The Hamptons Festival Of Music Kicks Off At LTV Studios

TH·FM — which is not a new FM radio station, but rather an exciting new classical music festival — is unfolding in the Hamptons. Under the baton of Maestro Michael Palmer, The Hamptons Festival of Music will be tailored to year-round residents in the town of East Hampton and the neighboring hamlets and villages.

The Hamptons Festival of Music (TH·FM), a new organization co-founded by Palmer, who serves as its artistic director, will offer its inaugural season with three concerts offered on September 9, 10 and 11 at LTV Studios in Wainscott.

TH·FM is a festival featuring the three major modes of classical music expression — orchestra, chamber music and solo recital concerts. The festival is the brainchild of Palmer, who also established and has sustained the Bellingham Festival of Music in the Pacific Northwest for over 29 years. When Palmer recognized the artistic gravitational pull of the East End, he set in motion plans to create TH·FM as a classical music and festival experience specifically serving local, year-round residents. Modeled after similar festivals, Palmer will bring his brand of intimate orchestral concert experiences to the Hamptons, a place that he calls home.

The three-day festival features The New American Sinfonietta, the resident orchestra of TH·FM which is made up of musicians from across the U.S., Canada, and abroad, including many who hold principal positions with leading orchestras and ensembles. In its inaugural season at LTV, concertgoers will have the opportunity to experience three genres of concert performance — a concerto for small ensembles, chamber music and a full concert for symphony orchestra. Joining the orchestra as the featured soloist will be the world-renowned classical guitarist Pepe Romero.

Romero will perform in recital on Saturday, September 10, and again on Sunday, September 11, when he takes the stage with Palmer, his longtime friend and collaborator, in a full symphony orchestra concert featuring the iconic “Concerto Aranjuez,” composed by Romero’s friend and mentor, Joaquín Rodrigo.

Maestros Romero and Palmer have concertized together for over 50 years, performing at some of the world’s most recognized concert halls.

“I am overcome with joy to participate in the new Festival TH·FM. Michael Palmer and I have journeyed together through many musical adventures,” said Romero. “They were all magical and wonderful. Michael Palmer is one of the great conductors of all times. I cannot wait to experience the extraordinary music-making that awaits us in the Hamptons.”

“I am honored that my dear friend, Pepe Romero, will be joining the musicians of The New American Sinfonietta and me to launch TH·FM this coming September,” said Palmer. “What better way to demonstrate our commitment to bringing world-class musicians to the Hamptons than to have my longtime friend with me on stage, to bring his warmth and great artistry to the audience and supporters of TH·FM.”

One of the core missions for TH·FM is to enhance the quality of community cultural life by supporting the experience of live performances of the great classical music masterworks, to cultivate a broader range of audiences and supporters for this art form. With that, the Hamptons Festival of Music is collaborating with Daniel’s Music Foundation, a New York City-based nonprofit focused on harnessing the power of music to improve the wellness and rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities. For TH·FM’s inaugural year, a portion of all passes and ticket sales will go toward Daniel’s Music Foundation. Learn more about the organization at danielsmusic.org.

Tickets for TH·FM are $350 for general admission or $500 premium seating for either the September 9 or September 11 concert, and $2,000 for VIP tickets with admission to all three concerts. Visit thehamptonsfestivalofmusic.com for details.

All concerts are at LTV, 75 Industrial Road, Wainscott

Friday, September 9, 7:30 To 9:30 p.m.

TH·FM Opening Concert - The Complete Bach Brandenburg Concertos

The opening night concert will feature all six of J.S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos. Each of the concertos will highlight musicians from The New American Sinfoinetta under the direction of Michael Palmer, conductor. The concert includes an intermission.

Saturday, September 10, 7:30 To 9:30 p.m.

An Evening With Pepe Romero

A private, intimate concert featuring Pepe Romero, world renowned classical guitarist, in recital with guest artist, Maria Valdes, soprano. This concert is only available to VIP All Festival Pass holders and includes a private reception with Romero and Valdes after the performance.

Sunday, September 11, 4 To 6 p.m.

Festival Finale

The concert program will open with Mozart’s “Marriage of Figaro Overture” followed by guitarist Pepe Romero performing Joaquín Rodrigo’s iconic “Concierto Aranjuez.” The 2022 Festival closes with Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 7.” All concerts will feature The New American Sinfonietta with Michael Palmer, conductor. The concert timing includes intermission. Following the concert will be a special closing reception with Palmer, members of The New American Sinfonietta and guest artists.