SLLMF artists performing on Aug. 8, 2023, at Deertrees Theatre in Harrison. Submitted photo by M. Silber

The first concert of the 52nd season of the Sebago-Long Lake Music Festival is proud will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16, at Deertrees Theatre in Harrison.

The concert will feature:
DEVIENNE: Quartet for Bassoon and Strings in G Minor, Op. 73, No. 3
POULENC: Sextet for Piano and Winds
FAURÉ: Piano Quartet No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 15

Artists performing include Laura Gilbert, flute; Stephen Taylor, oboe; Benjamin Fingland, clarinet; William Purvis, horn; Adrian Morejon, bassoon; Gabriela Diaz, violin; Jonathan Bagg, viola; Thomas Kraines, cello; and Mihae Lee, piano.

The first concert will be preceded by an Instrument Zoo at Bear Mountain Inn + Barn in Waterford on Sunday, July 14, at 3:00 p.m. designed to appeal to children and introduce them to a variety of instruments.  And, on Monday, July 15, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. an Open Rehearsal will be held at Deertrees Theatre. Folks are welcome to come for 5 minutes or the full two hours. Both the Instrument Zoo and the Open Rehearsal are Free and Open to the Public.

For the past several years, SLLMF has had young Maine artists performing on the lawn before the concerts. This year, for the first time, piano teacher Kim Bean will have several of her students performing.

“Alan Bean records all our concerts,” said Carol Madsen, vice president of the SLLMF Board of Trustees, “so both Alan and Kim will have the technical capability to set up students with keyboards, electricity, amplification and more to allow the young folks to shine. We are really looking forward to this collaboration as part of our interest in bringing young people to the arts and showcasing their talents.”

“We want to remind audiences, that those under 21 years of age are admitted to all our concerts at Deertrees free of charge,” remarked treasurer Lee Bearse of the SLLMF Board of Trustees. “As a former music teacher, I am an advocate for keeping music accessible to young people. We encourage our audience members to bring their children and grandchildren to the Instrument Zoo as well as to our performances at Deertrees.”

Sebago-Long Lake Music Festival will perform Tuesdays at 7:30 pm between July 16 and Aug. 13 at Deertrees Theatre in Harrison. For more information and to order tickets, visit sebagomusicfestival.org/concert-tickets-2024. Tickets can also be purchased the evening of the concert at the box office.