May Gruber Memorial Concert at Manchester Community Music School Featuring Flutist Matthew Lee
Manchester, NH — Manchester Community Music School (MCMS) proudly continues its longstanding tradition of bringing world-class musicians to the Queen City with the May Gruber Memorial Concert, featuring internationally acclaimed flutist Matthew Lee. The special evening will take place in the MCMS Recital Hall and is presented as part of the school’s ongoing commitment to making high-quality musical experiences accessible to the entire community.
The May Gruber Memorial Concert honors the legacy of May Gruber, the founder of Manchester Community Music School. A passionate philanthropist and community leader, Gruber believed deeply that everyone deserves access to excellent music education and inspiring performances, regardless of age, background, or ability. Together with her husband, she helped build a vibrant musical institution that has served the Manchester community for more than 40 years, welcoming thousands of students through its doors and giving out over a million dollars in financial aid.
Today, MCMS continues that vision by presenting artists whose work inspires students and audiences alike.
This year’s guest artist, Matthew Lee, is an internationally respected flutist known for his expressive playing and global musical perspective. Originally from New Zealand, Lee has pursued extensive studies and professional experiences across Europe and the United States, shaping a performance style influenced by many musical traditions.
During his visit to Manchester, Lee is sharing his artistry in two meaningful ways: through performance and through direct mentorship of MCMS students.
Earlier in the day, Dr. Lee will lead a special masterclass for MCMS flute students, offering participants the rare opportunity to work closely with a professional performer of international stature. Six students from the MCMS flute studio registered for the class, where they will receive individualized coaching, perform for their peers, and gain insights into technique, interpretation, and the professional life of a musician. Masterclasses such as this are an essential part of MCMS’s educational philosophy, giving students direct access to working artists who can inspire their musical growth.
“Experiences like this are transformational for our students,” said Polly Towner, Executive Director at MCMS. “To perform for and learn from a musician like Matthew Lee connects our students to the wider musical world and reinforces that the path of artistic excellence is open to them.”
Following the masterclass, Lee will present an evening concert featuring a piano-and-flute program with collaborative pianist Jacob Lytehaven, drawing from musical traditions around the world. The program reflects Lee’s international journey, weaving together repertoire connected to New Zealand, Europe, and the United States. Audiences will experience a rich and diverse program that highlights the expressive range of the flute while celebrating the cultural connections that music creates across continents.
The concert is part of MCMS’s broader mission to bring distinguished musicians and meaningful performances to Manchester, continuing the vision set forth by May Gruber decades ago. Through concerts, masterclasses, community programs, and music therapy services, MCMS works to ensure that music remains a powerful and accessible resource for learning, creativity, and personal growth.
For more than four decades, Manchester Community Music School has served as a cornerstone of music education in southern New Hampshire, providing instruction, performance opportunities, and therapeutic music services to people of all ages and abilities. The school’s programs span private lessons, ensembles, early childhood classes, music therapy, and community concerts that welcome audiences from across the region.
Events like the May Gruber Memorial Concert serve as both a celebration of musical excellence and a reminder of the values that shaped the school’s founding: community, accessibility, and the belief that music has the power to transform lives.
Thanks to the generosity of Gruber’s family, the May Gruber Memorial Concert featuring Matthew Lee is free and open to the public, and community members are warmly invited to attend and celebrate this special evening of music.
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About Manchester Community Music School
Manchester Community Music School has been a leader in music education in Manchester, New Hampshire for over 40 years. The school provides high-quality music instruction, performance opportunities, and music therapy services for students of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Through its programs and community partnerships, MCMS continues to foster creativity, connection, and lifelong engagement with music. Support our mission here.