by Marya Martin, works by New Zealand composers Gareth Farr and Salina Fisher in a nod to Marya’s roots, and piano trios, quartets, and quintets by Beethoven, Brahms, Dvorák, Fauré, Mozart, and Shostakovich to round out the festival highlights.
Based at the Bridgehampton Presbyterian Church, the festival also includes such annual special events as the Wm. Brian Little Concert, preceded by wine and hors d’oeuvres, in the Channing Sculpture Garden; two concerts preceded by wine receptions at the Madoo Conservancy in Sagaponack; and a benefit concert and dinner at the Atlantic Golf Club. New this season is a wine reception and concert at the Nathaniel Rogers House of the Bridgehampton Museum.
One of the best groups of musicians…
As always, the festival’s roster of artists comprises one of the best multi-generational groups of chamber musicians to be found anywhere. Led by flutist and festival founder Marya Martin, this summer’s BCM musicians are Graeme Steele Johnson and Osmo Vänskä, clarinet; Gina Cuffari, bassoon; Steven Banks, saxophone; Benjamin Baker, Joshua Brown, Stella Chen, Johnny Gandelsman, William Hagen, Chad Hoopes, Paul Huang, Ani Kavafian, Erin Keefe, Kristin Lee, David McCarroll, Julian Rhee, and Tien-Hsin Cindy Wu, violin; Ettore Casa, Matthew Lipman, Natalie Loughran, Cynthia Phelps, Masumi Per Rostad, and Cong Wu, viola; James Baik, Carter Brey, Brannon Cho, Joshua McClendon, Tommy Mesa, and Paul Watkins, cello; Nina Bernat and Donald Palma, bass; Jason Vieaux, guitar; Michael Stephen Brown, Aristo Sham, Albert Cano Smit, Gilles Vonsattel, and Shai Wosner, piano; Leon Schelhase, harpsichord; Ian David Rosenbaum, percussion; and Jennifer Johnson Cano, voice.
Bridgehampton Chamber Music
“This festival is my baby, so I have always taken a nurturing approach to its growth and had my share of parental anxiety,” said Marya Martin. “But it has gone from strength to strength, and I now feel that we, the musicians, the audiences, and the community have become a family…even a bedrock!”
“This longtime East End festival, directed by the flutist Marya Martin, has flourished by offering concerts both effervescent and distinguished,” said The New Yorker. In the four decades plus since its founding in 1984, Bridgehampton Chamber Music, the longest-running classical music festival on Long Island, has become known for presenting a broad range of music performed by some of the best musicians in the world in one of the most beautiful seaside settings on the East Coast. With autumn and spring mini-series joining the summer festival, Bridgehampton Chamber Music now offers programs almost year-round.
BCM Festival: Usually comprising around a dozen events over four weeks, the summer festival has developed a loyal core audience among local residents and summer visitors since it began with four artists in two concerts in the intimate setting of the Bridgehampton Presbyterian Church. The festival is still based in the graceful 1842 church – which boasts glowing acoustics – and has expanded to include other special event venues, including the Channing Sculpture Garden and Atlantic Golf Club in Bridgehampton, and the Madoo Conservatory in Sagaponack.
BCM Records: In 2012, BCM launched its own record label, BCMF Records. Signifying the festival’s commitment to American composers, the label’s first recording was BCMF Premieres, a disc of contemporary American music. The label’s current discography of 12 releases includes music by Bruce Adolphe, Robert Beaser, Leon Kirchner, Howard Shore, Paul Moravec, Kevin Puts, and Elizabeth Brown, as well as Haydn, Beethoven, Brahms, and more.
BCM Spring: Convinced that there were music lovers looking for more opportunities to hear excellent chamber music year-round, BCM introduced its Spring series in 2015, and in 2017 expanded it from two concerts to three.
BCM Autumn: This three-concert series was launched in the fall of 2021.
Bridgehampton Chamber Music has a wide variety of performance videos and online programs from past seasons posted on its website and YouTube channel.
Marya Martin
Internationally acclaimed flutist Marya Martin enjoys a musical career of remarkable breadth and achievement. Gracefully balancing the roles of chamber musician, festival director, soloist, teacher, and supporter of musical institutions, she has performed throughout the world in such halls as London’s Royal Albert Hall and Wigmore Hall, Sydney Opera House, Casals Hall in Tokyo, and other international venues.
A native of New Zealand, Ms. Martin studied at Yale University, and shortly thereafter moved to Paris to study with flutist Jean-Pierre Rampal. After winning top prizes in the Naumburg, Munich International, and Jean-Pierre Rampal International competitions, and the Concert Artists Guild and Young Concert Artists International Auditions—all within a two-year period—she returned to the U.S. and has since appeared as a soloist with major orchestras and at leading festivals and chamber music series throughout the country.
In 2006 she received a Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Auckland, and in 2011 received the Ian Mininberg Distinguished Service Award from Yale University. Committed to expanding the flute repertoire, she has commissioned more than 20 new works. She most recently commissioned eight works for flute and piano comprising Eight Visions, an anthology published by Theodore Presser, and recorded them for the Naxos label. In 2011, Albany Records released Marya Martin Plays Eric Ewazen. Ms. Martin has been a faculty member of the Manhattan School of Music since 1996.
Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival 2026
How Sweet the Sound
Saturday, July 18, 2026, 6pm wine reception, 6:30pm concert
Madoo Conservancy, Sagaponack
BCM @ Madoo: Johnny Gandelsman Plays Bach
Violinist and MacArthur “Genius Grant” recipient Johnny Gandelsman shares his brilliant artistry in a magical reinterpretation of Bach’s Solo Cello Suites.
Johnny Gandelsman, violin
Tickets: $100
Sunday, July 19, 2026, at 6pm
Bridgehampton Presbyterian Church
Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival Opening Night: American Visions
As we mark 250 years of striving towards a more perfect union, our festival opens with Aaron Copland’s take on American folk songs, a new work by Steven Banks inspired by Nina Simone, a musical love letter by Michael Stephen Brown, and Antonín Dvorák’s Op. 87 Piano Quartet, written on the cusp of his life-altering journey to the New World.
Aaron Copland Old American Songs for Voice, Flute, Strings, and Piano
Steven Banks ‘to be free’ for Voice, Flute, Saxophone, Violin, Viola, Cello,
Bass, and Piano (BCM co-commission, New York premiere)
Michael Stephen Brown Pour Angeline for Solo Piano
Antonin Dvorák Piano Quartet No. 2 in E-flat major, Op. 87
Marya Martin, flute; Steven Banks, saxophone; Stella Chen, violin; Masumi Per Rostad, viola; James Baik, cello; Nina Bernat, bass; Michael Stephen Brown, piano; Jennifer Johnson Cano, mezzo-soprano
Tickets: $85, $60, $50, $35, $10 student ticket
Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 6pm
Bridgehampton Presbyterian Church
Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival: Mendelssohn & More
The youthful vigor of Mendelssohn sets the stage for an evening of joy and exploration. A gorgeous trio by New Zealander Salina Fisher, Still’s tender salutes to motherhood and nature, and Schoenfield’s jazzy trio round out the program.
Felix Mendelssohn Piano Quartet No. 3 in B minor, Op. 3
Salina Fisher Mata-Au for Violin, Viola, and Cello
William Grant Still Summerland for Flute and Piano
“Mother and Child” from Suite for Violin and Piano
Paul Schoenfield Cafe Music for Piano, Violin, and Cello
Marya Martin, flute; Benjamin Baker, David McCarroll, violin; Masumi Per Rostad, viola; James Baik, cello; Michael Stephen Brown, piano
Tickets: $85, $60, $50, $35, $10 student ticket
Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 6:30pm
Atlantic Golf Club
Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival Annual Benefit: A Joyful Celebration!
The BCM Board of Directors celebrates 43 years of music-making and friendship at its Annual Benefit. This season, we celebrate beauty and nature with gorgeous works from the Baroque era.
C.P.E. Bach Trio in D minor for Flute, Violin, and Harpsichord, H.569
Jean-Féry Rebel Les Élémens for Flute, Strings, and Continuo
Antonio Vivaldi Concerto in A minor for Two Violins, Strings, and Continuo, RV 522
Marya Martin, flute; Benjamin Baker, William Hagen, Ani Kavafian, Tien-Hsin Cindy Wu, violin; Natalie Loughran, viola; Brannon Cho, Joshua McClendon, cello; Donald Palma, bass; Leon Schelhase, harpsichord
Tickets and information: 631-537-6368
Sunday, July 26, 2026, at 6pm
Bridgehampton Presbyterian Church
Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival: Copland’s Appalachian Spring
Among the great triumphs of American music is Copland’s inimitable Appalachian Spring. Its sparkling beauty and depth is reflected in Mozart’s iconic Eine Kleine Nachtmusik and Arvo Pärt’s gorgeous Spiegel im Spiegel.
W.A. Mozart (arr. Martin) Eine Kleine Nachtmusik for Flute, Clarinet, Bassoon, and Strings,
K.525
Arvo Pärt Spiegel im Spiegel for Cello and Piano
Aaron Copland Appalachian Spring for 13 Instruments
Marya Martin, flute; Graeme Steele Johnson, clarinet; Gina Cuffari, bassoon; Benjamin Baker, William Hagen, Ani Kavafian, Tien-Hsin Cindy Wu, violin; Ettore Causa, Natalie Loughran, viola; Brannon Cho, Joshua McClendon, cello; Donald Palma, bass; Aristo Sham, piano
Tickets: $85, $60, $50, $35, $10 student ticket
Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 6pm
Bridgehampton Presbyterian Church
Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival: Gershwin & Brahms
The stormy longing of Brahms is tamed by the beauty of Gershwin’s Lullaby, Bernstein’s loving reflection on a friend, and the nostalgic playfulness of Kenji Bunch’s Ralph’s Old Records.
Kenji Bunch Ralph’s Old Records for Piano, Flute, Clarinet, Violin/Viola, and Cello
George Gershwin Lullaby for String Quartet
Leonard Bernstein “For Stephen Sondheim” from 13 Anniversaries for Solo Piano
Johannes Brahms Piano Quintet in F minor, Op. 34
Marya Martin, flute; Osmo Vänskä, clarinet; Erin Keefe, violin; Tien-Hsin Cindy Wu, violin/viola; Natalie Loughran, viola; Brannon Cho, cello; Shai Wosner, piano
Tickets: $85, $60, $50, $35, $10 student ticket
Saturday, August 1, 2026, 6pm wine reception, 6:30pm concert
Madoo Conservancy
BCM @ Madoo: Marimba in the Gardens
Madoo Conservancy provides the perfect surroundings for a gorgeous program of music built around the marimba, an instrument whose resonant sound feels deeply connected to nature.
Marya Martin, flute; Chad Hoopes, Erin Keefe, violin; Cong Wu, viola; Carter Brey, cello; Ian Rosenbaum, marimba
Tickets: $100
Sunday, August 2, 2026, 6pm
Bridgehampton Presbyterian Church
Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival: Haydn & Beethoven
Joseph Haydn and his student, Ludwig Van Beethoven, come together on a program that features both at their very best, with Bernstein’s spiky reflection on Willam Schuman and a stunning gamelan-inspired work by Gareth Farr providing counterpoint.
Franz Joseph Haydn (arr. Salomon) Symphony No. 104 in D major, Hob.1:104
Gareth Farr Kembang Suling for Flute and Marimba
Leonard Bernstein “For William Schuman” from 7 Anniversaries for Solo Piano
L.V. Beethoven Piano Trio in D major, Op. 70, No. 1, “Ghost”
Marya Martin, flute; Chad Hoopes, violin; Erin Keefe, violin; Cong Wu, viola; Carter Brey, cello; Albert Cano Smit, piano; Ian Rosenbaum, percussion
Tickets: $85, $60, $50, $35, $10 student ticket
Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 6pm
Bridgehampton Presbyterian Church
Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival: Sparkling Night – Mozart & More
Mozart’s ebullient Piano Quartet in E-flat centers a program brimming with color, gorgeous melodies, drama, and sparkling delight. The program takes a personal turn with a work written in honor of Artistic Director Marya Martin’s mother Nancye, and closes with Shostakovich’s brilliant Piano Quintet in G minor.
W.A. Mozart Piano Quartet in E-flat major, K.493
Paul Moravec Nancye’s Song for Flute and Piano
Dmitri Shostakovich Piano Quintet in G minor, Op. 57
Marya Martin, flute; Chad Hoopes, Julian Rhee, violin; Cynthia Phelps, viola; Tommy Mesa, cello; Albert Cano Smit, piano
Tickets: $85, $60, $50, $35, $10 student ticket
Saturday, August 8, 2026, 6pm wine reception, 6:30pm Concert
Nathaniel Rogers House, Bridgehampton Museum
BCM @ Bridgehampton Museum: Fandango, Serenades and Dances
An evening of Spanish and Latin-inspired chamber music featuring the guitar is on tap in a new partnership with the Bridgehampton Museum. Space is very limited, so be sure to book early.
Marya Martin, flute; Jason Vieaux, guitar; Joshua Brown, Julian Rhee, violin; Cynthia Phelps, viola; Tommy Mesa, cello
Tickets: $100
Sunday, August 9, 2026, 6pm
Bridgehampton Presbyterian Church
Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival: Everybody Loves the Guitar!
The guitar takes center stage in a program of fire and reflection throughout the ages, from Boccherini’s Spanish-inspired “Fandango” quintet to a dazzling tour de force by American composer Aaron Jay Kernis.
Luigi Boccherini Quintet for Guitar and String Quartet in D major, G. 448, “Fandango”
Robert Beaser Mountain Songs for Flute and Guitar
Ernö Dohnányi Serenade in C major for String Trio, Op. 10
Aaron Jay Kernis 100 Greatest Dance Hits for Guitar and String Quartet ~(250)
Marya Martin, flute; Jason Vieaux, guitar; Joshua Brown, Julian Rhee, violin; Cynthia Phelps, viola; Tommy Mesa, cello
Tickets: $85, $60, $50, $35, $10 student ticket
Friday, August 14, 2026, 6pm wine and hors d’oeuvres, 7pm concert
Channing Sculpture Garden
Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival Wm. Brian Little Concert – A Stompin’ Good Time
Foot-stomping tunes from around the world and across centuries coupled with food and drink make for a perfect Hampton’s evening. Join us for our annual night under the stars for a festive experience like no other.
Alphonso X El Sabio Cantiga de Santa Maria for Flute, Violin, and Percussion
Joan Ambrosio Dalza Saltarello Alla Venetiana for Flute, Violin, Continuo, and Percussion
Jean-Marie Leclair Tambourin for Flute, Violin, Continuo, and Percussion
Mark O’Connor Appalachia Waltz for String Trio
Henry Cowell Two-Bits for Flute and String Quartet
Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson Louisiana Blues Strut for Solo Viola
Mark O’Connor Emily’s Reel for Violin, Viola, Cello, and Percussion
Traditional Peat Dance for String Quartet
John Corigliano STOMP for Solo Violin
Jennifer Higdon Amazing Grace for String Quartet
Marya Martin, flute; Paul Huang, violin; Kristin Lee, violin; Matthew Lipman, viola; Paul Watkins, cello; Ian Rosenbaum, percussion
Tickets: $175
Sunday, August 16, 2026, at 6pm
Bridgehampton Presbyterian Church
Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival: Finale Fantastique
The season concludes with French elegance, English verve, and a final nod to American ingenuity. Beauty, elan, and luminescent vivacity bring the season to a rousing close.
Samuel Barber Canzone for Flute and Piano
Leonard Bernstein “For Aaron Copland” from 7 Anniversaries for Solo Piano
Aaron Copland “Hoedown” for Violin and Piano
Huw Watkins String Trio No. 2
Gabriel Fauré Piano Quartet No. 1 in C minor, Op. 15
Marya Martin, flute; Paul Huang, Kristin Lee, violin; Matthew Lipman, viola; Paul Watkins, cello; Gilles Vonsattel, piano
Tickets: $85, $60, $50, $35, $10 student ticket
Tickets and information: www.bcmf.org, 631-537-6368
May 11, 2026
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