NEW HARMONY MUSIC FESTIVAL
The New Harmony Music Festival takes place every July in New Harmony, IN. Comprised of both a music school and festival, the event offers classes taught by top talent and concerts held throughout the town's historic spaces. It is a week of world class traditional and classical music in a small, historic town in south Indiana.
Nic Gareiss, percussive dance
Thrall's Opera House
An afternoon concert by some of the Music Festival's teachers at Indiana's oldest continually operating library, the Workingman's Institute
Even though I grew up in Indiana, I had never heard of New Harmony. It is such an amazing town. Nestled along the Wabash River in southern Indiana and founded in the early 1800s, New Harmony was once a utopian experiment that became known for scientific and educational research. It's rich history is reflected in the town's architecture and residents today.
Yann Falquet, acoustic guitar
The artists take a bow after their afternoon performance at the Workingman's Institute.
The entrance to New Harmony's Roofless Church, one of the many venues used around the town for the New Harmony Music Fest.
The town's history has led to a population of creative individuals who clearly love the community where they live. I can't blame them! Their town is full of beautiful and historic architecture which serves as the backdrop for the Music Festival. For one week in July, residents and visitors are treat to multiple concerts per day by world class musicians in locations like the historic Workingman's Institute, the Roofless Church, and Thrall's Opera House.
Yann Falquet
Acrobatic yoga performance
Katie Le Sesne, cellist and one of the festival coordinators
The teachers and students of the New Harmony Music Festival and School honor Clem Penrose, the founder of the New Harmony Artist's Guild.
Festival students and teachers have become a part of the New Harmony community over the years. During a concert at the Roofless Church, they celebrated the life of the founder of the New Harmony Artist's Guild and town resident, Clem Penrose, alongside the town with a song. Clem passed away unexpectedly earlier this year, but his presence was felt throughout the week's events.
Ariel Friedman , composer and teacher, playing cello at the Roofless Church
Tom McDermott, noted New Orleans pianist
Simon Chrisman plays the hammer dulcimer
Christopher Layer, Festival founder, speaks to Yann Falquet during a performance.
The artists perform at Black Lodge Roasters.
The Festival is so woven into the fabric of New Harmony that it is hard to imagine one without the other. It is a week of celebrating people, learning music old and new, and sharing art. It was an honor to capture some of the moments of this festival!
Nic Gareiss performing on the floor of Thrall's Opera House
Tony Demarco, Irish Fiddle
Nic Gareiss, Simon Chrisman, Yann Falquet, and Ariel Friedman
Tom McDermott and Christoper Layer
A lot of the details I found to write this post were found at the New Harmony Music Festival and School's webpage, https://newharmonymusicfest.com/. I encourage you all to visit their site and learn about this special event!
