Newport’s historic venues will host the first Puddingstone Music Festival, which will feature a range of classical performances from June 24 to 28, 2025.
The festival includes three main concerts, open rehearsals, and a live podcast recording of music from four centuries.
“We’re excited to bring this musical experience to Newport’s beautiful historic settings,” the festival organizers say.
The festival’s kickoff is “Contrasts” on June 24 at the Redwood Library. Boston Symphony clarinetist Christopher Elchico will perform alongside pianists and vocalists, presenting Romantic and 20th-century chamber music.
On June 27, “Quest” will take place at Rough Point. It will feature works by Mozart and Beethoven, including Beethoven’s “Archduke” Trio.
The festival wraps up with “Resonance” on June 28 at the Colony House. This finale showcases percussion and piano works, ending with Schumann’s Piano Quintet in E-flat major.
Additional events include a free open rehearsal on June 25 and a live podcast recording on June 26, both at Provence sur Mer.
After the final concert on June 28, attendees can join a reception to meet the performers and other music lovers.
Tickets for each concert cost $55, with the option to add the finale reception for $30.
Concert Line-Up
“Contrasts” – June 24, 6:30 PM, Redwood Library (Newport, RI)
The festival opens with “Contrasts,” an evocative exploration of Romantic and 20th-century chamber music. Boston Symphony clarinetist Christopher Elchico joins pianists Angela Kim, Xiaopei Xu, Clemens Teufel, violinist Clara Kim, and soprano Olha Abakumova. The program features Schumann’s Four Piano Pieces, Op. 32, Brahms’s Clarinet Sonata in E-flat Major, Op. 120 No. 2, Schubert’s The Shepherd on the Rock, and Bartók’s electrifying Contrasts—a tour de force of virtuosity and color. During intermission, guests can explore the Redwood’s current exhibition.
“Quest” – June 27, 6:30 PM, Rough Point (Newport, RI)
“Quest” presents an evening of chamber music in the scenic setting of Rough Point. Pianist Clemens Teufel and violinist Andrea Segar open with Mozart’s deeply expressive Violin Sonata in E minor. The program concludes with Beethoven’s monumental “Archduke” Trio, performed by Angela Kim, Carla Kim, and Rafi Popper-Keizer. This iconic work, dedicated to Archduke Rudolph, is celebrated for its grandeur, lyricism, and innovative spirit—promising an unforgettable musical journey.
“Resonance” – June 28, 6:30 PM, Colony House (Newport, RI)
The festival finale, “Resonance,” at the historic Colony House, highlights the expressive range of percussion and piano with works by Robert Honstein, Joseph Koykkar, and John Psathas, performed by Angela Kim and Andre Sonner. After intermission, violinist Clara Kim and pianist Angela Kim present Debussy’s shimmering Violin Sonata, followed by Schumann’s exuberant Piano Quintet in E-flat major, Op. 44.
Special Festival Events
Open Rehearsal – June 25, 10:00 AM, Provence sur Mer (Newport, RI) – FREE
Audiences are invited behind the scenes to witness the artistry and collaboration that bring these performances to life.
Live Podcast Recording – June 26, 12:30 PM, Provence sur Mer (Newport, RI) – FREE
Engaging conversations with musicians and special guests, exploring the stories behind the music and the festival.
Festival Finale Reception – June 28, 8:30 PM, Provence sur Mer (Newport, RI) – $30
Following the June 28 concert, continue the festivities at a post-concert reception across the street at Provence Sur Mer. With a separate ticket, guests can enjoy delicious small bites, a cash bar, and the opportunity to mingle with fellow audience members, friends, and performers. Set in a historic mid-1800s building in Newport’s Washington Square, Provence Sur Mer offers an elegant, French-inspired atmosphere perfect for celebrating the close of the festival and connecting with the vibrant Puddingstone community.
For tickets and more details, check out www.PuddingstoneMusic.org.
