From June 24 to 28, the inaugural Puddingstone Music Festival transformed Newport into a vibrant hub of world-class artistry, drawing distinguished musicians, enthusiastic local audiences, and filling some of the city’s most beautiful venues with five days of exhilarating music-making and creative collaboration.
The journey began at the historic Redwood Library, where our “Contrasts” concert set the tone for the week. In the intimate Harris Room, festival founder Clemens Teufel welcomed guests with a luminous performance of Schumann’s Four Piano Pieces, Op. 32. Boston Symphony clarinetist Chris El Chico, joined by pianist Xiaopei Xu, gave a spectacular reading of Brahms’ Second Clarinet Sonata, later joined by Ukrainian soprano Olha Abakumova for an evocative interpretation of Schubert’s beloved Shepherd on the Rock. Festival Co-Chair Angela Kim introduced audiences to new horizons with Xavier Beteta’s Preludios de la Noche (2024), weaving the contemporary with the classic. The evening concluded with a rousing interpretation of Bartók’s Contrasts, which brought the audience to its feet in a standing ovation.
One of the week’s highlights was an open rehearsal at Provence Sur Mer—a thoughtfully restored former rectory beside the Jane Pickens Theater. This rare peek behind the curtain offered the public the chance to witness firsthand the artistry and teamwork that define Puddingstone’s performances. The following day, in a public podcast recording, co-chairs Clemens Teufel and Angela Kim reflected on the festival’s founding spirit, its future, and the deeper philosophical questions that inspire their musical journey.
The festival’s next concert unfolded at the iconic Rough Point, where audiences were treated to Beethoven’s majestic Archduke Trio, Mozart’s elegant E minor Violin Sonata, and a contemporary highlight: Dan Van Hassel’s Sonata for Violin and Piano. The composer himself introduced the work, sharing engaging anecdotes about its creation and process.
The grand finale took place in the historic halls of Newport’s Colony House. The first half celebrated piano and percussion repertoire, brought vividly to life by Angela Kim and her husband, percussionist Andre Sonner. Staying true to Puddingstone’s commitment to multidisciplinary performance, this segment was elevated by a captivating dance performance from Colin Stilwell and Katie Moorhead. The festival’s final notes included a vibrant performance of Debussy’s Violin Sonata, before coming full circle with Schumann’s Piano Quintet—a fitting bookend to a week that opened and closed with the expressive music of one of the masters of the romantic era.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors and partners whose generosity made this festival possible: Le Bec Sucré, FiberSprung, Luca Music, Bow Bar, Newport Restoration Foundation, Redwood Library, Provence Sur Mer, and the Newport Historical Society. Special thanks to our donors, supporters, and above all, our audience members—your passion and presence brought our vision to life and ensured a resounding success for this inaugural year.
Here’s to more music, more collaboration, and the ever-growing Puddingstone community—see you again soon!