Bach and Beyond: Cellists Return to the Beach for 2nd Annual Bethany Beach Cellofest
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BETHANY BEACH, Del. - illiNews -- Cellists will gather in Bethany Beach this July for the 2nd Annual Bethany Beach Cellofest, presented by the Cello Museum. Running July 22–31, 2025, this year's Bach and Beyond festival features free public concerts and educational programs that invite music lovers of all ages to celebrate cellos by the sea.

Cellofest 2025 offers an immersive musical retreat where cellists expand their repertoire, refine their artistry, and perform in a supportive setting. Guided by distinguished faculty—Jennifer Kloetzel (San Francisco), Erica Lessie (Chicago), and Brenda Neece (Durham, NC)—participants receive private instruction and ensemble coaching. This year's focus includes suites by J. S. Bach and works by composers influenced by his legacy, such as Ernest Bloch, Gaspar Cassadó, Ilse Fromm-Michaels, and Denis Brearley. Faculty and participants perform together in the Cellofest Cello Ensemble.

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Free Public Programs

Tuesday, July 22 at 12 Noon – "Bach's Lunch" Solo Recital
St. Martha's Episcopal Church, Parish Hall
Cellist Jennifer Kloetzel opens the festival with solo works by Bach and new commissions from her Mission: Bach project, including an East Coast premiere. Bring your lunch and enjoy this free concert.

Thursday, July 24 at 7:30 PM – Cellofest on the Boardwalk
Bethany Beach Bandstand
An open-air performance featuring the Cellofest Ensemble, soloist Kloetzel, and The BrickHouse Duo (Kloetzel & violinist Peter Wilson). Enjoy music from Bach to the Beatles, emceed by Wilson, former "Voice" of Marine Barracks Washington.

Sunday, July 27 at 9 AM – "Bach & Beyond" Coffee Concert
St. Martha's Episcopal Church, Parish Hall
Coffee and music between services, featuring Bach, the Beatles, and more, performed by Cellofest musicians and faculty.

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Sunday, July 27 at 10 AM – Special Service Music
St. Martha's Episcopal Church
Music by Saint-Saëns, Bach, Peter Wilson, and others, performed during the 10 AM service.

Wednesday, July 30 at 10:30 AM – "A Whale of a Cello Tale" Story Time
South Coastal Library
Explore The Whale Who Wanted to Play Cello with live music by Lessie and Neece and a creative discovery activity.

Thursday, July 31 at 10:30 AM – "Music for the Moon" Story Time
Bethany Beach Nature Center
Enjoy Music for Mister Moon, a cello performance, and an imaginative activity with Lessie and Neece.

Bethany Beach Cellofest is more than a music retreat—it's a community celebration of music, learning, and creativity. The 2025 festival is supported by St. Martha's Episcopal Church, the Town of Bethany Beach, and Jennifer Kloetzel.

🎻 Want to support the arts? We are currently seeking additional donors and sponsors for this year and beyond.