Coastal Concerts

05/28/2026

What a great morning with Lewes Chamber of Commerce at the Virden Center. We got to meet so many wonderful people involved in local organizations.

05/21/2026

Jim-Isaac Chua, who performed on our stage a couple years ago, is currently on tour in Oregon.
He explains in this video how he fell in love with the piano.

“For award-winning classical musician Jim-Isaac Chua, playing the piano is not just delivering a grand performance. But rather, a two-way conversation layered with sensitivity and nuance.

“I try to communicate with every individual note,” he says. “How can I create that sound? How can I create that motion?”’

For award-winning classical musician Jim-Isaac Chua, playing the piano is not just delivering a grand performance. But rather, a two-way conversation layered...

05/15/2026

2026 Coastal Concerts
Music Scholarship Program Winners
Coastal Concerts is pleased to announce our 2026 Music Scholarship awardees. The scholarships are available to student musicians residing in Delmarva and attending either middle or high school, public or private. Scholarship awards may be used for music camps, university courses, instrument purchases or repairs, or private music lessons. All student musicians are eligible.

Dorothy and Elizabeth Music Scholarship Award
Maxwell Brown

High School Musicality Award
Daniel Qi
Ethan Seman

Middle School Musicality Award
Sophia Zhou

The annual scholarship program is just one element of Coastal Concerts’ comprehensive commitment to promoting classical music appreciation on Delmarva. Other initiatives include school-based performances by professional concert artists; free youth and discounted student admissions to concerts; free community lectures and performances; and collection of used but playable musical instruments for donation to local schools.

Since the introduction of the scholarship program in 2002,
69 students have received awards totaling $66,800.
Meet the winners:

May 2026 Newsletter

05/12/2026

Coastal Concerts recently closed its 2025-2026 season at Bethel United Methodist Church on a high note with an electrifying and deeply memorable performance by ArcoStrum.

The internationally acclaimed duo - violinist Strauss Shi and guitarist TY Zhang – captivated the Lewes audience with a dynamic program that spanned classical masterworks, tango, contemporary compositions, and inventive crossover pieces. From the passionate rhythms of Astor Piazzolla to fresh interpretations of Antonio Vivaldi, ArcoStrum demonstrated extraordinary versatility, technical brilliance, and musical chemistry.

Audience members responded enthusiastically throughout the evening, enchanted by the duo’s artistry, innovative arrangements, and engaging stage presence. Highlights included evocative
contemporary works, beloved classics, and a playful finale that brought the audience to its feet.

The concert also featured a special and heartfelt tribute to retiring Coastal Concerts Executive Director Carol Dennis. Warm remarks from Coastal Concerts President Lee April, Amy Marasco, and other community members honored Dennis’s years of dedicated service and celebrated her lasting impact on the organization and the region’s cultural life.

The combination of world-class music and personal celebration made the evening especially meaningful, reflecting Coastal Concerts’ continuing commitment to artistic excellence and
community connection.

With ArcoStrum’s unforgettable performance and the moving recognition of Carol Dennis, the event marked both a triumphant concert experience and a touching moment in Coastal Concerts history.

Please visit the Coastal Concerts website at www.coastalconcerts.org for information about the
upcoming 2026-2027 concert season, which opens on October 24, 2026 with pianist Awadagin Pratt.

04/21/2026

Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary with An All-American Night of Jazz at Stango Park in Lewes, hosted by Coastal Concerts and sponsored by DE250. The concert is free - bring blankets or chairs to set up in the park.
JUNE 16 @ 7PM. Join us!

04/19/2026

Last night, we were thrilled to welcome ArcoStrum to the Coastal Concerts stage. Winners of the 2023 Concert Artists Guild Competition, this trailblazing violin-guitar duo brought an exciting and innovative program to Lewes. Thank you to everyone who attended the final concert of our regular season. Check our website for details on a special concert, June 16 in Lewes, celebrating the 250th anniversary of America with big band music. You will also find a sneak preview of next year’s season on our website.

04/19/2026

Carol Dennis spoke at tonight’s concert about her time with Coastal Concerts. She is retiring after 8 years.

04/19/2026

At tonight’s concert, we celebrated Carol Dennis, our executive director for 8 years, who is retiring after this season. She will be so missed! Board president Lee April and past board president Richard Scalenghe both shared their appreciation for Carol’s work. Mayor Amy Marasco presented a proclamation from the City of Lewes.