2024 Festival

Mark Your Calendars For the 2024 Festival!
April 24—May 12, 2024

Just a little over six months away, the 2024 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. 

Contributors Circle donors of $100 or more will have exclusive early access to purchase tickets before they go on sale to the public in January, 2024.

Consider making a gift today. 

If you would like to learn more about becoming a donor or increasing your annual gift, please email the Director of Development Alisa Carrel at [email protected].  

View all events »

2024 Festival

The Gilmore In Grand Rapids: Jean-Yves Thibaudet

03/28/2024 7:00PM DeVoss Performance Hall, Grand Rapids

Marcelo Lehninger, conductor Jean-Yves Thibaudet, piano In this special collaboration with the Grand Rapids Symphony, we welcome Jean-Yves Thibaudet back […]

Harmony Zhu, 2024 Gilmore Young Artist

04/20/2024 7:00PM Gull Lake Center for the Fine Arts

Born in 2005, Harmony Zhu began piano study at The Juilliard School at age eight, with teachers including Emanuel Ax […]

Kalamazoo Junior Symphony Orchestra with Harmony Zhu 2024 GYA

04/21/2024 4:00PM Chenery Auditorium, Kalamazoo

Kalamazoo Junior Symphony Orchestra Andrew Koehler, conductor Harmony Zhu, 2024 Gilmore Young Artist, piano 2024 Gilmore Young Artist Harmony Zhu […]

Opening Night Celebration with Hiromi feat. PUBLIQuartet

04/24/2024 7:00PM Chenery Auditorium, Kalamazoo

Hiromi: The Piano Quintet feat. PUBLIQuartet HIROMI, piano PUBLIQuartet: Hamilton Berry, Cello – Jannina Norpoth, Violin – Nick Revel, Viola […]

Labèque Duo

04/25/2024 7:30PM Stetson Chapel, Kalamazoo College

Katia Labèque, piano Marielle Labèque, piano French sisters Katia and Marielle Labèque make their highly anticipated Gilmore debut in works […]

Sondheim on Sondheim

04/25/2024 7:30PM Farmers Alley Theatre, Kalamazoo

Kathy Mulay, director Chris Gray, music director Stephen Sondheim redefined the Broadway musical through his genius lyrics, catchy melodies, and […]

Harmony Zhu, 2024 Gilmore Young Artist

04/26/2024 7:30PM First United Methodist Church, South Haven

Born in 2005, Harmony Zhu began piano study at The Juilliard School at age eight, with teachers including Emanuel Ax […]

Gabriel Kahane

04/26/2024 7:30PM Wellspring Theater, Epic Center, Kalamazoo

Singer-songwriter Gabriel Kahane presents Magnificent Bird, an album of songs written in self-imposed isolation, a full year off the internet. […]

The 5 Browns Family Concert

04/27/2024 2:00PM Chenery Auditorium, Kalamazoo

Desirae Brown – Deondra Brown – Gregory Brown – Melody Brown – Stephen Beus What an entertaining afternoon for the […]

Jackson Symphony Orchestra with Kasey Shao 2024 GYA

04/27/2024 7:30PM George E. Potter Center, Jackson College

Jackson Symphony Orchestra Kasey Shao, 2024 Gilmore Young Artist, piano Kasey Shao started playing piano at age six, and made […]

Maria João Pires

04/27/2024 7:30PM Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU

Revered for her interpretations of Chopin, Mozart, and Beethoven, Portuguese pianist Maria João Pires will visit as part of a […]

Kasey Shao, 2024 Gilmore Young Artist

04/28/2024 2:00PM Saugatuck Center for the Arts

Kasey Shao started playing piano at age six, and made her concerto debut at age 12 with the Philadelphia Orchestra […]

Conrad Tao and Caleb Teicher: COUNTERPOINT

04/28/2024 2:00PM Williams Theatre, WMU

Conrad Tao, piano Caleb Teicher, tap dance In COUNTERPOINT, 2012 Gilmore Young Artist Conrad Tao and acclaimed dancer Caleb Teicher […]

Harmony Zhu, 2024 Gilmore Young Artist

04/28/2024 4:00PM First Congregational Church, Battle Creek

Born in 2005, Harmony Zhu began piano study at The Juilliard School at age eight, with teachers including Emanuel Ax […]

An Evening with Eliane Elias

04/28/2024 7:30PM Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU

GrammyⓇ Award-winning Eliane Elias is an internationally acclaimed recording artist, pianist, singer, composer, and arranger from Brazil who blends South […]

Aubrey Bergauer: Changing the Narrative

04/29/2024 2:00PM Kalamazoo Public Library- Central Library

Run it Like a Business: Strategies to Unleash the Full Power and Profit of the Arts The arts are a […]

Ingrid Fliter, 2006 Gilmore Artist

04/29/2024 2:00PM Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU

2006 Gilmore Artist and winner of the International Chopin Competition in Warsaw, Fliter will present Chopin’s 3rd Piano Sonata, Op. […]

Sphinx Virtuosi with Awadagin Pratt

04/29/2024 7:30PM Chenery Auditorium, Kalamazoo

Pianist Awadagin Pratt and the Sphinx Virtuosi (launched in Ann Arbor, Michigan) will perform Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Piano Quintet in G […]

Igor Levit: NO FEAR

04/30/2024 12:00PM Kalamazoo Valley Museum, Stryker Theatre

A fly-on-the-wall documentary about the Covid lockdown, when 2022 Gilmore Artist Igor Levit  gave a series of online concerts from […]

Paul Lewis: Schubert Sonata Series I

04/30/2024 2:00PM Wellspring Theater, Epic Center, Kalamazoo

In a special Festival event, British pianist Paul Lewis will present a survey of Franz Schubert’s monumental contribution to the […]

Nduduzo Makhathini Quartet | Jazz at Bell’s

04/30/2024 6:00PM Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, Kalamazoo

Nduduzo Makhathini, piano To be joined by saxophone, bass, and drums South African jazz pianist and composer Nduduzo Makhathini blends […]

Nduduzo Makhathini Quartet | Jazz at Bell’s

04/30/2024 9:00PM Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, Kalamazoo

Nduduzo Makhathini, piano To be joined by saxophone, bass, and drums South African jazz pianist and composer Nduduzo Makhathini blends […]

Kasey Shao and Harmony Zhu, 2024 GYA

05/01/2024 2:00PM Stetson Chapel, Kalamazoo College

The newest members of the Gilmore Young Artists family come together in one of the loveliest venues in town. Ms. […]

Gabriela Montero: Westward

05/01/2024 7:30PM Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU

Gabriela Montero, piano Gabriela Montero’s visionary interpretations and unique compositions have garnered critical acclaim and a devoted following. Celebrated for […]

Silenced: Composers in Revolutionary Russia

05/02/2024 12:00PM Kalamazoo Valley Museum, Stryker Theatre

A look at early 20th century Russian composers, including Lourié, Roslavets, Mosolov, Prokofiev, and Theremin, which reveals early Soviet Union’s […]

Paul Lewis: Schubert Sonata Series II

05/02/2024 2:00PM Wellspring Theater, Epic Center, Kalamazoo

In a special Festival event, British pianist Paul Lewis will present a survey of Franz Schubert’s monumental contribution to the […]

Loki Karuna: Activism in Classical Music

05/02/2024 4:00PM Black Arts & Cultural Center, Epic Center, Kalamazoo

Agitato: Framing Social Change Through Arts Activism Loki Karuna began his career as a bassoonist, then transitioned into arts media […]

Gerald Clayton Trio

05/02/2024 6:00PM Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, Kalamazoo

Four-time GrammyⓇ-nominated pianist and composer Gerald Clayton’s innovative approach to jazz has charmed audiences and critics across the globe. Son […]

Beaton, MacGillivray, and MacNeil: A Cape Breton Trio

05/02/2024 7:00PM Richland Community Center

Andrea Beaton, piano, fiddle Troy MacGillivray, piano, fiddle Tracey Dares MacNeil, piano, fiddle Andrea Beaton, Troy MacGillivray, and Tracey MacNeil […]

Gerald Clayton Trio

05/02/2024 9:00PM Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, Kalamazoo

Four-time GrammyⓇ-nominated pianist and composer Gerald Clayton’s innovative approach to jazz has charmed audiences and critics across the globe. Son […]

Through the Eyes of Yuja: A Road Movie

05/03/2024 12:00PM Kalamazoo Valley Museum, Stryker Theatre

The nomadic, exciting lifestyle of a concert pianist – full of majestic venues, glitzy cities and couture clothing – also […]

Beaton, MacGillivray, and MacNeil: A Cape Breton Trio

05/03/2024 5:00PM Kalamazoo State Theatre

Andrea Beaton, piano, fiddle Troy MacGillivray, piano, fiddle Tracey Dares MacNeil, piano, fiddle Andrea Beaton, Troy MacGillivray, and Tracey MacNeil […]

Olga Kern

05/03/2024 7:30PM Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU

Gold medalist at the 2001 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition (the first woman to win in 30 years), Russian-born pianist […]

Kasey Shao, 2024 Gilmore Young Artist

05/03/2024 8:00PM Franke Center for the Arts, Marshall

Kasey Shao started playing piano at age six, and made her concerto debut at age 12 with the Philadelphia Orchestra […]

Paul Lewis: Schubert Sonata Series III

05/04/2024 2:00PM Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU

In a special Festival event, British pianist Paul Lewis will present a survey of Franz Schubert’s monumental contribution to the […]

Kenny Barron Trio

05/04/2024 6:00PM Shaw Theatre, WMU

Composer, pianist, educator, and NEA Jazz Master Kenny Barron returns to the festival with his trio. A peerless performer known […]

Beaton, MacGillivray, and MacNeil: A Cape Breton Trio

05/04/2024 7:00PM Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, Kalamazoo

Andrea Beaton, piano, fiddle Troy MacGillivray, piano, fiddle Tracey Dares MacNeil, piano, fiddle Andrea Beaton, Troy MacGillivray, and Tracey MacNeil […]

Kenny Barron Trio

05/04/2024 9:00PM Shaw Theatre, WMU

intComposer, pianist, educator, and NEA Jazz Master Kenny Barron returns to the festival with his trio. A peerless performer known […]

Beaton, MacGillivray, and MacNeil: A Cape Breton Trio

05/05/2024 11:00AM Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, Kalamazoo

Andrea Beaton, piano, fiddle Troy MacGillivray, piano, fiddle Tracey Dares MacNeil, piano, fiddle No stage? No seats? No problem! Parents […]

Gabriela Montero and the Calidore String Quartet

05/05/2024 2:00PM Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU

Gabriela Montero, piano Calidore String Quartet: Jeffrey Myers, violin – Ryan Meehan, violin – Jeremy Berry, viola – Estelle Choi, […]

Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio

05/05/2024 4:00PM Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, Kalamazoo

The Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio specializes in the art of ‘feel good music.’ The charismatic Lamarr’s energetic, soulful Hammond organ […]

Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio

05/05/2024 7:00PM Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, Kalamazoo

The Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio specializes in the art of ‘feel good music.’ The charismatic Lamarr’s energetic, soulful Hammond organ […]

Helen Sung Trio

05/06/2024 12:00PM Kool Family Community Center, Battle Creek

Jazz pianist and composer Helen Sung was among the first graduates of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance at […]

Isaiah J. Thompson Trio

05/06/2024 12:00PM Civic Theatre Auditorium, Kalamazoo

Jazz pianist, bandleader, and composer Isaiah J. Thompson won the 2023 American Pianists Awards and the Cole Porter Fellowship of […]

Mark Nepo: Drinking from the River of Light

05/06/2024 2:00PM Kalamazoo Public Library- Central Library

Drinking from The River of Light Kalamazoo Public Library Central Branch, VanDeusen Room | 2 pm Kalamazoo-based poet, philosopher, author, […]

Paul Lewis: Schubert Sonata Series IV

05/06/2024 7:30PM Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU

In a special Festival event, British pianist Paul Lewis will present a survey of Franz Schubert’s monumental contribution to the […]

Warsaw Is My Name

05/07/2024 12:00PM Kalamazoo Valley Museum, Stryker Theatre

2002 Gilmore Artist Piotr Anderszewski’s own look at his birthplace, a city that had been nearly annihilated during World War […]

Isaiah J. Thompson Trio

05/07/2024 12:00PM Kool Family Community Center, Battle Creek

Jazz pianist, bandleader, and composer Isaiah J. Thompson won the 2023 American Pianists Awards and the Cole Porter Fellowship of […]

Shai Maestro Quartet

05/07/2024 12:00PM Civic Theatre Auditorium, Kalamazoo

Pianist and composer Shai Maestro, known for his genre-defying performances, seamlessly melds elements of jazz, world music, and contemporary sounds. […]

Simone Dinnerstein: Undersong

05/07/2024 7:30PM Stetson Chapel, Kalamazoo College

Simone Dinnerstein presents Undersong, a program of works by Couperin, Satie, Glass, and featuring the Schumann masterpiece Kreisleriana. Ms. Dinnerstein’s […]

Helen Sung Trio

05/08/2024 12:00PM Civic Theatre Auditorium, Kalamazoo

Jazz pianist and composer Helen Sung was among the first graduates of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance at […]

Shai Maestro Quartet

05/08/2024 12:00PM Kool Family Community Center, Battle Creek

Shai Maestro, piano – Philip Dizack, trumpet – Jorge Roeder, double bass – Ofri Nehemya, drums Pianist and composer Shai Maestro, […]

Yuja Wang

05/08/2024 7:30PM Chenery Auditorium, Kalamazoo

Critical superlatives and audience ovations follow Yuja Wang wherever she performs. The Beijing-born pianist was a 2006 Gilmore Young Artist, […]

Benito Gonzalez Trio

05/09/2024 12:00PM Civic Theatre Auditorium, Kalamazoo

Venezuelan jazz pianist, composer, and Steinway Artist Benito Gonzalez combines a lineage of American jazz tradition with rhythms from around […]

Paul Cornish Trio

05/09/2024 12:00PM Kool Family Community Center, Battle Creek

Winner of the 2018 American Jazz Piano Competition, Composer-pianist Paul Cornish’s style is a blend of contemporary and jazz with […]

Piotr Anderszewski, 2002 Gilmore Artist

05/09/2024 7:30PM Chenery Auditorium, Kalamazoo

Piotr Anderszewski, 2002 Gilmore Artist, piano 2002 Gilmore Artist Piotr Anderszewski is recognized internationally for the intensity and originality of […]

Benito Gonzalez Trio

05/10/2024 12:00PM Kool Family Community Center, Battle Creek

Venezuelan jazz pianist, composer, and Steinway Artist Benito Gonzalez combines a lineage of American jazz tradition with rhythms from around […]

Paul Cornish Trio

05/10/2024 12:00PM Civic Theatre Auditorium, Kalamazoo

Winner of the 2018 American Jazz Piano Competition, Composer-pianist Paul Cornish’s style is a blend of contemporary and jazz with […]

Kirill Gerstein, 2010 Gilmore Artist

05/10/2024 2:00PM Stetson Chapel, Kalamazoo College

Kirill Gerstein brings his signature style to a varied program that includes the U.S. premiere of Matthew Aucoin’s The Tracks […]

Lansing Symphony Orchestra with Harmony Zhu 2024 GYA

05/10/2024 7:30PM Wharton Center for Performing Arts, East Lansing

Lansing Symphony Orchestra Timothy Muffit, conductor Harmony Zhu, 2024 Gilmore Young Artist, piano Born in 2005, Harmony Zhu began piano […]

Pink Martini featuring China Forbes

05/10/2024 8:00PM Miller Auditorium, WMU

Pink Martini and China Forbes return with their vibrant, varied repertoire of jazz, classical, latin, music, and pop marked by […]

Anderszewski with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra

05/11/2024 7:00PM Chenery Auditorium, Kalamazoo

Anderszewski Plays/Conducts Beethoven with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra 2002 Gilmore Artist Piotr Anderszewski, piano and conductor Andrew […]

Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra with Daniel Hsu 2016 GYA

05/11/2024 7:30PM The Mendel Center, Benton Harbor

Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra Matthew Aubin, conductor Daniel Hsu, 2016 Gilmore Young Artist, piano Meet some of music’s boundary pushers […]

Patti LuPone: A Life In Notes

05/12/2024 4:00PM Miller Auditorium, WMU

Step into the extraordinary life of beloved Broadway legend Patti LuPone in this musical memoir. The Tony®, Grammy®, and Olivier […]

All content © 2023 Irving S. Gilmore International Piano Festival