Watch 2007 Newport Music Festival Connoisseur's Collection

The 2007 Newport Music Festival Connoisseur's Collection, produced by the Rhode Island Arts Foundation, is a celebration of classical music that takes place annually in historic Newport, Rhode Island. This world-renowned festival attracts music lovers and aficionados from around the globe, who gather to experience a rich program of chamber music, solo performances, and orchestral concerts in some of Newport's most opulent venues.

Taking place over a ten-day period in July of 2007, the 39th annual Newport Music Festival boasted an impressive lineup of over 50 musical acts, ranging from internationally renowned artists to promising young musicians on the cusp of breaking through. The festival's artistic director, Mark P. Malkovich III, curated a program that spanned several centuries of classical music, showcasing a diverse array of styles and genres.

Each concert was held in a different location, adding to the festival's distinct sense of charm and intimacy. Some of the festival's main venues included the Newport Casino, a historic mansion turned social club built in the late 19th century, and the Hotel Viking, a grand hotel that has hosted many famous guests over the years.

The festival kicked off with an opening night concert at the elegant Rosecliff Mansion, a stunning 19th-century estate that has been featured in several Hollywood films. The program featured chamber music by Mozart, Schubert, and Dvorak, performed by the prestigious Borromeo String Quartet and the dazzling young pianist Charlie Albright.

Other highlights of the festival included a performance by violinist Sarah Chang, who wowed the audience with her virtuosic playing and magnetic stage presence. In a solo concert at the Newport Casino, Chang performed works by Bach, Tchaikovsky, and Franck, demonstrating her incredible technical skill and emotional depth.

Another standout performance came from pianist Jeremy Denk, who gave a thought-provoking lecture-recital at the Touro Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the United States. Denk's program, titled "Variations on a Theme: Bach and Beyond," explored the concept of musical variation through works by Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, and Schumann, interspersed with witty commentary and engaging anecdotes.

In addition to these solo performances, the festival also featured several orchestral concerts, including a thrilling performance by the Shanghai Quartet and the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra. The program included works by Mendelssohn, Dvorak, and Shostakovich, showcasing the dynamic interplay between the quartet and the orchestra.

Throughout the festival, audiences were treated to an array of other musical styles as well, including jazz, Gregorian chant, and Korean traditional music. The festival's commitment to showcasing a range of genres and styles, alongside its stellar lineup of classical performers, helped to make it a truly unique and memorable experience.

In conclusion, the 2007 Newport Music Festival Connoisseur's Collection was a truly outstanding celebration of classical music, showcasing some of the world's finest performers and a diverse array of musical styles. The festival's stunning venues, including historic mansions and grand hotels, added to its distinct sense of charm and intimacy, making it a must-see event for any classical music lover.