DAMARISCOTTA — Salt Bay Chamberfest has announced the cancellation of its 2020 summer festival, following Governor Janet Mills’ guidelines regarding COVID-19. The organization says it is striving to help ensure the health and safety of the local community, as so many other performing arts organizations across the nation have also done.

“Being here on Maine’s wondrous coast is to experience what is sublime in nature and what is fleeting in life,” said Artistic and Executive Director Wilhelmina Smith. “Music, at this somber moment, feels similarly poignant in its capacity to offer us a refuge for reflection and an ocean of empathy and feeling during a turbulent time.” 

In its 26th year of bringing dynamic, critically acclaimed chamber music performances to the Maine public, Salt Bay Chamberfest is embracing this opportunity to discover new ways to stay connected with all of its audiences. 

Archived Maine Public Radio “Maine Stage” performances by SBC musicians are now accessible at no charge on the organization’s website, www.saltbaychamberfest.org. In addition, plans are underway for online live concerts, interviews, and other special programs later this summer. Preparations are also being made to safely connect musicians with area residents confined in hospitals and nursing homes, providing free music to those most isolated by the pandemic.

Citing a quote from the journals of Henry David Thoreau—“If rivers come out of their icy prison thus bright and immortal, shall not I too resume my spring life with joy and hope?”—Smith wished the community “a safe and healthy summer, filled with hope and the joys of music.”  

Contributions to help Salt Bay Chamberfest remain strong throughout the next year are welcomed at saltbaychamberfest.org. Supporters are also encouraged to donate to SBC’s Emergency Musician Relief Fund, which will provide direct assistance to musicians in need during these challenging times.