During the first years after Kirchner moved to New York City, he and Sally spent a week or two each summer on Cape Cod, where they rented a house in Truro. Unfortunately, by 2008, because of the challenging walking conditions on the Cape, Kirchner’s increasingly limited mobility precluded their taking this welcome seaside vacation away from the hot New York City summer. That year, however, a different opportunity arose. Pianist Seymour Lipkin invited them to visit the Kneisel Hall Chamber Music Festival in Blue Hill, Maine. This prestigious summer festival, of which Lipkin is the artistic director, features concerts given by the resident artist faculty and their gifted students. In 1970 Kirchner spent ten days in residence at the festival, and on several occasions in the 1980s, when cellist Leslie Parnas was its artistic director, Kirchner enjoyed participating during brief stays there; however, he had not been to Blue Hill since.

Thus, the opportunity to spend a few days in this high-powered musical environment, beautifully situated on the sylvan coast of southern Maine, was especially attractive. Moreover, Lipkin offered additional enticement by programming both of Kirchner’s piano trios during his stay there. The excursion to Blue Hill was an unqualified delight. They were provided with a beautiful home overlooking the ocean and enjoyed unparalleled seafood at the local restaurants. Kirchner gave two lectures on musical repertoire and interpretation, and he enjoyed working with the performers, who responded to his coaching and presence by giving sensitive interpretations of his music. Moreover, his trios were received with such enthusiasm that he was approached about accepting a commission to compose a new trio expressly for Kneisel Hall. Having completed the orchestration of The Forbidden earlier that summer, Kirchner began work on the new trio on returning home to New York City in August.

Unfortunately, the new trio was destined to remain unfinished. He harbored a strong desire to compose the work, but deteriorating health and diminishing energy prevented him from making much progress. This difficult year would be his last, but during it he was blessed with several celebrations of his music and life.