Beginning with a desire to hear and play beautiful music in a refreshing summer setting away from the city, the Manchester Music Festival was formed in 1974 by Carroll Glenn, violinist, and her husband Eugene List, pianist. The couple established a concert series at the Southern Vermont Arts Center's Arkell Pavilion and founded a music school. They called their summer adventure the Southern Vermont Music Festival. Eugene ListIn 1981, Carroll Glenn was offered a chance to play in China a remarkable opportunity for an equally remarkable musician. She had been a child prodigy at 11 the youngest student ever admitted to Juilliard. Carroll Glenn met pianist Eugene List while both were students at Juilliard. They married and toured the world together playing with major orchestras in the US, Europe, South America and the Far East. List himself was a celebrated musician who was given the honor of performing the American premiere of Shostakovitch's Piano Concerto #1 in 1935. Furthermore, List was a favorite of US presidents, especially Harry Truman. On quite a few occasions, List played at the White House and he was even summoned to perform at the Potsdam Conference for Truman, Stalin and Churchill. Since the early 1960s, the couple had visited Manchester, sometimes performing or giving master classes at the Southern Vermont Arts Center. Michael RudiakovMichael Rudiakov came to Manchester through a chance meeting with Glenn and List on the trip to China. Rudiakov, a cellist who had carved out a name for himself as a chamber musician, soloist and impresario, accepted the Lists' offer to join the Southern Vermont Festival in 1983. In 1984, the name was changed to the Manchester Music Festival and it became a not-for-profit corporation. The untimely deaths of Carroll Glenn and Eugene List led to the appointment of Michael Rudiakov as Director in 1985. The Music Festival flourished under Michael's guidance, expanding its educational and performance programming, and growing from a summer festival to a year-round organization, now nearly as active in the "off " season as in the summer. Concerts and educational projects take place year round. Concerts outside the region serve to gain new friends for the Festival and enhance its reputation.

The rich tone of Spencer's acoustic steel-stringed guitar, his trademark layered violin sound and his uncomplicated style of compostion, is what finds its way into the hearts of an ever-increasing and appreciative audience. There is an unpretentious quality to his music that is both compelling and soothing. Lewis' songs possess a quality a blend of classical, new-age, folk and country with a cross-flat-picked guitar that combines the relaxed nature of a cabin porch with the meticulous detail of the recording studio. Phrases like " the music speaks to me, " and " I can play it over and over and never tire of it are commonly seen in fan letters sent to Quartz. The New England Organics Catalog wrote "Spencer's music is enjoyed by all, no matter the age, gender, or musical preference. This music seems to strike a chord in all who listen, bringing a peaceful and tranquil energy."