2026 Festival

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Mark Your Calendars For the 2026 Festival!
April 30-May 10, 2026

The 2026 Irving S. Gilmore International Piano Festival will feature the finest international pianists playing classical, jazz, and pop music. The piano will be center stage for Gilmore-commissioned world premieres, free community concerts, films, musical theatre, and so much more.

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2026 Festival

Alexandre Kantorow, 2024 Gilmore Artist

05/02/2026 8:00PM Chenery Auditorium, Kalamazoo

Alexandre Kantorow, 2024 Gilmore Artist, piano The day after performing Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, […]

Buy Tickets $65, $40, $25, $15, $10 students

Stewart Goodyear

05/04/2026 2:00PM Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU

Canadian pianist Stewart Goodyear possesses a huge, dramatic sound, an elegant technique, and an omnivorous approach to keyboard music. Goodyear […]

Buy Tickets $45, $35, $20, $10 students

2026 Bell Young Artist Esteban Castro Trio

05/05/2026 12:00PM Kalamazoo Civic Theater

Esteban Castro, piano Jayla Chee, bass Jacob Patrone, drums 2026 Bell Young Artist Esteban Castro began playing piano at age […]

Buy Tickets $25, $10 students

Livestream May 5–June 4

Eighth Blackbird

05/05/2026 2:00PM Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU

Lina Andonovska, flutes | Maiani da Silva, violin | Matthew Duvall, percussion | Zachary Good, clarinets | Lisa Kaplan, piano […]

Buy Tickets $45, $35, $20, $10 students

Livestream May 5–June 4

2026 Bell Young Artist Tyler Bullock Trio

05/06/2026 12:00PM Kalamazoo Civic Theater

Tyler Bullock, piano Ryoma Takenaga, bass Koleby Royston, drums 2026 Bell Young Artist Tyler Bullock is the regular pianist for […]

Buy Tickets $25, $10 students

Livestream May 6–June 5

Chopin and Viardot: A Dialogue

05/07/2026 2:00PM Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU

Charlotte Hu, piano Raquel González, soprano Pauline Viardot was an accomplished pianist, a world-renowned mezzo-soprano, and a talented composer who […]

Buy Tickets $45, $35, $20, $10 students

Livestream May 7–June 6

ARTEMIS

05/08/2026 7:30PM Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU

Renee Rosnes, piano, Fender Rhodes | Ingrid Jensen, trumpet | Nicole Glover, tenor saxophone | Noriko Ueda, bass | Allison […]

Buy Tickets $45, $35, $20, $10 Students

Livestream May 8–June 7

Chucho Valdés Royal Quartet

05/09/2026 7:30PM Chenery Auditorium, Kalamazoo

Chucho Valdés, piano | Horacio El Negro Hernandez, drums | Armando Gola, bass | Roberto Vizcaino Jr., congas For over […]

Buy Tickets $85, $70, $50, $35, $15, $10 students

Livestream May 9–June 8

Finale: Sullivan Fortner Trio featuring Cécile McLorin Salvant & Ambrose Akinmusire

05/10/2026 4:00PM Chenery Auditorium, Kalamazoo

The 2026 Gilmore International Piano Festival concludes with an exclusive performance created especially for this occasion, uniting three of today’s […]

Partner Event

The Complete Philip Glass Piano Etudes

04/18/2026 7:30PM Hill Auditorium, Ann Arbor

Presented in collaboration with the University Musical Society Timo Andres | Inon Barnatan | Janice Carissa, 2022 Gilmore Young Artist […]

Partner Event Link $77, $73, $67, $42, $23

Jackson Symphony Orchestra with 2022 Gilmore Young Artist Janice Carissa

04/25/2026 7:30PM Harold Sheffer Music Hall, Potter Center

Matthew Aubin, conductor | Jackson Symphony Orchestra Janice Carissa, 2022 Gilmore Young Artist, piano An evening of emotional and powerful […]

Partner Event Link $40, $35, $25, $5 student tickets

livestream Available Now

Past Events

Meijer Gardens x Gilmore Piano Festival Special Event

05/20/2026 6:00PM Utopia Room at Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Natalie Tenenbaum, piano KEYS IN THE GARDEN Featuring pianist Natalie Tenenbaum, this first-time experience launches a new artistic collaboration between the Gilmore Piano Festival and Frederik […]

Partner Website $160, tickets on sale now

Edye Evans Hyde & Xavier Davis: Jazz Brunch

05/10/2026 2:00PM Dabney & Co.

When the day’s last Festival concert ends, Gilmore After Dark begins–Kalamazoo invites you to step out and make an evening […]

No Ticket Required Reservation Recommended

Master Class: Marc-André Hamelin

05/10/2026 10:00AM Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU

Festival artists share their talents and wisdom with Festival Fellows, who perform and learn from their teachers at Gilmore Festival […]

No Ticket Required Free Event

Southwest Michigan Symphony with Stanislav Khristenko

05/09/2026 7:30PM The Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College

Matthew Aubin, conductor | Southwest Michigan Symphony Stanislav Khristenko, piano Experience an unforgettable evening of passion, rhythm, and virtuosity as […]

Partner Event Link $40, $24
$20, $12 for youth

Elliot Wuu, 2018 Gilmore Young Artist

05/09/2026 7:00PM Peace Lutheran Church, South Haven

Presented by South Haven Performance Series Praised for his “power, speed and finesse of artists twice his age” (Tribune Star), […]

Partner Event Link

Marc-André Hamelin

05/09/2026 4:00PM Stetson Chapel, Kalamazoo College

Marc-André Hamelin, “a performer of near-superhuman technical prowess” according to The New York Times, is revered worldwide for his thoughtful […]

Buy Tickets $45, $10 students

Sara Davis Buechner: "Of Pigs and Pianos"

05/09/2026 1:00PM Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU

When asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, a young Sara Davis Buechner declared: “A piano player […]

Buy Tickets $45, $35, $20, $10 Students

Keith Hall: Gilmore After Dark

05/08/2026 10:00PM Crawlspace Comedy Theatre

Tomás Jonsson, 2026 Gilmore Festival Fellow, piano (May 8) Aris Chalin, James Fernando, and Tomás Jonsson, 2026 Gilmore Festival Fellows, […]

May 8 Tickets

May 9 Tickets

Kent Philharmonic Orchestra with 2018 Gilmore Young Artist Elliot Wuu

05/08/2026 7:30PM St. Cecilia Music Center

Libor Ondras, conductor | Kent Philharmonic Orchestra 2018 Gilmore Young Artist Elliot Wuu, piano Elliot Wuu has performed at the […]

Partner Event Link $16, $10 for seniors, students, & veterans

Nicole Zuraitis

05/08/2026 7:30PM Kool Family Community Center, Battle Creek

A vocalist, pianist, songwriter, and arranger who originally trained in classical voice and opera, Nicole Zuraitis offers powerful interpretations of […]

Buy Tickets $15, $10 students

Gilmore Festival Fellows Showcase Recital

05/08/2026 2:00PM Cori Terry Theatre, Epic Center, Kalamazoo

Nathan Cheung | Takeshi Nagayasu | Linda Lee | Ningxin (Jen) Zhan Experience the top-notch talents of some of this […]

Buy Tickets $10

Yes! Trio featuring Ali Jackson, Aaron Goldberg & Omer Avital

05/08/2026 12:00PM Kalamazoo Civic Theater

Aaron Goldberg, piano | Omer Avital, bass | Ali Jackson, drums United by three decades of friendship and a reverence […]

Buy Tickets $25, $10 students

Master Class: Sara Davis Buechner

05/08/2026 10:00AM Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU

Festival artists share their talents and wisdom with Festival Fellows, who perform and learn from their teachers at Gilmore Festival […]

No Ticket Required Free Event

Yes! Trio featuring Ali Jackson, Aaron Goldberg & Omer Avital

05/07/2026 7:30PM Kool Family Community Center, Battle Creek

Aaron Goldberg, piano | Omer Avital, bass | Ali Jackson, drums United by three decades of friendship and a reverence […]

Buy Tickets $15, $10 students

Nicole Zuraitis

05/07/2026 12:00PM Kalamazoo Civic Theater

A vocalist, pianist, songwriter, and arranger who originally trained in classical voice and opera, Nicole Zuraitis offers powerful interpretations of […]

Buy Tickets $25, $10 students

Master Class: Stanislav Khristenko

05/07/2026 10:00AM Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU

Festival artists share their talents and wisdom with Festival Fellows, who perform and learn from their teachers at Gilmore Festival […]

Event Info

Bill Charlap & Renee Rosnes

Williams Theatre, WMU

Two of today’s preeminent jazz pianists, Bill Charlap and Renee Rosnes have played together in a two-piano setting since the […]

Buy 5pm Tickets $45, $35, $20, $10 students

Buy 8pm Tickets $45, $35, $20, $10 students

Kirill Gerstein & KSO with Beethoven’s Piano Concertos

05/06/2026 7:30PM Chenery Auditorium, Kalamazoo

Kirill Gerstein, 2010 Gilmore Artist, piano & conductor Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra Already beloved for his solo piano interpretations, 2010 Gilmore […]

Buy Tickets $65, $55, $35, $15, $10 students

Master Class: Bill Charlap & Renee Rosnes

05/06/2026 4:00PM Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU

Festival artists share their talents and wisdom with Festival Fellows, who perform and learn from their teachers at Gilmore Festival […]

No Tickets Required Free Event

Lori Sims

05/06/2026 2:00PM Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU

A pillar of the Kalamazoo musical community, Lori Sims returns to The Gilmore for a recital on piano and harpsichord, […]

Buy Tickets $45, $35, $20, $10 students

2026 Bell Young Artist Esteban Castro Trio

05/06/2026 12:00PM Kool Family Community Center, Battle Creek

Esteban Castro, piano Jayla Chee, bass Jacob Patrone, drums 2026 Bell Young Artist Esteban Castro began playing piano at age […]

Buy Tickets $15, $10 students

Master Class: Charlotte Hu

05/06/2026 10:00AM Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU

Festival artists share their talents and wisdom with Festival Fellows, who perform and learn from their teachers at Gilmore Festival […]

No Ticket Required Free Event

Bill Cessna Trio: Gilmore After Dark

05/05/2026 9:30PM Dabney & Co.

When the day’s last Festival concert ends, Gilmore After Dark begins–Kalamazoo invites you to step out and make an evening […]

No ticket required Free Event | Reservation Recommended

2026 Bell Young Artist Tyler Bullock Trio

05/05/2026 12:00PM Kool Family Community Center, Battle Creek

Tyler Bullock, piano Ryoma Takenaga, bass Koleby Royston, drums 2026 Bell Young Artist Tyler Bullock is the regular pianist for […]

Buy Tickets $15, $10 students

Master Class: Lori Sims

05/05/2026 10:00AM Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU

Festival artists share their talents and wisdom with Festival Fellows, who perform and learn from their teachers at Gilmore Festival […]

No Ticket Required Free Event

Kandace Springs

Williams Theatre, WMU

Kandace Springs, piano Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, jazz pianist and singer Kandace Springs’s natural gifts for lyricism and soulfulness have […]

Buy 5pm Tickets $45, $35, $10 students

Buy 8pm Tickets $35, $10 students (table seating sold out)

Mr. Radar: Gilmore After Dark

05/04/2026 8:00PM Stamped Robin

When the day’s last Festival concert ends, Gilmore After Dark begins–Kalamazoo invites you to step out and make an evening […]

No ticket required Free Event

Brad Mehldau & Kirill Gerstein in Dialogue

05/04/2026 7:30PM Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU

Brad Mehldau, piano Kirill Gerstein, 2010 Gilmore Artist, piano Grammy Award–winning pianist and composer Brad Mehldau has long bridged musical worlds, […]

Waiting List Click above to be added

Richard Goode

05/03/2026 7:30PM Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU

Richard Goode, piano GRAMMY® Award-winning pianist Richard Goode is internationally renowned for his interpretations of Classical and Romantic music. His […]

Buy Tickets $45 $35, $20, $10 students

Cameron Carpenter

05/03/2026 2:00PM First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo

Cameron Carpenter, organ In a rare performance by an organist at The Gilmore, Cameron Carpenter demonstrates the versatility and dramatic […]

Buy Tickets $45, $10 students

Baby Grands with Heitzig and Jones

05/03/2026 12:30PM First Congregational Church of Kalamazoo

No stage? No seats? No problem! Babies, toddlers, and kids of all ages are invited to enjoy an interactive musical […]

No Ticket Required Free Event

Master Class: Stewart Goodyear

05/03/2026 10:00AM Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU

Festival artists share their talents and wisdom with Festival Fellows, who perform and learn from their teachers at Gilmore Festival […]

No Ticket Required Event Free

Right in the Eye — Family Concert

05/02/2026 2:00PM Chenery Auditorium, Kalamazoo

A feast for the senses, Right in the Eye combines 12 short silent films by pioneering French filmmaker Georges Méliès […]

Buy Tickets $10 Adults, Students Free

Cyrus Chestnut Trio

Bell’s Eccentric Café, Kalamazoo

Cyrus Chestnut, piano Laura Simone, bass Sean Dobbins, drums A gifted and innovative jazz pianist, Cyrus Chestnut possesses a soulful […]

4pm WAITING LIST click above to be added

7pm WAITING LIST click above to be added

Andrew Rathbun: Gilmore After Dark

05/01/2026 10:00PM Crawlspace Comedy Theatre

Aris Chalin, 2026 Gilmore Festival Fellow, piano (May 1) James Fernando, 2026 Gilmore Festival Fellow, piano (May 2) Andrew Rathbun, […]

Buy May 1 Tickets

Buy May 2 Tickets

From Cliburn to Kantorow: A Celebration of Tchaikovsky

05/01/2026 7:00PM Chenery Auditorium, Kalamazoo

Part One: American Sputnik, a mini opera Julian Kuerti, conductor | Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra Joseph Lattanzi, baritone | Stanislav Khristenko, […]

Buy Tickets $65, $55, $35, $15, $10 students