WELLS —DaPonte String Quartet has decided to revisit its roots this summer and go back to its rural beginnings.

In 1995, when the DaPonte String Quartet came to Maine on a joint grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and Chamber Music America, there was not a great deal of classical music in the smaller towns and villages of the state.  The financial support was intended to bring chamber music, specifically String Quartet music, to Maine’s rural communities, which it did.

Shortly after the DSQ began playing regularly in Maine, the Friends of the DaPonte String Quartet was formed to ensure that the group was able to stay in Maine. In the years since, the DaPonte String Quartet has become a lasting and integral part of the community, enriching the musical and educational lives of thousands in Maine. The Quartet is looking forward to this ongoing concert series in the churches and historic landmarks of small towns and villages, giving residents intimate experiences of world-class music in their own communities.

In the recent past, the DSQ has played summer concerts in Brunswick, Portland, Rockport, and other cities.  Although Rockport may not be considered a major metroplex, we did decide to take the DSQ summer 2019 tour to smaller towns and little cities off our beaten path, maybe to return to places where we have not played in years.

The DaPonte String Quartet’s summer 2019 tour is in full swing  Remaining places to visit include: Boothbay Harbor, Scarborough, South Bristol, Wells, Surry, Georgetown, Cape Porpoise, and Walpole.

The DSQ will be playing Haydn’s String Quartet in G Major, Ravel’s String Quartet in F Major, and music from Beethoven’s String compositions.  Which Beethoven compositions, you may ask?  Five of the remaining Midsummer Master concerts will include Beethoven’s String Quartet in F minor (“Serioso”).

However, on three additional special occasions this summer, we will be joined by guest artist Marcus Thompson (viola). Marcus Thompson has performed in chamber music series and recitals throughout the world.  Mr. Thompson holds a doctorate in viola performance from The Juilliard School. He has been a member of the viola faculty at New England Conservatory for more than three decades, and professor of music at MIT for more than four decades. In June 2015 he was appointed to MIT’s highest faculty honor, becoming one of its thirteen Institute Professors.  For these four guest artist concerts the program will include Beethoven’s Viola Quintet in C Major but not the “Serioso”.

Plan your concert going experiences to include one of each Midsummer Masters presentation – Marcus will be with them on Aug. 2, Aug. 4, and Aug. 15.  The “Serioso” program can be heard on July 27, Aug. 11, Sept. 7, and Sept. 8.

Local perfomances include:

Aug. 4 at 3 p.m. at Wells Reserve at Laudholm, 342 Laudholm Farm Road, Wells

Sept. 7 at 3 p.m. at Church on the Cape, 3 Langsford Road, Cape Porpoise (Kennebunkport)

For tickets and more info, please visit daponte.org.