By Anne Marshall, correspondent

The Standard-Times on July 4, 2004

What's better than a delightful musical performance on a warm summer's night? 

 Not much. And though some might dish out a pretty penny to see nationally prominent musicians perform by Sippican Harbor, locals can save their money, because the Buzzards Bay Musicfest is sailing back into the area for its eighth admission-free year this summer. 

 The Buzzards Bay Musicfest will bring orchestral and chamber music performances to the acoustically superb Fireman Performing Arts Center at Tabor Academy in Marion this year from Wednesday through next Sunday. The hall at 235 Front St. is wheelchair accessible. 

 Trudy Kingery, president of the Buzzards Bay Musicfest, explained that the event has always been held at Tabor Academy, and for good reason. "The hall holds over 600 people. And though it is an indoor facility, it's on the water, so as people come in they can see boats sailing by, and enjoy that part of it too," Ms. Kingery said. 

 The Musicfest is free and open to all. "We raise funds to pay for this event through personal donations," explained Ms. Kingery. "We try to bring good music to the area and to make it easy for people to come. It is very high quality." 

 One need not wonder why, with acclaimed musicians performing under the direction of Maestro Russell Patterson. "Many of the performers are with major symphonies across the country," Mr. Patterson explained. 

 After directing the Kansas City Orchestra and Lyric Opera for 40 years, Mr. Patterson moved to Cape Cod and decided to take the music with him. He founded the Buzzards Bay Musicfest eight years ago and brings outstanding performers to Marion each summer. 

 "We get together once a year with players of the great orchestras of the world," Mr. Patterson continued. "They love Marion and all the families here. It's like a love affair." 

 He explained that the Musicfest keeps its selections varied, from great orchestral pieces to chamber pieces requiring three musicians. "This is probably the most varied program in our eight years. There are fun pieces and great masterpieces. We even have the addition of a harp in three programs this year," Mr. Patterson said. 

 Orchestral performances will be at 8 p.m. Wednesday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Chamber music performances will be given at 8 p.m. Thursday and Saturday. 

 A rehearsal, open to all children and their parents, will begin at 2 p.m. Wednesday. This provides a unique opportunity for young musicians and future musicians, as children are welcome to talk to the conductor and playersr after the performance and at intermission. 

 "We started the open rehearsal a few years ago. Kids crowd in from all over and ask great questions," Mr. Patterson explained. "It's something we look forward to every year." 

 The opening evening's program includes Mozart's Impresario Overture, K486, Mendelssohn's Concerto for Violin & Piano in D minor, Mahler's Adagietto, and Haydn's Symphony No. 100. 

 Thursday brings chamber music including Mozart's Divertimento in D Major, Strauss's Till Eulenspiegel-ein mal anders! and Shostakovich's Piano Quintet in G minor, Op. 57. 

 Chamber music continues Saturday with Ravel's Introduction and Allegro, Dvorak's Serenade in D minor, Op. 44, and Brahms' Trio in E flat, Op. 40. 

 Sunday's concluding performance brings the full orchestra back with Handel's Concerto No. 6 (Op. 4) for Harp, Mozart's Horn Concerto No. 2, K417, and Beethoven's Symphony No. 3, Op 55. 

 Mr. Patterson singles out one piece, in particular, as a special one this year. 

 Soloist Brian Lewis and pianist Jim Rivers will perform a double concerto for violin and piano by Mendelssohn on Wednesday. "Because the double concerto is very difficult, it is rarely performed," Mr. Patterson said. "This is a very exciting piece." 

 Last year more than 2,000 people attended the Musicfest. "The show was full almost every night," Ms. Kingery said. "We have people who plan their vacations around this and look forward to it every year." 

 So, for those looking for a fun, cultural outing for the entire family, this is the event. And for true classical music lovers, this might be the best four days all year. Further information is available at (508) 748-0061 or at the Marion Art Center at (508) 748-1266. 

This story appeared on Page C3 of The Standard-Times on July 4, 2004.