Rockport’s Shalin Liu: a theater that enchants both performers and audiences alike

It takes something special to impress world-renowned musicians and over and over again I’ve witnessed performers at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport take a glance around the theater and smile broadly as they shake their heads in disbelief. Designed to integrate within the architecture of downtown Rockport, the mansard-roofed Victorian structure conceals an intimate 330-seat theater. Pretty much every seat in the house provides a terrific listening experience.

Rockport Music embraces a wide range of musical styles, presenting classical, jazz, R&B, soul, folk, pop, bluegrass, Celtic, world and opera throughout the year. Performers are often nationally and internationally known talent. Many enjoy playing here so much that they return year after year.

To make the most of a visit to Shalin Liu, arrive a bit early to allow yourself time to enjoy a glass of wine or cup of coffee, and to gaze out over the Atlantic from their third-floor reception area. It’s the perfect way to relax before a concert.

As you find your seat, you’ll note that performers can choose to play with the curtain over the glass wall at the back of the stage opened or closed. If you are there for a sunset performance and the curtain is open, you will not likely forget the experience!

There are several very good restaurants nearby for a pre-theater lunch or dinner. See our suggestions below.

The Center maintains a third floor reception space, open one hour before performances. It provides breathtaking views over Rockport harbor and over the coast of the North Shore. The theater is fully accessible with convenient elevators and viewing spaces.

FUN FACT: Rockport is singer/songwriter Paula Cole’s hometown and she has performed at Shalin Liu occasionally. There is something unusually intimate about listening to one of the great voices in popular music sing a song about a childhood memory, steps from where they took place.