The Chelsea Music Festival has announced the programming for its 17th annual season, titled “Every Story Counts,” a weeklong multi-disciplinary event running June 20–27 across New York City.
Artistic Directors Melinda Lee Masur and Ken-David Masur said the 2026 theme draws inspiration from the democratic ideal of “Every Vote Counts,” aiming to elevate diverse American voices through 12 New York premieres and one world premiere. The festival coincides with the national lead-up to America’s 250th anniversary.
“We celebrate the power of music and storytelling to preserve and elevate the voices of people from all walks of life in America,” the artistic directors said in a joint statement.
A major highlight of the season is the June 25 performance of “Copland & Twain,” a theatrical concert directed by Bill Barclay. The production weaves the incidental music of Aaron Copland with the writings of Mark Twain, featuring five actors and the Festival Chamber Orchestra.
The festival’s global and historical scope is further reflected in the world premiere of William Susman’s “Clouds and Flames” on June 26. The piece commemorates the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and Philippe Petit’s 1974 high-wire walk between the World Trade Center towers.
Other musical highlights include:
- Opening Night (June 20): Mezzo-soprano Clara Osowski performs Steven Ward’s song cycle “An Invitation to Love,” based on the poetry of Paul Laurence Dunbar.
- Chamber Music: The Verona Quartet presents “MoonStrike,” a work by Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate inspired by American Indian legends.
- Piano Salon: A performance of Min Kwon’s “America/Beautiful” project, featuring variations on “America the Beautiful” by composers including Samuel Adler and Stewart Copeland.
- Jazz Finale (June 27): Vibraphonist Warren Wolf and the Ivalas Quartet perform the New York premiere of Chick Corea’s “Lyric Suite for Sextet.”
The festival continues its tradition of integrating culinary and visual arts. Chef Hinnerk von Bargen will present global street foods inspired by his book, Street Foods, while photographer Park Joon will exhibit selections from America the Beautiful: An Outsider’s Perspective.
Season passes went on sale Monday, April 6, with individual tickets becoming available on April 17. Detailed programming and venue information are available on the festival’s website.
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