BETHEL — Music without Borders, the international piano festival slated to return to Bethel in July for a 14th season on the Gould Academy campus, has been postponed. Uncertainties about safe international travel, vaccinations, and other conditions for mitigation of the coronavirus pandemic make it impossible, this season, to produce what had become a summertime tradition in western Maine. If only July were going to be in September or October, holding a typical festival would probably be possible, but the calendar waits for no one!

Live performances on campus won’t take place this July, but fans will be able to view video performances by many of their favorite Festival participants on-line throughout the month of July. Festival Artistic Director Tamara Poddubnaya is planning programs to be presented by far flung festival alumni, as well as by young pianists who had planned to make their Bethel debut this summer. Beginning in July, readers should check the festival’s website www.musicwoborders.com for the latest news about Music without Borders alumni and the special video presentations to be posted each week throughout that month.

All who had been planning to study and perform in Bethel this summer very much regret not being able to make the journey and send their warmest regards to their many fans and friends.

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