To the Editor:
 
Portsmouth’s well-known magnetism has attracted a new classical music series that is establishing a reputation as a major summer festival.

The Halcyon Music Festival is organized by Boston-based pianist Heng-Jin Park, whose love of Portsmouth is bringing these concerts to St. John’s Church “on the hill,’ with its beautiful space, fine acoustic and Steinway grand piano. The new festival is a gift for all of us who love live classical music, and a great addition to our community’s varied and rich cultural scene. I don’t intend to miss a note of it! Check it out online at Halcyon Music Festival.

Over 20 musicians from major symphony orchestras, established ensemble groups and prestigious conservatories and universities are making glorious music right in our downtown with three concerts left to go (Thursday, Friday and Saturday this week at 7:30 p.m.) in the inaugural season. I have never heard more spirited, joyful and thoughtful performances of major classical ensemble works. The ensemble format is chamber music in the best and most friendly sense: the audience is up close and personal in the room so that the artistic communication among the players may be fully enjoyed by the listeners.

The Halcyon family is finding collaborations with other community organizations, and is eager to become part of the Portsmouth fabric. Proceeds from a concert last week benefited the Seacoast Family Food Pantry in collaboration with “Music for Food.” The festival is partnering with PMAC to offer discounts to students, and is on the lookout for ways to entertain and inspire us. Welcome, Halcyon!
 
Ellie Sanderson
Portsmouth resident and Past President of the Portsmouth Athenaeum