Coastal Concerts is a symphony of history and success
Nestled in the beach town of Lewes, Coastal Concerts has been dedicated to bringing world-class classical music to its southern Delaware community for more than 25 years.
The origins of our organization date back to the late 1990s, when a local group of passionate music enthusiasts, led by Gavin and Lou Braithwaite, envisioned bringing more culture and arts to southern Delaware.
From its inception in 1999, the organization has been driven by a mission to enrich the cultural fabric of Lewes and its surrounding areas through the power of classical music. The unwavering dedication of our founders and supporters ensured that the organization steadily gained momentum over the years.
In the beginning, concerts were held in various locations but in 2004 a permanent home was found at Bethel United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall — a tradition that continues today.
Our organization is run mainly by volunteers, and at the core of our success are those incredible individuals who help us "Keep the Music Playing." Our volunteer ambassadors, our board members, and others work tirelessly to uphold the highest standards of excellence, and without them, we could not do what we do.
We are proud that we have been able to build an impressive roster of artists over the years, ranging from emerging talents to seasoned virtuosos. Having hosted 124 concerts since our inception, we consistently showcase a diverse array of musical styles, from baroque to contemporary, ensuring that there is something for every classical music lover. Notable performers have included renowned pianists, string quartets, and brass ensembles, each leaving an indelible mark on their appreciative audiences.
Recently, we were honored to learn that two of our past artists, Michelle Cann and Sō Percussion, received Grammys for their work in classical music.
Our commitment to community engagement and education is steadfast. We implement numerous outreach programs aimed at making classical music accessible to all. These initiatives include free concerts for students, masterclasses with visiting artists, instrument donations, and collaborations with local schools and community groups.
One partnership with First State Community Action Agency, a well-known social service group, introduces students to various types of music during the group's after-school program. Students get to learn about different instruments and music styles, helping them appreciate the richness of classical music.
We feel that by fostering a love for music in the younger generation, we can help to ensure the sustainability of our mission and nurture the next generation of concertgoers and performers.
Another important initiative for us is our music scholarship program. In an effort to support young aspiring musicians, Coastal Concerts began this program in 2002 for middle and high school musicians. Since that time, 65 students throughout the Delmarva Peninsula have received recognition and stipends totaling more than $62,000.
As we look to the future, our plans include innovative programming, enhancing the concert experience with more diverse and exciting new artists, expanding educational initiatives, exploring new partnerships in the community, audience expansion, and more support for our youth.
We are participating in Do More 24 Delaware , the state's biggest day of charitable giving and an essential component of our annual fundraising efforts. The generous donations that we have received over the five years we participated in this event have had a profound impact on our organization.
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This annual fundraising event has allowed us to support the artists who perform on our stage, supplement our student scholarship program, and enhance a number of other community outreach initiatives.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who supported us through Do More 24 Delaware over the years, allowing us to "Keep the Music Playing" in Sussex County.
We appreciate and look forward to the continued support in the coming years as we strive to achieve our goals and make a lasting difference through our artistic and educational endeavors.
Coastal Concerts has two remaining concerts in the 2024-2025 Season, and tickets are still available for "Boyd Meets Girl'' (Saturday, March 22) and "East of the River''(Saturday, April 5), both of which will bring exciting music to southern Delaware.
I am constantly reminded of our powerful example of how a small, dedicated group of individuals can transform a vision into a thriving institution. That is what Coastal Concerts is all about.
Open Call is a weekly column hosted by Delaware's arts and cultural organizations. To be considered for a submission, email Tammy Paolino at tpaolino@gannett.com
Carol Dennis is executive director, Coastal Concerts .
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Coastal Concerts aims to enrich cultural fabric of Lewes area
