About Us

Machias Bay Chamber Concerts

History

Machias Bay Chamber Concerts was founded in 1969 by brothers Thomas and Andrew Wolf, who also founded Bay Chamber Concerts in Camden/Rockport. Robert Guptill, a local real estate agent, suggested the idea of a concert series in Machias to the Wolf brothers, and thus the first official season was launched in 1970. Centre Street Church in Machias has served as MBCC's primary performance venue throughout the years, given its excellent acoustics and central location. MBCC continues to serve the community of Washington County by offering high-level performances and promoting leaders in the arts throughout the Machias area.

Board of Trustees

  • Susan Aceto, President
  • Douglas Guy, Treasurer
  • T B A, Recording Secretary
  • Diane Abrams, Corresponding Secretary
  • Marjorie Ahlin
  • Nicole Ball
  • Doug Guy
  • Jane Hinson
  • Duane Ingalls
  • Jane Lanctot
  • Lois McMahon
  • Gene Nichols
  • Virginia Transue

Community Outreach

Machias Bay Chamber Concerts sponsors scholarships to members of the graduating class selected by their music teachers for dedication to their high school music programs. The awards are given in memory of long-time music supporters Hollis and Billie Ingalls.

Robert M. Guptill Award

In 1969, Robert Guptill, a local real estate salesman met Tom Wolf and his wife who were looking for property to purchase in the Downeast area. During that visit, Bob, who was aware that Tom, a flutist and his brother, Andy, a pianist had founded a summer concert series in Rockport, Maine, thought that a similar concert series might be a possibility in Machias. He, therefore, led them to the Centre Street Congregational Church known for its excellent acoustics. With the touch of only one note on the piano Tom was astounded and convinced that the concert idea was a real possibility. It was a year later in 1970 that the first Machias Bay Chamber Concerts (three in all) became a reality. In appreciation of Bob's great idea and for his many years of service on the MBCC Board, the Robert M. Guptill Award was conceived and it is awarded, in the form of a plaque, to a person or organization for outstanding contributions to the cultural life of Washington County. MBCC also supports the Washington County Children's Chorus. Founded in 1995 by Christine Guy, it is a group dedicated to developing the ability of talented youngsters to sing together in harmony. Membership is open at no cost to Washington County children from age 7 to the completion of High School who show dedication to attending weekly rehearsals and improving their performance skills. Its most recent significant achievement was an exciting trip to Burgundy, France in June of 2014. The WCC Chorus participated in the WW2 Commemorative at Duns less Places and performed before many appreciative audiences. They then returned to France in 2018. Website: www.washingtoncountychildrenschorus.net. Gratitude goes out to Centre Street Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, Machias, which provides rehearsal space and support for the choir.

The Hollis Ingalls Music Award

We annually recognize a graduating senior from up to six area high schools who have contributed the most to their school music programs, giving them the Hollis Ingalls Music Award of $100. These awards are typically presented at each student's graduation ceremony.

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