Letter: Unwanted changes at Newport Music Festival

EastBayRI.com ·

To the editor:

Being a Newport Music Festival-goer since moving to Rhode Island a decade ago has been the best of experiences. 

July has been a month of pleasure for my husband, myself and many of our friends. We never leave town during July due to the Newport Music Festival performances. We always make sure that there are many concerts that we and our friends attend because they are so outstanding.

The musicians are some of the finest from all over the world. The venues are special and the wonderful feeling of friendship between the Malkovich family, musicians, volunteers and community is unique. The Newport Music Festival is a treasure.

My heart, as well as many others, are saddened by the change that has occurred. Change can be sometimes good … but not this change, which was brought about by some members of the Board of Directors. This was an unexpected, unwanted and unneeded change for many musicians, volunteers, concert goers … and the Malkovich family. 

Next year will be the 50th anniversary of the Newport Music Festival. How sad to have this "change" occur after 49 remarkable seasons.

My appreciation to the Festival family, which has given me fond memories of all the beautiful concerts that I have experienced.

Terry Lorenz

200 Prospect Farm Road

Portsmouth

Editor’s note: The Newport Music Festival recently announced that artistic director Mark Malkovich IV will step down after this year’s event and Pamela A. Pantos will become new executive director.

Newport Music Festival, letters, opinion