Cape May’s off-season gets louder with a new wave of live music

One of the oldest vacation destinations in the United States, Cape May has a rich history that has made is one of the most popular seaside resorts on the coastline of the Atlantic Ocean.

The first boarding houses and Hotels were built in the 1830s and 1840s to attract visitors from cities such as Philadelphia, Baltimore, and New York City. Even the political elites from Washington, DC, including several United States Presidents, would vacation in Cape May during the 1800s.

Aside from the fresh air, beaches, and fishing opportunities, another Cape May attraction for many visitors was the Music pavilions and ballrooms. From exclusive concerts to lavish balls and dinner parties, Cape May was a hub of 19th-century United States culture.

Over the decades, the varity of music performed in Cape May evolved. From Formal Music to Band Concerts to Rock and Roll, almost 200 years of music history has been showcased on Cape Island. Now the next concert series is a modern interpretation of a throwback era of music.

Special State Grant Brings Classical Cape May Series For The Winter and Spring

In a press release from Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture), they announced that thanks to a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a new series of concerts are set to run from November 2025 to April 2026.

The free admission concerts will be hosted at the Episcopal Church of the Advent, with the music scheduled performances between 4 pm-5 pm once a month. Attendees are invited to a post-concert reception to meet the artists. Cape May MAC does accept Goodwill Offerings to support their non-profit and their efforts to bring these free musical concerts to Cape May throughout the year.

Here Is The Lineup For The Classical Cape May Concert Series

*Sunday, Nov. 2
Organ Masterworks presents Eddie Zheng
"Organist Eddie Zheng is one of the brightest rising stars in today’s classical music scene. With three degrees from The Juilliard School and an international performance career already spanning the world, Mr. Zheng brings dazzling technique and fresh insight to every program."

*Sunday, Dec. 26
Christmas Hymn Sing-Along: A holiday gift from Classical Cape May, Episcopal Church of the Advent, and Cape May MAC
"Led by local musicians including organist Tom Crawford, this festive Christmas Hymn Sing invites all ages to come together in song and spirit. Bring the whole family and lift your voices in favorite carols and hymns."

*Sunday, Jan. 11
Carolyn Enger presents American Ethos
"Acclaimed New Jersey pianist Carolyn Enger brings you a powerful program that celebrates the rich diversity of American composers. Through selections by Leonard Bernstein, Florence Price, Ned Rorem, and others, Ms. Enger shines a light on often-overlooked voices who reflect the unique spirit and cultural mosaic of our nation."

*Sunday, Feb. 8
Perfect Harmony with Christopher and Karen DiSanto plus Piang Liang
"Join us for a program of rich and colorful chamber music featuring clarinetists Christopher DiSanto and Karen DiSant, along with bassoonist Ping Liang, all members of the Bay Atlantic Symphony. Their program will feature an engaging mix that includes works by Mozart, Beethoven, Stravinsky, and more."

*Sunday, March 8
Let’s Hear from Your Directors Showcase
"Classical Cape May co-directors Brenda Leonard and Robert Bullington are joined by pianist Noriko Schneiderman for an afternoon of chamber music. The program includes Sergei Prokofiev’s deeply expressive Cello Sonata and a selection of art songs, showcasing the creative spirit at the heart of Classical Cape May."

*Sunday, April 12
Mostly Motets Chamber Choir
"Mostly Motets is a chamber choir featuring singers from Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Known for their expressive blend and elegant interpretations, the group offers a program of vocal works spanning centuries and styles. Whether Renaissance polyphony or contemporary gems, Mostly Motets brings clarity, warmth, and precision to every performance—an intimate and inspiring finale to our season."

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