The Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival will be held from May 30 through June 20 at a variety of local venues ranging from historic public buildings and churches, unique outdoor settings and the elegance of the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island.

The 2004 Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival started with a free
community concert in Central Park on May 30
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The festival begins on May 30th with an American tradition - a free Sunday concert in the park. Bring your lawn chairs and picnic baskets to Central Park at 2 p.m. for a relaxing musical afternoon.

Festival Artistic Director Christopher Rex has again designed an eclectic musical calendar that will excite, inspire and transport you. A number of new stars are featured in this year's performance schedule, along with many returning favorites.

One of the newcomers, classical guitarist Pepe Romero, has performed for presidents and kings. Now you can see him at the Masters Series Opening Concert "Guitara Romantica" on May 31 at the First Baptist Church.

The Atlanta Youth Symphony performs a sidewalk
concert at last year's festival
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Pianist Ruth Laredo, hailed as "America's First Lady of the Piano" by the New York Daily News, will take the stage with returning favorite Robert McDuffie on June 9. The Eroica Trio (the "heroic" trio in Italian) took their name from Beethoven's passionate Third Symphony. These lovely heroines of chamber music have developed a singular style, combining tradition and their unique gifts. They will perform June 13 at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, where they will feature a specially-commissioned work by violinist and composer Mark O'Connor.

The distinguished Tokyo String Quartet will make their Amelia Island debut on June 16. Returning favorites the Guarneri String Quartet will perform on June 4. Violinist Arnold Steinhart (of the Guarneri Quartet) will join Grammy Award-winner Hilary Hahn and pianist Gary Graffman on June 12. All three have served as fellow faculty members at the Curtis Institute of Music, one of the finest musical conservatories in the world, over which Mr. Graffman serves as president.

Past performers include Jeff Thayer, Alexei Kuznetsoff,
Valentina Lisitsa and Christopher Rex
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Appearing for the first time on Amelia are brother and sister Gil Shaham, violinist, and Orli Shaham, pianist. This talented duo presents works by Prokofiev and Dvorak on June 2.

This year's Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival features new venues, new series, new faces and new instruments... but the same incomparable music and warm welcomes. This festival has earned international recognition throughout the community of music lovers. Mark your calendars now and share the magic with friends!

For more information, including the schedule of performances, ticket prices and availability, call (904) 261-1779 or visit www.ameliaislandchambermusic.org.