Bethany Beach to host inaugural Cellofest June 7-16

Bethany Beach will ring with the rich sounds of cellos from Friday, June 7 to Sunday, June 16, for the inaugural Cellofest organized by the Cello Museum. Music enthusiasts are invited to attend a series of free events featuring celebrated soloist Jennifer Kloetzel, innovative cellist Erica Lessie, and Cello Museum curator Dr. Brenda Neece.

The Cellofest will showcase a wide range of cello music alongside a selection of unusual cellos, incorporating educational programs suitable for all ages.

The festival will begin at 2 p.m., June 7, with a talk on "Cellos of Unusual Shape" and a demonstration by Erica Lessie at the South Coastal Library. This program offers a fresh perspective on the cello’s versatility through Lessie's unique instruments.

Young music lovers can enjoy an interactive children's program at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 12, at the same venue. This session will include storytime, a cello "petting zoo," and a craft session where children can make their own simple instruments.

The Cellofest Ensemble and Jennifer Kloetzel will perform a mix of classical, folk and popular tunes at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, June 13, on the Bethany Beach boardwalk. The ensemble will also perform at 10:30 a.m., Friday, June 14, at the Bethany Beach Nature Center, presenting a storytime for children.

The festival’s grand finale will begin at 9 a.m., Sunday, June 16, with a performance in St. Martha's Episcopal Church parish hall immediately following the 8 a.m. service. The festivities continue with cello music during the 10 a.m. service. This final performance will showcase the cello ensemble in a memorable and spiritual close to the festival.

Cellists participating in the festival will broaden their repertoire by studying pieces for unaccompanied cello by women composers, including: Elena Ruehr, Reena Esmail, Andrea Casarrubios, Elaine Fine, Liz Davis Maxfield, Deborah Cheetham, Wanda Sobieska and Rain Worthington. Each participating cellist will receive a private lesson and have the opportunity to perform as part of the Cellofest Ensemble. Visit the Cello Guild, an educational division of the Cello Museum, to register and get more information.

Bethany Beach Cellofest is a celebration of music, community and learning. This innovative arts program is supported by St. Martha's Episcopal Church, Jennifer Kloetzel, Vaulted Sky Music, Bethany Beach Books, and High Strung Violins and Guitars. This festival is expected to draw participants from all over the U.S., enriching Bethany Beach's cultural offerings and providing an exciting visitor attraction.

For more information, go to celloguild.com/bethany-beach-cellofest-2024/.