Collaboration is the essence of chamber music and has been at the center of my musical life since I was a child, reading sonatas and four-hands music with my parents and brother at our home in Wales. In this year’s festival, which we have called “Creative Connections,” I wanted to explore the myriad of different ways in which musicians collaborate, influence and inspire each other.

In a festival which spans works from Bach to the present day, we will hear how composers and performers have reached across generations and even centuries to fuel and enrich their creativity. For this festival, my tenth as Artistic Director, I have been influenced more than ever by suggestions from our extraordinary roster of artists. Every one of these outstanding musicians has contributed personally to the programming you will experience throughout the Festival. I am deeply grateful for the way their inventive and sometimes unexpected ideas have made these concerts into such a rich and diverse mix of genres, challenging me to create a menu of music that is perhaps bolder and more contrasting than ever before.

I can truly say that being connected with the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival for the last 10 years has been a life-changing experience. It continues to be my privilege and joy to bring great music to you.