New Festival Coming to "Little Sweden, USA"!
Lindsborg will welcome a brand-new cultural event this spring with the launch of the Smoky Valley Chamber Music Festival, May 18-23.
Founded by Lindsborg native Caroline Beckman as a part of her doctoral work at the UMKC Conservatory, the week-long festival will feature world-class musicians, concerts, student mentorship, and community outreach. The festival concludes May 23 with a finale concert in Presser Hall, including the world premeiere of a new work inspired by Lindsborg's unique traditions.
Join the festivities May 18-23 for an exciting week of chamber music performances, educational activities, and a celebration of multicultural exchange in and throughout the Lindsborg community and the Smoky Valley region.
Festival Schedule
The festival will feature daily concerts in and throughout the Lindsborg community, culminating with the Festival Finale concert on Saturday, May 23 at 3:00pm in Presser Hall, featuring Aaron Copland’s “Appalachian Spring,” and the world premiere of a brand-new composition by AJ Harbison, inspired by musical flavors unique to Lindsborg—from Handel’s Messiah to Swedish fiddle tunes! See concert schedules below.
In addition to musical performances, artist musicians will host outreach activities in the community and educational workshops with students at local schools.
Festival Theme
The festival programs are woven together by the 2026 theme: American Soundscape, featuring music that reflects the unique blend of multicultural traditions across the American musical landscape.
The festival will highlight this unique melting pot of voices featuring works of both American-born composers and composers with special connections to our national identity and local community, such Aaron Copland, George Gershwin, Antonín Dvořák, Johann Sebastian Bach, Lars Erik Larsson, and Johann Halvorsen.
Festival Artists
The festival will feature a residency of professional musicians from across the USA and around the world, including faculty artists Joseph Genualdi (violin), Michael Mermagen (cello), and Karen Hsaio Savage (piano), and 18 emerging young artists from 11 states across the USA and 9 countries around the globe, including Canada, China, Columbia, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, South Korea, Taiwan, Venezuela, and Sweden.
All festival events are free and open to the public.
Festival Schedule for Concerts:
Tuesday, May 19, 7:00pm
Seville String Quartet playing Works by Caroline Shaw, Florence Price, and Antonin Dvorak
Location: St. Bridget Catholic Church, 206 W Swensson Ave
Wednesday, May 20, 7:00pm
Young Artists String Chamber Concert featuring Moa Glimberg, Bass playing Works by Johann Halvorsen, Lars Erik Larsson, and Edvard Grieg
Location: Swedish Pavilion at Hertiage Square at Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum, 120 E Mill Street
Thursday, May 21, 7:00pm
Faculty Artist Recital playing Works of Robert Schumann, Bela Bartok, Edvard Grieg, and Lukas Foss
Location: Birger Sandzen Memorial Gallery, 401 N First Street
Friday, May 22, 3:00pm
AndEs Piano Duo playing Works by Amy Beach, Libby Larsen, Edward MacDowell, and Logan Skelton
Location: Bethany Lutheran Church, 320 N Main Street
Friday, May 22, 7:30pm
Young Artists Showcase Recital playing Works by George Gershwin, John Williams, Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein, and Amy Beach
Location: Pearson Chapel on the campus of Bethany College, 335 E Swensson AveSt. Bridget Catholic Church, 206 W Swensson Ave
Saturday, May 23, 3:00pm
Festival Finale Concert with 18 young artists from 9 countries showcasing 12 chamber excerpts and miniature pieces into one dynamic evening performance with special appearances by longstanding Lindsborg music educators, Dr. Daniel J. Masterson on harpsichord, and Lori Nelson directing the Smoky Valley Children's Choir. Works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Edvard Grieg, Aaron Copland, and AJ Harbison
Location: Presser Hall on the campus of Bethany College, 335 E Swensson Ave
Sponsored by Lindsborg Arts Council, Bank of Tescott, First Bank Kansas, and United Capital Management