Susan Shiplett Ashbaker, a performing arts professional for more than four decades, has been appointed Executive Director of the Cape Cod Chamber Music Festival, now in its 43rd season. Ashbaker assumed the role from Elaine Lipton, who retired in 2021 after a 15-year tenure, returning in April to aid the Festival in its transition.

CCCMF Board President David Farer said “we are very excited that Susan has become a part of our beloved institution as our new Executive Director. She has already brought fresh, inspiring and focused ideas to the table, at the same time evincing a great respect and admiration for the Festival’s traditions. With the advantage of Susan’s deep experience and abilities melded with the existing strengths of the Festival, we see wonderful things ahead.”

Read Susan’s full bio here.

Celebrating its 43rd year, the Cape Cod Chamber Music Festival announces its 2022 season of concerts, performing from August 2 through 19.  Artistic Directors Jon Manasse and Jon Nakamatsu have programmed a stellar line-up of four top string quartets and five world-class pianists presenting expansive repertoire spanning four centuries.

“We are thrilled to be returning to the Festival this August!” shares Co-Artistic Director Nakamatsu. “Performing with some of the finest musicians from around the world and sharing these incredible concerts with music lovers across Cape Cod delivers so much joy.”  Co-Artistic Director Manasse adds “The atmosphere of ‘collective effervescence’ experienced in our audiences last season was a welcome respite from the pandemic, as we once again gathered together to enjoy exceptional live music.  In response, we’ve expanded our concert offerings this year.”

2022 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

“A Quartet of Quartets” – the Ying and Borromeo return, the Ariel and Verona make their Festival debuts
“Miraculous Masterpieces” – the 16-year-old Mendelssohn’s immortal Octet, and Copland’s beloved ‘Appalachian Spring’
“Concerto Gala” – with Jon Manasse and Jon Nakamatsu
“Piano Extravaganza” – Festival Finale

This season, in the interest of public health and safety, and by popular demand, concerts are programmed to be 60 to 80 minutes in length without intermission, beginning at 5 pm, with the exception of the free public concert on August 16 at 7 pm (see schedule).

Tickets for the Cape Cod Chamber Music Festival concerts are $40 general admission on August 2, 3, 9, 12 and 17; $55 general admission on August 5, 8 and 19.  All concerts offer $15 admission for college students (with ID); and free admission for attendees 18 and under.  The August 16 concert at the National Seashore is free admission for all. 

Cape Cod Chamber Music Festival health and safety protocols for this season will be announced prior to the first concert, following state and local mandates.

Click HERE for the full season schedule, and HERE to buy tickets!

Click HERE for the full press release.

Among the most distinguished classical artists of his generation, clarinetist Jon Manasse is internationally recognized for his inspiring artistry, uniquely glorious sound and charismatic performing style. As well as serving on the faculties of The Juilliard School, The Lynn Conservatory and the Mannes School of Music, Manasse is principal clarinetist of the American Ballet Theater Orchestra, the Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra and the Orchestra of St. Luke’s.

Since winning the Gold Medal at the 1997 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, Jon Nakamatsu tours year-round, working with many of today’s leading conductors and orchestras, and appears in recital and chamber collaborations at festivals and music centers world-wide. Nakamatsu is on the faculty of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and is Artist-in-Residence of the Chautauqua Institution Piano Program.