In the News
The Ripon Commonwealth Press
Free concerts to feature the Kronos Quartet, acclaimed vocalists and nationally recognized ensembles
The Green Lake Festival of Music (GLFM) announced its 2026 theme, artist lineup and program highlights following its annual general meeting held in November.
The 2026 season, running June 5 through Aug. 6, grew around the theme “Connections,” honoring the artistic partnerships, educational relationships and community collaborations that have shaped the festival since 1979.
“The board and staff decided a year ago to celebrate the collaborations that make GLFM possible,” GLFM Artistic and Executive Director Sam Handley said. “Welcoming, or welcoming back, artists with whom we have friendships made sense. ‘Connections’ was an obvious title.”
A season built on artistic relationships
The 2026 season features several artists linked to GLFM’s history.
A centerpiece event is the Wednesday, June 17 debut of the Kronos Quartet — its first appearance at GLFM. Three members of the groundbreaking ensemble previously served on the faculty of GLFM’s Chamber Music Institute (CMI).
Another highlight is the Friday, July 17 recital featuring soprano Amanda Majeski, mezzo-soprano Daveda Karanas and collaborative pianist Alan Darling. Majeski and Karanas memorably co-starred in “The Passenger” at Lyric Opera of Chicago, and all three artists share professional ties with one another and with Handley.
The 2026 GLFM seasonal logo — Joye Moon’s original design — is refreshed with radiant sunbeams to echo the festival’s theme, “Connections.”
GLFM also unveiled refreshed branding for 2026, including a radiating-sun logo symbolizing the network of relationships celebrated throughout the season. Artist Joye Moon, who designed the original GLFM logo, created the new seasonal artwork titled “Connected.”
Concert venues and opening performance
Due to the renovation of the Thrasher Opera House, many 2026 concerts will take place at the First Congregational Church of Ripon, which also will host rehearsals and educational activities.
The season opens Friday, June 5 with a performance by the Juliani Ensemble, longtime collaborators which once filled in for GLFM artists delayed by travel disruptions.
Celebrating ensembles with GLFM ties
Handley highlighted several returning chamber groups:
➤ V3NTO Brass Trio — Frequent performer in GLFM’s engagement concerts, the ensemble maintains educational connections to the region.
➤ Avanti Piano Trio — Returning after its 2025 gala appearance, the Madison-based trio shares GLFM’s longstanding focus on piano-trio repertoire.
Chamber Music Institute: June 7–20
GLFM’s Chamber Music Institute runs June 7-20 at Ripon College, offering training for advanced string players 18 and older. Under the direction of Elizabeth Oakes, CMI brings students from around the world for two weeks of chamber-music study with distinguished faculty. Registration closes March 15.
Jonathan Mamora in concert: July 13
Pianist Jonathan Mamora, winner of the 2025 Hilton Head International Piano Competition, will perform Monday, July 13 at Ripon College. The pre-concert talk begins at 7 p.m., followed by a 7:30 p.m. recital. A public masterclass and community outreach activities follow the next morning.
Choral Programs for youth and adults
Children’s Chorus Camp, led by Magdalena Delgado of Uniting Voices Chicago, will take place from Monday, June 29 to Thursday, July 2. GLFM’s free youth chorus camp includes multicultural repertoire, movement and games, culminating in a July 2 performance at Ripon College.
This year’s Choral Composers Program, which runs Wednesday, July through Saturday, Aug. 1, features music by former composers-in-residence Shawn Kirchner, Morten Lauridsen, and Elaine Hagenberg. Conducted by John Hughes, the program concludes with a free full-orchestra concert on Aug. 1 at First Congregational Church.
Season finale gala: Aug. 6
The 2026 gala will be Thursday, Aug. 6 at Blossom & Hops (upstairs of Knuth Brewing Co.) in Ripon, marking a temporary relocation during the Thrasher renovation. The gala will close the season in celebratory fashion, bringing together music lovers, artists and supporters for an evening that honors the festival’s achievements and builds excitement for the year to come.
“GLFM is, at its core, about people coming together to share extraordinary music and community,” Handley said. “This season honors the relationships that make that possible.”