Juliani Ensemble

The Juliani Ensemble — violinist Julian Graef, cellist Anita Graef, and pianist Nathan Canfield — opens the Green Lake Festival of Music season with a free program that places Classical masterworks alongside bold American voices. Mozart’s sparkling Piano Trio in B-flat Major and Amy Beach’s richly expressive trio highlight the depth and lyricism of the chamber tradition, while David Baker’s Roots II and Paul Schoenfield’s electrifying Café Music bring jazz-infused rhythms, vernacular styles, and distinctly American musical storytelling to the forefront. Audiences are invited to a special pre-concert talk at 7:00 p.m., followed by an evening that celebrates the breadth of chamber music and the vitality of American repertoire.

This free concert also reflects a meaningful artistic connection central to the festival’s 2026 theme of musical relationships and continuity. The Juliani Ensemble shares close ties with Paul Graef’s Chamber Music Festival, a sister Wisconsin program, and has already built a history with Green Lake Festival of Music through past collaborations. Departing Artistic & Executive Director Sam Handley reflects on that relationship: “They’re a young ensemble I’ve supported through our sister chamber program in Wisconsin. When we faced a last-minute cancellation due to weather, they stepped in with only hours’ notice and delivered a beautiful concert. That spirit of partnership and artistry made it clear we wanted to bring them back with real preparation and a program that shows what they do best.”

Opening the season with this ensemble underscores the festival’s commitment to artistic partnership while spotlighting American compositional voices that connect jazz, folk, and concert traditions — a fitting celebration of collaboration, heritage, and musical innovation.

Program

Piano Trio No. 1 in B-flat Major (Divertimento), K. 254, W. A. Mozart

Allegro assai 

Adagio 

Rondo. Tempo di menuetto 

Piano Trio, Op. 150, Amy Beach

Allegro 

Lento esspressivo 

Allegro con brio 

—intermission—

Roots II, David Baker

Incantation 

Dance in Congo Square 

Sorrow Song 

Boogie Woogie 

Jubilee 

Café Music, Paul Schonfeld

Allegro 

Rubato- Andante moderato

No tickets required! Since 2016, GLFM has offered concerts without direct charge, instead relying on generous support from grants, corporations, sponsors, individual donors, and free-will donations at concerts.