Newport, RI, February 01, 2012—The Newport Music Festival 2012 celebrates its 44th season July 13–29, continuing the tradition of presenting unique chamber music programs, American debuts, world-class artists and special events in the Gilded Age “summer cottages” of Newport, Rhode Island. The Festival researches and selects works from the 19th century chamber music, vocal repertoire and the Romantic-era piano literature, to create one of the most extraordinary festivals in the world. In its forty-three year history, the Newport Music Festival has become celebrated for presenting over one hundred thirty artists and ensembles in their American debuts. Yamaha Pianos is the major Festival sponsor.

The Festival will present 61 concerts—three to five per day—in the famous Newport Mansions with an international group of resident artists. A season-long tribute to the 150th anniversary of French composer Claude Debussy will feature 20 “Debussyad” concerts of his enduring music. Featured pianists will be Agustin Anievas, Bernadene Blaha, Frederic Chiu, Kevin Fitz-Gerald, Carlo Grante, Claire Huangci, Alain Jacquon, Carolyn Jones, Daniel del Pino and Grigorios Zamparas. The series will include every piano and chamber work, including several world premiere transcriptions.

In addition to the Debussyad Series there will be a “Morning Mozart” series, recitals by American pianist Frederick Moyer, and the Festival debuts of young American pianist Nadia Azzi and Italian pianist Roberto Plano.

Participating artists include guitarist Rupert Boyd, harpist Coline-Marie Orliac, organist Hector Olivera; French hornist Eric Ruske; clarinettist Greg Raden; soprano Theresa Cincione, violist Gilad Karni, pianist/composer John Bayless, cellists Sergey Antonov, Jiří Bárta and Luigi Piovano; violinists Livia Sohn and Eugene Tzikindelean. The Opening Night concert on July 13th will feature the American recital debut of Italian violinist Grazia Raimondi.

Morning concerts are at 11 a.m., afternoons usually at 4 p.m. and evenings at The Breakers, the queen of the Newport Mansions, at 9 p.m. The Festival was chosen one of the “Top Music Festivals 2010” in April’s Sky magazine, the in-flight publication for Delta Airlines; it has also been named one of the “America’s Elite 1000—the Ultimate List,” the very best American luxury goods, shops, services and special events.

For further information and brochure requests, kindly write the Newport Music Festival, PO Box 3300, Newport, RI 02840-0992, or phone 401-846-1133. Newport County tourist information is available at the Newport County Convention & Visitors Bureau, 23 America’s Cup Avenue, Newport, RI 02840, local phone 401-849-8098 or toll-free 800-976-5122. The Rhode Island Division of Tourism may also be reached toll-free at 800-845-2000. Informational websites include GoNewport.com and VisitRhodeIsland.com. Current Festival information is also available on the official Festival website www.newportmusic.org. Or you may e-mail your request to staff@newportmusic.org.