Green Lake Festival of Music Names Russell Rolen as Next Artistic and Executive Director
On April 16, 2026, Green Lake Festival of Music (GLFM) has announced the appointment of Russell Rolen as its next Executive and Artistic Director, following a national search led by a committee of the Board of Directors. Rolen will begin his role in May, working alongside current director Sam Handley through the summer to ensure a transition period before assuming full leadership in August.
Rolen brings experience as both a performing musician and arts administrator. He is the founder and former executive director and co-artistic leader of the Spektral Quartet, an ensemble recognized with three GRAMMY® nominations. His background includes leadership in artistic programming, fundraising, and community-based performance initiatives.
Rolen has a longstanding connection to GLFM and the region. “I’ve known the festival for years as a performer, and even longer by reputation from back when I was teaching at Ripon College,” he said. “What always stayed with me was the feeling of genuine connection between artists and audiences, and within the community itself. It’s special when a festival is so closely tied to the life of the place, and the opportunity to help steward that kind of environment was really compelling.”
He emphasized audience engagement as central to his artistic approach. “I believe that great music-making is a two-way street—the audience gives as much as it receives,” Rolen said. “My vision is really about building on that strength and deepening those connections even further.”
In his first year, Rolen said he plans to focus on listening and engagement. “My first priority is to get to know the board, staff, artists, and community members,” he said. “From there, I’m excited to shape the festival in a way that reflects what matters to the community, while also inviting audiences into new and meaningful experiences.”
The appointment follows six years of leadership by Sam Handley. During his tenure, the festival expanded its programming and educational initiatives, including the Choral Institute, Children’s Chorus, and Chamber Music Institute, while continuing to present internationally recognized artists. Handley also guided the organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Russell Rolen lives and enlivens the mission and values of the festival,” Handley said. “Even more important is his understanding and commitment to community. Organizations often do things for the community, but Russ wants to do things with the community.”
GLFM enters the 2026 season with a full schedule of performances and community events across the region.
The season opens June 5 with the Juliani Ensemble at First Congregational Church of Ripon. Community performances follow June 8 with the V3NTO Brass Trio at the Green Lake Public Library, Ripon American Legion, and Evergreen Retirement Community in Oshkosh.
The Chamber Music Institute anchors the early season, with faculty concerts performed by renowned musicians on June 10 and June 17 at Demmer Recital Hall, Ripon College, and a final participant concert June 19.
The internationally acclaimed Kronos Quartet will perform June 16, bringing one of the most influential and widely recognized string ensembles in the world to the festival stage, known for redefining the possibilities of the string quartet through decades of innovative programming.
The Avanti Piano Trio will offer community performances in Waupun, Ripon, and Oshkosh on June 24. Educational programming continues with the Children’s Chorus Camp Concert on July 2 at Demmer Recital Hall.
July performances include the expressive and communicative Gaudete Brass Quintet on July 9 at Deacon Mills Park in Green Lake, with additional engagement performances July 10 in Ripon and Oshkosh. Award winning pianist Jonathon Mamora will be featured in a residency beginning July 13, including a recital at Demmer Recital Hall, a masterclass July 14, and a community mini-concert in Oshkosh.
Internationally acclaimed Amanda Majeski, Daveda Karanas, and Alan Darling will perform on July 17 at Lawrence Memorial Chapel in Appleton and the Shining Light Choral Program, conducted by John C. Hughes, on August 1 at First Congregational Church of Ripon.
The season concludes with the Festival’s Gala Fundraiser on August 6 at Blossom and Hops in Ripon.
Green Lake Festival of Music continues to present performances, educational programs, and community engagement events throughout the summer, serving audiences throughout the Fox Valley and Green Lake County.