2026 Summer Festival: 
How Sweet the Sound!

Penned by a reformed British slave trader turned Anglican Priest in 1772, Amazing Grace embodies both challenges and opportunities at the heart of the American story. As we pass a milestone of 250 years working towards a more perfect union, we reflect on the incredible contributions of artists and composers in bringing this story to life. From the optimism and promise of Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring, to Aaron Jay Kernis’ reflections on pop culture, to the creation of a new work by Steven Banks based on the life of Nina Simone, we are reminded of the power and grace that music provides. These voices are joined by those of many other Americans, including works by William Grant Still, Jennifer Higdon, Paul Schoenfield, Leonard Bernstein, Kenji Bunch, George Gershwin, John Corigliano, and Mark O’Connor. Works by American composers will be identified by a special symbol throughout the program book. 

 

We also celebrate anniversaries and the joy of inspiration this summer. Leonard Bernstein’s heartfelt Anniversaries for solo piano, written to commemorate birthdays of friends and colleagues, are sprinkled throughout the summer. In addition, works that could be considered love letters (Paul Moravec’s Nancye’s Song in memory of Artistic Director Marya Martin’s mother or Kenji Bunch’s Ralph’s Old Records written in memory of his father, for examples) also weave their way throughout the summer’s programs. 

 

Gorgeous contributions from Bach, Vivaldi, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Mendelssohn, Dvořák, and Shostakovich all make appearances as well. We look forward to sharing this mix of beautiful and moving works, with a dash of fun thrown in throughout, encapsulating this summer’s theme: How Sweet the Sound!