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New season, new color!

May 21, 2025
In anticipation of our 37th season, held July 23-August 3 in Edwards Hall at the University of Rhode Island, we are excited to announce our season theme and new logo color!

As many of you know, the idea for KCMF was sparked when violinist David Kim visited South County for the first time in 1986. He appreciated the proximity to picturesque beaches, the small-town charm of Wakefield, and the abundance of fresh seafood options. Only one thing could make this place better, he thought: excellent chamber music.

Our theme this year, “Where Coast Meets Cadence,” was conceived by Artistic Director Natalie Zhu’s 15-year-old daughter, Clara Chen, who has grown up attending KCMF concerts. Similar to Kim, she’s always been struck by how the festival’s unique location enriches the unforgettable performances. Rather than being a backdrop, it is central to the experience–literally and metaphorically. 

While ‘coast’ is often associated with a landform near the sea, it can also describe effortlessness and fluidity. The festival embodies both meanings of the word, as musicians come together, some from across oceans, to enjoy making music with one another at Kingston,” Clara says. “This blends with the theme’s reference to a musical ‘cadence,’ a full or partial resolution of harmony or melody. In the case of KCMF, the resolution here is the ultimate connection musicians build with each other and the community through music.

In the spirit of celebrating the remarkable place we join together to enjoy chamber music, we are now embracing the color blue, which you will see reflected in our logo and in marketing materials.

We remain committed to bringing you the unparalleled excellence in programming and performance you’ve come to know and love from KCMF. We are freshening up our branding to better match our vision for the next chapter of KCMF’s presence as a valued community and arts organization in Rhode Island.

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Community support (individual donations, sponsorships, and grants) funds a majority of our budget, 65% in 2024. This support makes it possible for KCMF to price tickets affordably, to provide free admission to students, to offer scholarships, and to support music education locally. Without your support, this work would not be possible.

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