Welcome to the 34th
Raritan River Music Festival!

TRIBUTES:

The Legacy of Musical Traditions

We are the product of those who came before us, set the stage, laid the foundation for creating the music and culture of today. This year, we honor the founders of musical organizations that have been influential in our lives, providing the legacy upon which Raritan River Music has grown to become an integral part of the community.

We continue to be trendsetters, embracing and supporting the incredibly diverse artistic creators of today, as exemplified by composer Tania León, whose music we presented at last year’s festival and who is the winner of the 2021 Pulitzer Prize for Music and a 2022 Kennedy Center Honoree!

--Laura Oltman and Michael Newman, Founding Directors

Health and Safety at Raritan River Music

Proof of vaccination is no longer required.

Masks are no longer required, but are encouraged during your visit.

All festival venues are fully accessible for people using wheelchairs and walkers.

Click here to visit the COVID SAFETY page for up-to-date details.

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New music by Cuban composer Leo Brouwer, commissioned by Raritan River Music, is featured on the new Audiophile Vinyl LP, CD, download, and streaming by the Newman & Oltman Guitar Duo.

CLICK HERE for samples of the recording and links to download and streaming services.
CLICK HERE to purchase the limited edition Audiophile Vinyl LP, autographed by Leo Brouwer and by Newman & Oltman

festival favorites | new music | beloved classics | community engagement | educational enrichment

The new recording of music commissioned by Raritan River Music is available NOW!

Leo Brouwer

El Libro de los Seres Imaginarios / The Book of Imaginary Beings  

The Newman & Oltman Guitar Duo

Available this Spring on the Musicmasters label:

Audiophile Vinyl LP  *  CD  *  Streaming

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Thirty three years ago, we were inspired to start a chamber music festival in rural western New Jersey that operates with an expansive definition of chamber music and its repertory.

Raritan River Music (RRM) is much more than the concerts in May, with programs year round for school kids, seniors, and patients at health-care facilities around the region. RRM also creates a legacy of new compositions and recordings commissioned by RRM’s patrons, as well as presenting new music at each concert by local school-age composers.

Over 33 years, however, the greatest achievement of RRM is the community created by the audiences, volunteers, trustees, and patrons of RRM. Musicians may not be able to perform surgery or put out fires, but there are times when a concert can heal a mortal wound or dispel the dark clouds for a while and make life worth living. That is what you, the supporters of Raritan River Music, have given to this community, to each other, into our fourth decade and counting. And, as the founders, that is what you have given to us. Thank you!

- Laura Oltman and Michael Newman, Founding Directors