Rockport Music/Shalin Liu Performance Center

Rockport, United States

4.7

13 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards

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Telephone:
+1 978-546-7391
Address:
37 Main St, Rockport, MA, 01966
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
170 ftToad Hall Bookstore
520 ftRockport Market
760 ftDock Square
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Bussiness info

Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Parking
Street
Bike Parking
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
Good for Kids
Yes
Good for Groups
Yes
Ambience
Intimate
Noise Level
Quiet
Music
Live
Good For Dancing
No
Alcohol
Beer & Wine Only
Happy Hour
No
Coat Check
Yes
Smoking
No
Outdoor Seating
No
Has TV
No

Today

Today –
Local time (Rockport) 2:38 AM Thursday, May 29, 2025

Business hours

Monday –
Tuesday –
Wednesday –
Thursday –
Friday –
Saturday –
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

Rockport Music presents exceptional musical performances and events year round at our world-​class Shalin Liu Performance Center, including the acclaimed Rockport Chamber Music Festival. Rockport Music also presents some of the finest jazz, folk, pop, and world artists in the world, as well as a film series and HD broadcasts from the Metropolitan Opera, England’s National Theatre and the Bolshoi Ballet.

History

Established in 1981.

Rockport Music was originally founded in 1981 as the Rockport Chamber Music Festival by soprano Lila Deis, pianist/​composer David Alpher-​both were artistic directors from 1981−1994-and local businessman Paul Sylva. Since 1995 under the artistic leadership of renowned pianist and MIT faculty member David Deveau, the organization has grown exponentially in stature and reputation and is now nationally recognized. In July 2008 the Board of Trustees voted to adopt the name Rockport Music to represent an expanding organization. In June 2010 Rockport Music celebrated the opening of the state-​of-​the-​art Shalin Liu Performance Center, designed by lead architects Alan Joslin and Deborah Epstein of Epstein Joslin Architects and acoustician R. Lawrence Kirkegaard.

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13 reviews of Rockport Music/Shalin Liu Performance Center

No registration required
Place rating: 5
Chestnut Hill, MA
Superb setting, gorgeous architecture, great acoustics, friendly staff, fun guests who drive distances for a wide range of music genres. Something for everyone! I LOVE it there. Plan on an overnight stay in this magical seaside town!
Place rating: 5
North Reading, MA
Fabulous little music nook. So I admit that I am totally biased because one of my famous local muisicians frequents this location (#chelseaberryrocks) and I happen to be a Rockport native, but it’s a little slice of heaven. The most picturesque view behind the stage of Rockport harbor and an upstairs venue for after parties are unparalleled.
Place rating: 4
Ipswich, MA
A group of friends have been going to this marvelous venue for the past two or three years to see the Christmas Celtic Sojourn show. The place is terrific, and that show is terrific. But every year we have a glass of wine upstairs before the show, and this year everyone in our group who had red wine said it was awful (myself included). So, please, serve different wine next year?
Other than that, can’t beat this place as a music venue.
Place rating: 5
Providence, RI
I went to a show at rockport music center a few weeks ago and was blown away by what a beautiful venue it is! It was seriously the prettiest venue of my life. It’s situated on the water and you could actually see the water until it got dark. The town of rockport alone is a must see and it was great being able to find out about the town because of the concert. The acoustics were top notch. Any seat on the floor is decent but stay away from the balcony if you want a good view. The women’s bathroom was super clean and the ushers and everybody were nice and polite. I would not hesitate to return to the venue if another artist I like played there.
Place rating: 5
Boston, MA
A beautiful building set in a amazing little town! Every thing was just right. The seats were comfortable, the stage absolutely beautiful with the water in the background. The ushers very pleasant and helpful, the sound system very good. Finally the performance so good that I didn’t want the evening to be over with. I will definitely be back here no matter how far I move to see others perform.
Place rating: 5
Fenway, Boston, MA
What a gem !!!
The most elegant venue you could imagine in a tiny sea fairing town.
The acoustics are amazing.
The reception hall had a gorgeous view.
I actually heard that they hold weddings in the reception area (3rd floor). I would love to get married there.
Place rating: 5
New Bedford, MA
I was here to see a chamber ensemble and was just quite blown away by the set up of this marvelous space. There is not a great deal of seating, which I think adds to the charm of the place actually. The view from anywhere is quite amazing and where I sat I had a wonderful view of the players as well.
Place rating: 5
Rumford, RI
What an extraordinary venue!!! Magnificent sound quality, not a bad seat in the house, and the panoramic views of the ocean, with the building perfectly positioned for viewing breathtaking sunsets to the soundtracks of world-​class musicians. it’s a truly magical and awe-​inspiring experience. Check out their Jazz/​Pop/​World performances — Paula Cole, Suzanne Vega, and Kaki King to name a few are all making appearances this summer at this very intimate venue.
In addition to a plethora of art galleries, studios and shops, there are a number of terrific restaurants within walking distance, as well as in the next town over in Gloucester, MA so you can really make an [unforgettable] date or special night out here.
Place rating: 5
Dublin, Republic of Ireland
Great gig here tonight! Incredible place to perform-​the stage looks out over the sea. They close the curtains during performances but you almost wish that they didn’t! Nice to be able to jump around in the ocean just before singing to a fantastic audience!
Place rating: 3
Washington, DC
We attended the Met simulcast of Anna Bolena with Anna Netrebko this afternoon at this concert hall. The setting, overlooking the sea, is spectacular, though of course the curtains had to be drawn for the performance. We have seen the earlier Met simulcasts in movie theatres which have very good sound. At this venue there was a very distracting whirring sound coming from the back of the auditorium probably caused by the workings of the projector. It was disturbing. Also, although the doors were stated to open at 11:00, they were actually opened at 11:20, making life difficult for the two elderly ladies who had driven from Boston and needed the rest room. They were allowed in after some discussion.
Don’t buy the pre-​performance lunch offered: it costs $ 15 and consists of a sandwich, a cookie, an apple or a small bag of potato chips – no drink included though wine is available at $ 8 a glass. The simulcast itself was marvellous. However the Shalin Liu concert hall charges considerably more for its tickets than the movie theatres – $ 32 for the best seats,
Place rating: 5
Portland, OR
Truly a gem of a performance center and at bargain prices to boot! We went to a 5PM summertime show by the band «Bellevue Cadillac» (they were new to me and very enjoyable). The only drawbacks I can think of are that it would have been great to dance to the music (it’s not a dancing kind of place) & I felt for the band since they had to compete with the picture-​postcard view of the coast, ocean, and setting sun, offered by the 35′ x 40′ bank of windows behind the stage. At intermission go upstairs for beverages (beer & wine), homey treats, more fantastic views and, at this show, a chance to talk with band members. On long, summer days If you sit to the right of the stage, in the balcony, you can watch the action on the beach as an added attraction (my wife enjoyed the kids waving to her). They offer a wide range of musical styles and special events like simulcasts of the Metropolitan Opera and plays from London (there’s an interesting looking London play. set in a restaurant, on tap for tonight). P. S. No bad seat in this place.
Place rating: 4
San Francisco, CA
Beautiful performance space in a gorgeous location overlooking the rocky coastline of Rockport. Great acoustics and sight lines, except for some limited, awkward space up in the corners of the balconies.
Apparently, a little-​known secret of this venue: some phenomenal acts come through here! My good friend, a musician/​musical instructor, informed me that the last show he saw here was Dave Brubeck!
Do yourself a favor and go see a show here. You won’t be disappointed!
Place rating: 5
Wakefield, MA
Absolutely fantastic venue. Wife and I thoroughly enjoyed David Benoit this month as he played Vince Guaraldi’s «Charlie Brown Christmas» album. A very small and intimate venue with phenomenal acoustics. Everyone should attend a concert here, but please don’t. I want to be sure there are tickets available for us.