Dear Friend of Music:

 Acclaimed by Phi Beta Baton as "…one of the nation's proving grounds for gifted young artists", the Bar Harbor Music Festival has gained national recognition for its unique work. It remains one of the few music festivals in the United States whose guiding mission is to provide essential performance opportunities for outstanding up-and-coming talent. In so doing, we have provided a vital public cultural service to the Down East community and our visitors, as well as making an important contribution to the world of music through our efforts on behalf of young artists.

 We shall be celebrating our 43^rd Season in 2009 with 12 exciting performances July 1-July 26. Highlights will include Donizetti's sparkling romantic comedy "L'Elisir D'Amore" ("The Elixir of Love") on July 16 featuring Soprano, Angela Gilbert following her smashing success in "La Traviata" in Summer 2007.

 We are facing the greatest economic challenge in our history. Washington is not going to bail out the Arts, no less the Bar Harbor Music Festival. We are moving swiftly to ensure that we shall continue to bring the joy of music to thousands of music lovers this summer. There will be no increases in artistic or administrative fees this year. In fact, as a show of support, many of our artists and all of our administrators have voluntarily offered to cut their fees in 2009. In short, we have trimmed expenses to a bare minimum across the board.

 Ticket receipts will barely cover 20% of our total costs. Contributions are the only way to make up the income gap. We are encouraged by the initial show of support which has yielded $70,000 towards our 2009 Funding Goal of $250,000, but we still have a long way to go.

 It will take a united effort on both the Festival's and our supporters' parts to bring the Festival through the perilous waters of this volatile economy. We all must make sacrifices so that music can survive in this country, holding steadfast and refusing to allow a cultural wasteland to prevail.

 We, who love and value music, are the only ones who can save it. Please let your commitment be heard by making a tax deductible contribution to our 43^rd Annual Drive. We can win, if everyone does his or her part.

 With every good wish and always thanks.

Sincerely,
Francis Fortier
Artistic Director