The Hidden Gem of Rehoboth

When I returned to Rumford after years of living away, I discovered there existed a series of concerts in Rehoboth Massachusetts, sponsored by Arts in the Village. Liking a smaller venue, I explored this option and found a most wonderful series of chamber music!

For a moderate fee I could enjoy music played in a fairly small hall with excellent acoustics and even more excellent musicians. The Chamber Music series, under the auspices of the Rehoboth Antiquarian Society, has been able to attract world-renowned musicians for 20 years. The artists that perform are very accomplished and have played in places such as Carnegie Hall, and in numerous venues in most European Countries and South America and Japan. They have been awarded many coveted awards in their field.

At a recent concert the audience was privileged to be the first in the United State to hear an original work by pianist Andrius Žlabys. This was a passionate and moving piece, and we were fortunate to hear its debut!

Why do such talented artists agree to play at such a small venue I wondered? The performers are enthusiastic about performing here. A recent pianist remarked the Arts in the Village piano is “one of my favorite pianos in the world” and the “audience is so responsive” and the “acoustics are excellent.” The casual ambiance in an historic building also lends a relaxed atmosphere.

Located in Goff Hall of the Rehoboth Library Building on Bay State Road in Rehoboth Village, the site has plenty of free parking with designated handicap parking places, and a ramp to the building makes it easily handicap-accessible.

The concert series has always been supported by volunteers who provide complimentary snacks and table decorations at intermission, deliver posters and brochures throughout RI and southeastern MA, prepare the hall for concerts, and design the programs.

When I recently introduced friends to the series, one exclaimed, “Do you realize what a gem you have here”. Of course, we do and now we refer to it as the “Hidden Gem” of Rehoboth.

We hope that more people take advantage of this wonderful series.

If you are interested in learning about this program you can go to the website or contact aiv02769@gmail.com. I’m sure they would love to hear from you.

https://rehobothantiquarian.org/arts-in-the-village/ 

Meredith Middleton Denno, Coordinator