ROCKPORT MUSIC LETTER FROM LEADERSHIP
As the Pandemic has run its course, hopefully to be a distant memory, we are all discovering that there are new versions of what normal means in our work and lives. Simply put, for all of us here at Rockport Music, the new normal is the return to our work of providing our audiences with great musical experiences in the Shalin Liu Performance Center. What makes it new are the feelings of gratitude, renewal and community that permeate our organization like never before.
The 2022 season was one of great music and extraordinary support from all of you. You returned to hear live music and contributed to make our programs possible. As the world’s great artists of all genres returned to the Shalin Liu Performance Center, we celebrated bringing exceptional live performances and creative learning opportunities to our community. After thoughtful planning, 2022 also saw the beginnings of our institutional commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, a process that continues.
In this Annual Report, you will learn about Rockport Music’s commitment to musical excellence, our dedication to ensuring music is accessible to all, and fulfilling our mission to educate and delight school children of all ages, by sharing the gift of music.
We are deeply appreciative of all of our donors, trustees, volunteers and staff who have shown such tremendous commitment to Rockport Music during these challenging times. We hope you enjoy this look back at 2022.
Tony Beadle PRESIDENT & CEO Nina Doggett BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHAIR 2021–2022MISSION
Rockport Music inspires a love and understanding of music through exceptional live performances and creative learning opportunities.
CORE VALUES
■ Shared live music and learning experiences that intensify the transformative power of music.
■ Exceptional performances and creative programming that explore and evolve the art form.
■ Support for emerging world-class artists and the next generation of audiences.
■ Lasting personal connections with our audiences, performers, volunteers and friends.
■ Access to live music and music education for community members.
■ An active commitment to the spirit and practices of diversity, inclusiveness and respect in all its governance, operations, programs and activities.
YEAR IN REVIEW
SEPTEMBER 2021–AUGUST 2022
The opening of the 2021-22 Season was less than two months after reopening from the pandemic and included an unprecedented three weeks of the 40th Annual Rockport Chamber Music Festival (RCMF), as well as the 40th Anniversary Gala (which was highlighted in our 2021 Annual Report). When planning for the Festival during the pandemic, no one knew what month concert venues would be allowed to reopen, so we decided to mitigate the risk of cancellations by placing the Festival over three months.
In late September 2021, we returned to full-capacity concerts and had a tremendous response to live music by our patrons. That fall, we hosted such greats as mandolinist Chris Thile, vocalist Suzanne Vega, jazz vocalist Lisa Fischer and The Moody Blues' Justin Hayward on our stage. In our classical series, we had the return of the incredible male a cappella ensemble Chanticleer, as well as the jaw-dropping pianistic exploits of Charlie Albright. The holiday season brought much cheer with the beloved presentation of Messiah by the Handel+Haydn Society, performed for the first time in the Shalin Liu Performance Center instead of the Congregational Church. We were able to present all of our holiday presentations just before the Omicron variant surged, forcing us to cancel performances through early February to ensure the safety of patrons. When we reopened, we were back to a regular schedule of concerts and on-screen events, including jazz vocalist Stacey Kent, ukulele superstar Jake Shimabukuro and folk hero Judy Collins.
by the numbers
CONCERTS & EVENTS 2021–2022
118 CONCERTS HD BROADCASTS FESTIVALS
30 3
33,259
TOTAL TICKETS
On June 11, 2022, the 41st Rockport Chamber Music Festival opened. It felt like a true celebration after the pandemic. Opening Night featured a star-studded chamber orchestra bringing the glorious sounds of Elgar’s Serenade for Strings and an orchestral arrangement of Schubert’s Death and the Maiden. The Festival featured the Zukerman Trio, violinist Ray Chen, pianist Kirill Gerstein and many more. The Festival brought two world premieres: one by double bassist Xavier Foley and the other by Lei Liang performed by Wu Man and Hsin-Yun Huang. It also featured the New England premiere of Dido Reimagined performed by the Brentano Quartet and mezzo-soprano Dawn Upshaw. The Festival closed with a grand, celebratory performance of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue featuring trumpeterJens Lindemann and pianist Stewart Goodyear, along with a spectacular jazz orchestra.
RETURN TO THE STAGE
The return to the stage happened with increasing confidence throughout the 21–22 season. There were many challenges as we all know, but the determination to forge on and rebuild the concert-going experience led to success with both our chamber festival followers and those attending our concerts during the fall-spring season.
Our classical series during the months following our festival in 2021 included some very special concerts—Charlie Albright brought his usual positivity and engaging presence and pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason made her debut. The Messiah presentation continues to be a much-loved signature event for Rockport Music, and finally we enjoyed another artistically superb performance from our friends at The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.
Our summer festival was chock full of brilliant performances. Many of the concerts had to be saved multiple times from the staggering complexities of changes in artists and travel due to COVID-19 quarantines. While operationally taxing, the energy of the “show must go on” attitude contributed to some exceptional artistic triumphs. I will never forget the performance of Schumann and Franck that happened with Chad Hoopes, Andrés Díaz and friends—they brought pure musical delight to the audience. Who knew that only 48 hours prior to the concert these musicians had no idea they would be performing together at the festival…
Violinists were on display throughout the festival including the unforgettable Ray Chen —WOW! Pinchas Zukerman returned with his trio and we enjoyed Stella Chen once again. I tried to find a balance between artists known to our audience while introducing the finest performers of the new generation. The warm embrace of our followers for newer performers was deeply gratifying. They have suffered through a difficult time and this support was important.
The summer non-classical season made quite a splash with banjo superstar Béla Fleck, mandolinist Sierra Hull, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Tuba Skinny, folk singer Martin Sexton, a cappella group Naturally 7 and jazz vocalist Kat Edmonson. The Rockport Jazz Festival was held the first week in August (3–7) and brought the vocal stylings of Dee Dee Bridgewater with pianist Bill Charlap, as well as a spectacular jazz program by violinist Regina Carter, in which she also shared historic details and moving stories about redlining and other social issues.
WGBH’s Brian O’Donovan and harpist Maeve Gilchrist joined artistic forces once again for the Rockport Celtic Festival, held August 19–21, and featured the intersection of Celtic and Scandinavian folk music. It highlighted the Nordic Fiddler’s Bloc, along with numerous familiar artists like the Murphy Beds, Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas, David Coffin and others.
by the numbers
2021–2022 RENTALS
32 7 WEDDINGS
NUMBER OF RENTALS
14 RECORDINGS
5 2 4
RENTAL
RECITALS/ COMPETITIONS
FUNDRAISERS WITH CONCERTS
AUTHOR EVENT/ CORPORATE MEETINGS
Despite the pandemic, the Shalin Liu Performance Center remained quite busy during the 2021–22 season with rental activity. We hosted a total of 32 events that included numerous multi-day recordings, weddings, recitals and competitions, author events and corporate meetings, as well as large fundraisers with concerts. The Hall was a wonderful resource for organizations and individuals in our community during trying times.
VOLUNTEERS
Rockport Music has an incredibly committed volunteer corps that consistently shows its devotion in a variety of ways as ushers, in concessions, for fundraising mailings and much more. Our volunteers make it possible for Rockport Music to provide the best customer service when welcoming guests to our Shalin Liu Performance Center. In addition to our regular volunteers, Rockport Music is experiencing a new wave of individuals getting involved. Since the pandemic, the numbers just keep growing!
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, ACCESSIBILITY & BELONGING
In Fall 2021, Rockport Music Board of Trustees engaged a DEIAB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Belonging) consultant, David Howse, to guide us through the work of ensuring that we are a more diverse, equitable organization that welcomes all with acceptance and belonging. In Winter 2021–2022, board and staff DEIAB task forces were created and began working with Mr. Howse to put together an in-depth plan. After months of hard work researching best practices and industry trends, a preliminary summary was presented to the entire organization, and the staff separated into small working groups that focused on particular topic areas. This work is still underway with additional progress to be shared in the 2022–23 Annual Report.
SEPTEMBER 2021–AUGUST 2022 EDUCATION
Fall 2021 saw the return of Rockport Music’s in-school music programs and community concerts, with programs by Latin jazz artist Nina Ott, Calliope Brass and the Rasa Quartet. Pre-opera and pre-concert talks were able to begin again as well, highlighting the Metropolitan Opera’s premiere of Fire Shut Up in My Bones Several winter performances were rescheduled due to the Omicron outbreak, so our spring calendar was plentiful! We hosted vocal ensemble Windborne and Beantown Swing Orchestra, as well as Cape Ann Jazz Workshop director Alexa Tarantino.
As part of our mission to make live music and learning experiences accessible to all, Rockport Music offers the use of the Shalin Liu Performance Center to numerous youth music programs. During the fall-winter season, local students from Rockport Middle and High Schools, Gloucester High School and, for the first time, Ipswich High School also had the opportunity to showcase their talents. In addition, organizations from the greater Boston area, including Project STEP, Boston String Academy and Boston Children’s Chorus, performed at our hall. Rockport Music will be eagerly expanding our Education & Community Engagement programs over the next few years to help create lifelong memories for even more of our community’s aspiring young musicians.
After a three-year hiatus, Rockport Music’s Jazz Workshop returned in early August 2022, with a few exciting changes. Because of its ever-increasing popularity and our need to accommodate more students, the location moved to Gloucester High School and subsequently the name changed to Cape Ann Jazz Workshop. Further, the age range and musical experience requirements were adjusted to 13–18 years old. With an enrollment of 30 students eager to learn from the esteemed faculty, there was an enthusiastic return to this sought-after summer program and a fantastic culminating performance.
JAZZ WORKSHOP STUDENTS 25 SCHOOL VISITS
2021–2022 EDUCATION by the numbers STUDENTS REACHED
30 550 STUDENTS REACHED In-School Programs
1,400
Community Engagement Series included numerous youth programs creating greater access to music
2021-2022 EDUCATION HIGHLIGHTS
IN-SCHOOL PROGRAMS
• Continuing programs in Rockport and Gloucester schools
• Expanded to Ipswich, Beverly and Manchester
• 25 school visits; over 550 students reached
• In-School Artists: Calliope Brass, Rasa Quartet, Alexa Tarantino, Windborne, Beantown Swing Orchestra
• Community Engagement Series: Project STEP, Boston String Academy, Boston Children’s Chorus, violinist Adrian Anantawan
• Over 1,400 reached
• New Education Director—Elizabeth Stefan
CAPE ANN JAZZ WORKSHOP
• 30 students from as far as Newton, Foxboro and Paris, France
• Guest artist: Walter Blanding
• Moved to Gloucester High School
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2022–2023
• Expanding the In-School programming to more districts
• 12 school residencies planned, including new Global Journeys Series
• Student Workshops & New England Conservatory's children’s opera return to Shalin Liu Performance Center
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
As our state emerged from the pandemic, we were happily able to resume a full fiscal year of concert operations. With Rockport Music back in full swing, we successfully presented nearly 150 concerts and broadcasts, resumed the Jazz Workshop program and produced two gala events.
We benefitted as an organization by successfully applying for and receiving federal Covid relief funding through the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) and the Payroll Protection program. These funds assured that we could retain our valuable staff, rebuild our operations and stay connected with our audiences during the pandemic. With FY2022
Ticket Income ($1,541,732) down 13% from FY2019 ($1,774,409), the last full fiscal year for comparison, these funds provided invaluable support for us as we continue to diligently rebuild our audience. We closed the fiscal year with an operating surplus of $827,749.
As always, we are truly grateful for our loyal and dedicated donors who continued to generously provide philanthropy throughout this period of uncertainty. Our investment portfolio reflected overall market conditions as our investments lost $1.2 million in value. The potential loss was mitigated by an outstanding Board Investment Committee who carefully positioned us and thoughtfully managed our assets over this challenging period. This $1.2 million investment loss combined with our $827,749 operating surplus produced an overall total company loss of $597,000. We are proud of our strong operating performance. At the close of FY2022, Rockport Music has total assets of over $31 million.
Additionally, we are transitioning to a new closing date for our fiscal year, which will now close each March 31st and our next report (FY ‘23) will reflect a seven month-period. As we move ahead, we will continue to refine our operational costs while providing diverse and engaging programs to our patrons and expanding our educational initiatives.
Dianne Luby FINANCE CHAIR (2021–2022)BALANCE SHEET 2021–2022
Thanks to our many outstanding individual, corporate, foundations and government supporters, I am very pleased to report that we have, once again, exceeded all of our fundraising goals for our 2022 fiscal year.
Due to the generosity of our individual donors, the Annual Fund reached $1,058,893, 109% of our goal. Strong support from our corporate sponsors, the outstanding success of our Gershwin and Friends Gala, which netted $140,000, and critical funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council for post-pandemic recovery of arts organizations, took us 25% over our total goal, with an overall fundraising result of $2,098,320.
I extend my sincerest appreciation to the many generous individuals and organizations whose support makes it possible for us to fulfill Rockport Music’s mission. I would also like to thank our many volunteers including our Board of Trustees, Trustees Emeriti and Council and the dedicated members of our fundraising committees, including the Development, Planned Giving and Gala Committees. Thank you to our talented and hardworking staff for their commitment throughout the year.
Together we make beautiful music!
Jeannie McIntyre DEVELOPMENT CHAIR (2021–2022)GIFT REVENUE FROM ALL SOURCES 2021–2022
This chart and the gifts recognized on the following lists include annual gifts from all sources given during Rockport Music’s 2022 fiscal year, September 1, 2021 to August 30, 2022. Differences from the financial overview may exist due to the accounting recognition of gifts.
$2,098,320 TOTAL PHILANTHROPIC SUPPORT
1,053 DONORS 56 FIRST-TIME DONORS 65 MEMBERS PLANNED GIVING SOCIETY
100% BOARD PARTICIPATION
VOLUNTEERS
Rockport Music wishes to thank the volunteers of Rockport Music for their hard work and tireless efforts on behalf of the organization. From ushering and concert operations to assisting fundraising efforts, this stalwart group has been the backbone of the organization since it was founded in 1981.
Marie Alfieri
Glenn & Patricia Alto
Peg Anderson
Dianne Anderson
Sandy Anderson
Larry Bankart
Nicole Bannerman
James Barker
Ed & Sheila Becker
George Beilin
Stephen Bell
Beverly Bernhard
Jeff Boudreau
John Brennan
Ulrike Brisson
Linda Brite
Millicent Bruce
Lois Brynes
Jo Ann Buccigrosso
Carolyn Buckley
Thomas Burger & Andrée Robert
Pamela Bynum
John & Mollie Byrnes
Patricia Cahill
Andrew & Peggy Calkins
Peter Calkins & Susan Casey
Janice Cane
Sandra J Canniff
Sharon Carleton
Bettie Cartwright
Kathy Carusone
Louisa Casadei-Johnson
J. Robert Cassady & Deborah Bacon Cassady
Suzanne & Craig Cervo
Cynthia Chasse
Juana Chicoine
Shirley Christenson
Chester Clark
John Clark
Allan Cohen
Carolyn & Gordon Corzine
Michael Costello
P. O'Dea Coughlin
Barbara Cox
Ian & Susan Crown
Philip Cutter
Johanne Davidson
Geri Davis
Jennifer Dawson
John Day
Priscilla Deck
Lynda DeCourcy
Vicki Diez-Canseco
Mary Dill
Alexandra-Stella D'Maris
Nina Doggett
Polly Donnelly
Deborah Epstein
Donna Fairservice
Martha Finta
Joan Flynn
Patricia Foster
Michael Friedman
Elvira & Philip Fulchino
Janice Fullman
Adena Geller
Lynda Goldberg
Barry Gradwohl
Susan Gray
Colette Green
Sherwin Greenblatt
Garth & Lindsay Greimann
Susanne Guyer & Thad Carpen
Laura Hallowell
Karen Hanson & Warren Waugh
Susan Harmeling
Jerry Hausman
William Hausman
Laurie Hawkins
Holly Herring
Catherine Hommes
Carole Horwitz
Laurie Hudson
Claire Hurst
Barbara Jansson
Raymond Jenness
Sandra Jesse
Regina Kane
Mary Kellerman
Gillian Kellogg
Katie Kilty
Susan King
Mary Catherine Kingsley
Alexandra Kirby
Karen Kosko
Sue-Ellen Kresh
Mike & Viveca Krueger
Gregg Kvistad & Amy Oaks
Janet & Ron Lamkin
Ellen Landrigan
Sandra Lawrence
Karen Liepmann
Stephen Lindo
Barbara L Littlefield
Edward Lowenstein
Dianne Luby
Kristin Lucido
Kim MacIsaac
Louise & Donald Maier
Mary Malone
Yssabel Marren & Mark Andrew
Rob Martin
Jeannie McIntyre
Janet McSweeney
Barbara Miller
Christy Millhouse
Mary Jane Morrill
Ned Morse
Pamela Morss
Elizabeth Moulton
Joseph & Eileen Mueller
Grace Murningham
Deborah Nelson
Judy Nugent
Andie & Jim O’Neill
Donna Outwater
Thomas Padick
Elizabeth Parillo
Karen Parker
Olivia Parker
Wayne Pastel
Stephen Perry & Oliver Radford
Nancy Pitman
LeeAnne Powers
Jane Pulkkinen
Lory & Paul Ragnio
Janet Rice
Nancy Riley
Trish Roach
Gail Roy
Gerard Roy
Lynn Saccone
Ruth Salinger
Leslie Schoenherr
David Scudder
Diane Seltzer
Ruth Shane
Rochelle Sharit
Mary Ann Sherry
Valentina Shinskaya
Hinda Simon
Natalie Simon
Kathleen Skrabut
Rachel Smalley
Cameron & Seymour Smith
Karen & Richard Smith
Andrew Soll
Marjorie Soriano
Helen Soussou
Barbara Sparks
Judy Spurr
Anne Stevens
Laura & Randall Stevens
Naomi & Jeffrey Stonberg
Holly Sullivan
Bruce Sunstein
Linda Teahen
LaDonna Thomas
Michela & William Tobin
Steve Tryder
Susan Turnbull
Mirta Ulivi
Maureen Vallis
Winand van Eeghen & JB Kittredge
Peter Van Demark
Camille Visconti
Anna Vojtech Baumgaertel
Karin von Trotha-Cohen
Maura Wadlinger
Susan Wagner
Linda Walker
Susan Walker
Meg Wallace
Daniel Waters
Lea & Jim Watson
Peter Wernau
Jean Woodbury
Diane Young
Patricia & Luther Zeigler
Margaret Ziering
GOVERNANCE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Jeannie McIntyre
CHAIR
Ed Becker
VICE CHAIR
Sandra Jesse
VICE CHAIR
Peter Calkins
TREASURER
Linda Walker
SECRETARY
J. Robert Cassady, M.D.
Philip Cutter
Nina Doggett
Jerry A. Hausman
Gregg Kvistad
Sandra Lawrence
Ned Morse
Pamela Morss
Stephen Perry
David Scudder
Laura Stevens
Naomi Stonberg
Winand van Eeghen
Patricia Zeigler
Tony Beadle
PRESIDENT & CEO EX OFFICIO
Barry Shiffman
CLASSICAL ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, EX OFFICIO
AS OF FEBRUARY 2023
TRUSTEES EMERITI
James Barker
Stephen Bell
Thomas Burger
Mollie Byrnes
Janice Cane
Allan Cohen
Susan Gray
Garth Greimann
Susanne Guyer
William Hausman
Mary Malone
Joseph Mueller
Susan Wagner
Margaret Ziering
ROCKPORT MUSIC COUNCIL
Dianne Anderson
John Brennan
Lois Brynes
John Byrnes
Andrew Calkins
Bettie Cartwright
Suzanne Cervo
Michael Costello
Ian Crown
Priscilla Deck
Deborah Epstein
Tom Flaherty
Sherwin Greenblatt
Karen Hanson
Carole Horwitz
Amy Huber
Gillian Kellogg
Susan King
Edward Lowenstein, M.D.
Deborah Nelson
Olivia Parker
LeeAnne Powers
Andrée Robert
Hinda Simon
Kathleen Skrabut
Helen Soussou
Barbara Sparks
Bruce D. Sunstein
Susan Turnbull
Dan Waters
STAFF
EXECUTIVE
Tony Beadle
PRESIDENT & CEO
Shannon Mason EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
DEVELOPMENT
Lori Correale DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Susan Rogers SENIOR DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Jeanne Kinch DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Mark Barrasso DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS ADMINISTRATOR
Nora Whouley DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE
FINANCE
Nancy Lewis DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
EDUCATION
Elizabeth Stefan DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION & PARTNERSHIPS
Alexa Tarantino
JAZZ WORKSHOP DIRECTOR
MARKETING & TICKETING
Karen Herlitz
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
Christopher Blagg
MARKETING MANAGER
Billy Burgoyne TICKETING OPERATIONS MANAGER
Maggie Glidden
ASSOCIATE DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER
OPERATIONS
Michelle Alekson DIRECTOR OF RENTAL EVENTS & VOLUNTEERS
Scott Rodgers
DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL OPERATIONS
Nate Weaver TECHNICAL OPERATIONS ASSOCIATE
ARTISTIC
Barry Shiffman
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
ROCKPORT CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL & CLASSICAL MUSIC
Mike Block
GLOBAL JOURNEYS ARTISTIC CURATOR
Bijon Watson
ICONIC JAZZ LEGACIES ARTISTIC CURATOR
■ ■ ■
David Deveau
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
EMERITUS
ROCKPORT CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR 2023!
SUMMER GALA WITH RAY CHEN, VIOLIN
June 4, 2023
ROCKPORT CHAMBER
MUSIC FESTIVAL
June 9 – July 9, 2023
July 25 | August 12
ROCKPORT CELTIC FESTIVAL
September 15–17, 2023