History of the Nantucket Musical Arts Society

The Nantucket Musical Arts Society was founded in 1959 to enrich the musical experience of Nantucket Island. Nantucket was quieter back then and the idea of a concert series was instantly a success.

The Late Jane Wallach had the vision. She was aided by "Mac" Dixon, Flo Rand, RuthAnn Flanagan, Princess Dorothy Carrociolo and Christel Mitchell, whose husband, Leeds Mitchell, was descended from Nantucket's own Maria Mitchell.

What a group they were. Leeds Mitchell, besides being head of the Chicago Stock Exchange, was an accomplished musician. One of his Steinway B pianos was given to the Musical Arts Society. Before that, both his pianos were kept busy in the summer months with almost daily visits from pianists, singers or sting players. During the winter months, the group would have frequent meetings to discuss up-coming concerts and guest artists would speak, a precursor to our present "Meet the Artists" series.