It’s exciting times for the Shelter Island Friends of Music, an organization that brings world-class musicians and rising stars of classical music to Shelter Island, drawing audiences from the North and South Forks to their free concerts. But timing is something weighing on the mind of SIFM president Lois B. Morris, who says they’re about to celebrate the 50th anniversary — once they figure out when it is.
“That should be straightforward,” she laughs. “But although it was founded in 1977, the first concert was in 1976 and we have had concerts every single year. Even during COVID, we had at least one.”
Whenever the 50th is celebrated, there will be plenty of growth and excellence to acknowledge. SIFM has gone from five concerts a year to 11 in 2025. Under Morris’s leadership over the last six years, SIFM’s board has expanded in both number and expertise. Programming has broadened, too.
“It’s the classical training that is important to us; rigorously trained musicians,” Morris says. “We want to expand the tent of what people think classical music is.”
SIFM is expanding that tent into the community by sponsoring events at the Shelter Island School where artists interact with students.
“The artists are very happy to be here and they’re very happy to reach out to audiences and young people,” says Morris. “They understand that’s how you bring in the audience.”
When the school asked for much-needed help with their instruments, SIFM answered the call.
“They have 100-plus band instruments, which had never been serviced, ever,” says Morris. “We took it on ourselves, a huge project, to service every single one.”
Through SIFM, Morris says, “We expose people to really great music and things that they might not have expected.” Two upcoming concerts will demonstrate what she means: On Saturday, Sept. 20, at 6 p.m., the Rhythm Future Quartet will broaden and deepen the realm of classical music with a program of Gypsy jazz. And on Sunday, Oct. 12, SIFM presents the Borromeo String Quartet, a classical chamber music group.
For many SIFM concertgoers and fans, it’s the receptions held after the performances that truly set them apart from other musical offerings on the East End. Here, performers mingle with attendees, providing a wonderful opportunity to meet the artists. For Morris, it’s the best part of her work with SIFM.
“These are mostly young people who have devoted their lives to something that’s impossible,” she says. “They’re so interesting, they’re so dedicated. I love them.”
SIFM performances take place at the Shelter Island Presbyterian Church (32 N. Ferry Road). Visit sifriendsofmusic.org for more information and to sign up for their mailing list.
