The views stated here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editors of this newspaper. We welcome supporting or opposing views on any published item. Received April 6, 2023.
About fifteen years ago, a friend and I started a not-for-profit organization here in Haddam — The Candlewood Farm Arts Foundation. The mission of the Foundation has several goals, but one of our primary interests is supporting chamber music, specifically classical guitar. For the past six years, we have hosted a guitar festival every June around the summer solstice, though Covid flattened us three years ago.
This June, our festival will run here in Higganum on the Captain John Smith property, which is listed on the state Registry of Historic Sites. (It’s a beautiful setting for the music!) Lessons, masterclasses and concerts will run from June 22, through June 26, 2023. There is a registration fee for participants ($300), and we usually get about 12-15 musicians to register, but concerts are free and open to the public.
This year, several world-class guitarists will be coming to lead the festival: Jason Vieaux, Isaac Bustos, Andrew Zohn, and Adam Levin. There will also be some clarinet and violin in the mix. Due to the lesson schedule, space is limited for participants, but there is ample room for masterclasses and concerts.
I am happy to tell you more about our festival–I am responding to a query in the Haddam-Killingworth News that encourages letting your publication know about upcoming events. It would be great to gather some local interest in our musical events, and I’m hoping to see more people at our concerts.
Our website can be found HERE. Check it out!
Sincerely, Joseph Zipoli
