Historic Music of Newport

05/30/2026

From the May 30, 1857, Newport Daily News.

Newport has a lot of street musicians.

05/29/2026

Every Friday we highlight a musician who performs with The Gilded Age Orchestra of Newport

“Moving to a new country and learning English as an adult is not an easy task. Music helped me to connect, to find my way, to belong. Playing with The Gilded Age Orchestra of Newport all these wonderful selections from the musical past has given me much deeper insight and appreciation for the country I call now my second home. Thank you to the Historic Music of Newport for the opportunity to perform and share all these rare gems of music with our audience. It’s truly special event in such a beautiful setting where we can explore the past and connect with each other through the music, history and culture. I’m very grateful to be part of this group with so many extraordinarily talented musicians!”
- Nika Webster, violin

Nika Webster was born and raised in the former Soviet Union, city of Almaty, Kazakhstan. She started her professional violin training at the age of 7 and graduated from the State Conservatory of Kazakhstan at the age of 23. While still in Kazakhstan she played with the State Symphony Orchestra of Kazakhstan, Presidential Chamber Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra of the Radio and Television of Kazakhstan and worked as an assistant teacher at the Music School for gifted children in Almaty.

After moving to the United States and taking some time off from work and music to start a family and raise her children she continued her love for music and teaching. Nika has worked with Warwick Symphony Orchestra, Ocean State Pops Orchestra, Worcester Symphony Orchestra, RIC Symphony Orchestra and The Gilded Age Orchestra of Newport and many other groups and ensembles throughout the New England area. She teaches privately and at the Beekman Violin Studio.

05/28/2026

Click on the link and find out how you can support our nonprofit and bring more of Newport's musical history back to life.

https://www.historicmusicofnewport.org/donate-today

Help support our work to preserve and share the incredible musical history of Newport, Rhode Island.

05/28/2026

From the May 28, 1937, Newport Daily News.

The end of the bandstand at Touro Park! It was built in 1892 to replace the original bandstand. It would not be replaced.

We are very excited to have brought live music back to the park. Our Touro Park Summer Concert Series begins June 7. Click on the link for the complete schedule of concerts:

https://www.historicmusicofnewport.org/touro-park-summer-concert-series-page

05/28/2026

Next Thursday night! Come learn about some America's Cup musical history.

https://herreshoff.org/event_calendar/the-musical-history-of-the-americas-cup/

05/27/2026

On Wednesday, we highlight music that has been performed in Newport. Today we bring you the Beduinen Galopp, by Hans Christian Lumbye (1810-1874). He composed the work for orchestra in 1846.

On August 4, 1855, The Germania Musical Society, conducted by Carl Bergmann, ended their Ocean House concert with the Beduinen Galopp.

The piano arrangement in this video was done by Lumbye. The video features photos of Newport's Wakehurst from the Library of Congress Digital Archives.

Learn more about our nonprofit:
https://www.historicmusicofnewport.org/

05/27/2026

Our May newsletter is coming out at the end of the week! Sign up and learn about Newport's musical history.

Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce

https://www.historicmusicofnewport.org/contact

Keep up to date with our programs and research

05/26/2026

You know you need a Historic Music of Newport 16oz. Pint Glass! Or maybe something stronger? Okay, maybe just a cup of coffee.

Click on the online store link in our bio!

05/26/2026

From the May 26, 1899, The Sun (New York City)

Fort Adams is getting a new band! The Band of the 7th United States Artillery, under the direction of John T. Freeman, is moving to Newport. Apparently, the band did not want to go, and the local community around Ft. Slocum was not too happy either.

I wonder if the band was still unhappy years later when they were playing at mansions in Newport.

05/25/2026

Joseph Peckham's "Our Fallen Heroe, Funeral March"

For this Memorial Day.