2025 SEASON: BLUEPRINTS IN SOUND

Two Weeks of World-Class Performances Inspired by the Intersection of Music, Design, and Architecture

SOUTHFIELD, MI — The Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival proudly announces its highly anticipated 2025 season, Blueprints in Sound, running from June 8 to June 21, 2025. This year’s theme explores the profound parallels between music and design, celebrating the artistry and structural integrity shared by both art forms. Inspired by the legacy of Ruth Adler Schnee, a trailblazing mid-century modern textile designer and founding Festival board member, the season promises to deliver extraordinary performances that weave together tradition and innovation.

“Our 2025 season is a tribute to the artistry and thoughtful craftsmanship that underpins both music and design,” said Paul Watkins, Artistic Director of the Festival. “Each composition—whether centuries old or newly created—reflects a blueprint of structure and intention, yet within that framework exists infinite possibility for expression, interpretation, and beauty.”

2025 Season Highlights:

• Bach’s Goldberg Variations — The iconic Goldberg Variations will be presented in a sublime arrangement for string trio, revealing new textures and colors within this beloved masterpiece. (June 10th at Kirk in the Hills). 
• Bach’s Chaconne for Solo Violin — Detroit Symphony Orchestra concertmaster Robyn Bollinger will explore Bach’s Chaconne through an innovative multimedia presentation that delves into its structural and emotional depth. (June 20th at the Detroit Institute of Arts).
• Handel and Poulenc Organ Concertos — Esteemed organist emeritus of Westminster Abbey, James O’Donnell, will perform Handel and Poulenc’s masterful organ concertos in the Sanctuary of St. Hugo of the Hills. (June 14 at St. Hugo of the Hills).
• Cranbrook Art Museum: Musical Chairs: Performance & Pop-Up — Musical Chairs challenges Shouse Institute musicians to perform together for the first time in newly formed ensembles led by Philip Setzer. Tickets include access to a special pop-up show of Ruth Adler Schnee’s textiles and the Cranbrook Art Museum’s summer exhibition Eventually Everything Connects: Mid-Century Modern Design in the US, featuring nearly 200 works by 100 artists exploring the intersection of design, art, and architecture. (June 18 at Cranbrook Art Museum).
• Tasting Notes Series — Enjoy music with a curated tasting of wine and cheese. Third Coast Percussion performs at Wasserman Projects (June 13), while Marion Hayden explores Reflections of the Great Migration at 333 Midland (June 19).

This season’s programming will unfold across a range of architecturally and culturally significant venues in Metro Detroit, including St. Hugo of the Hills, Kirk in the Hills, Temple Beth El, and the Detroit Institute of Arts. A special Festival in Residence program will extend to Kerrytown Concert House in Ann Arbor and The Capitol Theatre in Windsor, Canada.

The Festival will feature an impressive lineup of internationally acclaimed artists, including Leila Josefowicz, Gloria Chien, Jennifer Frautschi, Paul Neubauer, Inon Barnatan, and Third Coast Percussion. Chamber music ensembles such as The Paddington Trio, Trio Dolce, and The Dolphins Quartet will also be featured in dynamic programs spanning Baroque, Classical, and contemporary works.

Subscription packages and single tickets are available now. For more information, visit www.greatlakeschambermusic.org or call 248-559-2097.

Join us as we explore the blueprints of music, design, and artistic collaboration at the 2025 Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival.