Noted musician and instrument maker R. P. Hale will return to Damariscotta on Sunday, July 16 with a program of colonial era music. This is Mr. Hale’s third appearance in Damariscotta; his performance last April was acclaimed by all who attended.  Hale will perform on the harpsichord, clavichord, organ, and grand dulcimer. Hannah Sofia Miller, of Whitefield, will accompany Hale on some selections.

This year’s concert will be held at the Damariscotta Baptist Church on the corner of Bristol Road and Main Street, beginning at 2 p.m. Suggested donation is $10. Proceeds will benefit the Chapman-Hall House historic site.

R. P. Hale is a noted instrument maker and, with exception of the organ, he will perform on instruments of his own making, all of which were derived from historical models.  He was the only harpsichord maker to be included in a Smithsonian Institute exhibit devoted to the craft. A descendant of a long line of artists, writers, and craftsmen, he has completed 44 early keyboard instruments since he began his first harpsichord in 1977.  His main musical interests include continuo (improvised accompaniment) and early Mexican and Hispanic music.

An interdisciplinary artist, Hale is a master calligrapher, illustrator, printmaker and creator of marbleized fabrics and papers as well as a working solar astronomer.  His prints and calligraphy are in museums, exhibits and collections world-wide.  He teaches at St. Paul’s School in Concord, New Hampshire where he is also assistant chapel organist. Hale is the organist/music minister at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Manchester, New Hampshire.

The Chapman-Hall House is maintained by the Lincoln County Historical Association, a non-profit organization that provides stewardship for the 1754 Chapman-Hall House in Damariscotta, the 1761 Pownalborough Courthouse in Dresden, and the 1811 Old Jail and Museum in Wiscasset.

For further information on the Lincoln County Historical Association please visit the web site:  www.lincolncountyhistory.com.