The Garth Newel Music Center feeds body and soul.
“Garth Newel’s Summer Chamber Music Festival is the heart of our season,” says Teresa Ling, the Bath County musical retreat’s co-artistic director and Garth Newel Piano Quartet violinist. “It’s an incredibly intense 10-week period, with 20 concerts, 20 great meals and a four-week young artist fellowship program all intertwined.”
Built in 1924 by American painter William Kendall and his wife Christine Herter Kendall, the couple gave the 114-acre property, which includes a manor house and indoor riding ring turned concert hall, the name Garth Newel, a Welsh phrase meaning “new home.” Following their deaths, it was bequeathed to the Garth Newel Music Center Foundation, which was established in 1973. Today, the center, located in Warm Springs, hosts more than 60 performances a year by the resident Garth Newel Piano Quartet and visiting musicians from around the world.
This year’s summer festival, which begins June 28 and is held every weekend through August 31, begins with a performance of Stravinsky’s “Soldier’s Tale.” Other highlights of the season include the Virginia Blues and Jazz Festival June 13-15, which will conclude with a performance by trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis and his sextet.
Saturday evening concerts are followed by optional four-course dinners and summer Sunday afternoon concerts finish with post-concert picnics prepared by the resident chef, Josh Elliott. Accommodations for around 20 guests are available in the manor house and cottages on the property.
For a complete schedule of spring and summer performances and ticket information, go to GarthNewel.org
