History

Chestnut Hill concerts was founded in 1969 by Dr. Elsa Redlich in Killingworth, Connecticut. The concerts evolved from informal performances which were associated with Dr. Redlichís summer program, the Chestnut Hill Creative Arts Center for Children. She was eager to provide a venue for the then sixteen year-old violinist Yoko Matsuda. Many of the performers were drawn from the Yale School of Music who also served as faculty at the camp. From the beginning, the concerts sought to involve young people in experiencing fine classical music. That goal has persisted throughout Chestnut Hillís history.

Early on, Ms Matsuda became the musical director, a post she occupied until 1978, when she and the flutist Ransom Wilson served as Co-Directors. As the series grew, it moved from the barn in Killingworth to the Hammonassett School, Andrews Memorial Hall in Clinton and in 1985 to its present home, the historic First Congregational Church in Madison where it has become one of the finest chamber music festivals in New England.

In 1981 the Theatre Chamber Players of the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC under the direction of Dina Kosten was selected as the performing ensemble. Ransom Wilson returned as Director in 1984. Our present Artistic Director, Ronald Thomas, has led the series since 1989. He has brought musicians and programs of both musical excellence and broad appeal. As Artistic Director and co-founder of the Boston Chamber Music Society he has succeeded in enhancing Chestnut Hillís growth, support and acclaim. In 1999 Chestnut Hill Concerts issued a 30th anniversary CD comprised of performances from the previous five years.