Braided Traditions

“Braided Traditions”

A festival of Cultural Roots

July 5th, 2026, 6pm

Deborah Buck & Min-Young Kim, Violins

Kathryn Lockwood, viola; Caroline Stinson, cello

Orion Weiss, piano; Yousif Sheronick, percussion

The finale MusicFest 2026 “Braided Traditions – A Festival of Cultural Roots” is a celebration of heritage, identity, and the powerful ways music carries history forward. This concert brings together voices shaped by place, ancestry, and collective memory, weaving distinct traditions into a shared musical experience.

The deep lyricism of Brahms and the folk-inspired spirit of Dvořák reflect how European classical traditions are enriched by dance, song, and the music of everyday life. Honoring 250 years of United States history, the program features the unmistakable sound of Aaron Copland, whose music captures the openness, resilience, and evolving identity of the American landscape.

At the heart of the program is the voice of renowned Native American composer Jerod Impichcha̱achaaha’ Tate, whose music draws from Indigenous traditions to create works that are both rooted in heritage and vibrantly contemporary. The concert opens with Amazing Grace, arranged by Ning Kam, a timeless melody (with some Americana thrown in for added spice) that transcends culture and generation, reminding us of music’s power to unite diverse histories through shared expression.

Together, these works form a braided musical narrative — honoring cultural roots while celebrating the connections that bind them — in a festival that invites reflection, remembrance, and renewal through sound.

 Advance Tickets: Adults/$65, Student/$25

Tickets on the door: Adults/$70, Students/$30

Tickets include a themed reception after the concert