July 2025
Dear Friends of Kneisel Hall,
As summer unfolds in Blue Hill, the air at Kneisel Hall is once again alive with the beautiful, intimate sounds of chamber music. Whether you’ve joined us for a Friday or Sunday concert, sat in on a master class, or shared in the joy of a Young Artists’ performance, you know that Kneisel Hall is more than just a festival. It’s a place where music, mentorship, and community come together in powerful ways.
We opened the season with 29 talented youngsters from across Maine through our Program for Maine Students. Their energy and delight in discovering chamber music brought the campus to life. Then, 49 exceptional Young Artists from around the world arrived for Kneisel Hall’s core program. They and their Artist teachers transform Kneisel Hall into a true hub of creativity, learning, and musical excellence, just as Franz Kneisel imagined over a century ago.
This summer feels especially vibrant. We are honored to welcome Pulitzer Prize-winning Cuban-American composer Tania León, who will share her unique voice and insights during a masterclass on July 9, followed by performances of three of her works on July 11 and 13. We’re also delighted to welcome back longtime Kneisel Hall cellist Jerry Grossman on July 25 and 27 as he takes the stage with the beloved Chopin Cello Sonata in G minor.
Right now, on every corner of the campus, you can hear the magic of chamber music being brought to life—but this only happens with your support. Your belief in our mission makes it possible for gifted young musicians to learn, for renowned artists to share their craft, and for all of us to be transformed by music.
As we reach the heart of our season, we ask you to consider making a gift to Kneisel Hall.
Your support directly fuels:
• Artistic programming and concerts that are exciting, vivid, and compelling
• Education that nurtures the next generation of professional chamber musicians
• Preservation of our beloved historic campus, a home for music and community
You can make a secure gift online at www.kneisel.org/donate, or simply return the enclosed reply envelope. Every gift, no matter the size, helps us keep the music alive.
With gratitude and warmest wishes,
Laurie Smukler, Artistic Director / Meredith Amado, Executive Director / Jeffrey Kehl, President, Board of Trustees
P.S. If you’ve already made your gift this season, thank you so much. Your generosity is at the heart of everything we do.