Skaneateles Festival

From the Forest to the Ocean
2026-08-14 19:30 - 21:00 (America/Detroit) | First Presbyterian Church, 97 East Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY, 13152, United States
Skaneateles Festival

From the Forest to the Ocean

Fri. Aug 14, 2026
7:30 PM
First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles

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Event Sponsored by:

Chris Johnson and Barbara Durr
Piano Sponsored by: Sarah and Kevin Goode, courtesy of Artist Pianos

From the sounds of the Bohemian forest to the ancient echoes of the ocean, this program captures the imagination with music inspired by nature. Flutist Erin Lesser is featured in George Crumb’s theatrical modern masterpiece, Voice of the Whale; and violinist David McCarroll leads Brahms’ Piano Quartet No. 2. Artistic Directors Aaron Wunsch and Julia Bruskin offer Beethoven’s lyrical Cello Sonata No. 4.

Program:
BEETHOVEN Cello Sonata No. 4, op. 102, no. 1 (1815)
Andante – Allegro vivace
Adagio – Tempo d’Andante – Allegro vivace
GEORGE CRUMB Voice of the Whale (1971)
Vocalise (for the beginning of time)
Sea Theme
Archeozoic [Var. I]
Proterozoic [Var. II]
Paleozoic [Var. III]
Mesozoic [Var. IV]
Cenozoic [Var. V]
Sea-Nocturne (for the end of time)
BRAHMS Piano Quartet No. 2 in A Major, op. 26
Allegro non troppo
Poco adagio
Scherzo: Poco allegro
Finale: Allegro

Bluegrass with Carter & Cleveland
2026-08-15 20:00 - 21:30 | Robinson Pavilion at Anyela’s Vineyards, 2433 West Lake Rd, Skaneateles, NY, 13152, United States
Skaneateles Festival

Bluegrass with Carter & Cleveland

Sat. August 15, 2026
8:00 PM
Robinson Pavilion at Anyela’s Vineyards

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Event Sponsored by:

Dan and Linda Scaia

Two of the most decorated and dynamic bluegrass fiddlers join forces! Jason Carter is a three-time GRAMMY Award winner and veteran bandleader. 12-time fiddle champion Michael Cleveland caused a stir at the Skaneateles Festival in 2023 while performing with Béla Fleck; he won a GRAMMY in 2019 for his album, Tall Fiddler. Carter and Cleveland perform both new and classic bluegrass songs, joined by a full band.
Selections to be announced from the stage.

Listen to the Album Here

Meet Michael Cleveland

Meet Jason Carter

Upcoming Events

01 August Broadway by the Lake with Norm LewisBroadway by the Lake with Norm Lewis8:00 pm - 9:30 pmMore Info 08 August Beethoven Under the Stars with Garrick OhlssonBeethoven Under the Stars with Garrick Ohlsson8:00 pm - 9:30 pmMore Info

“Instead of a planned setlist, Carter and Cleveland basically winged it, employing an artillery of fiddle tunes and bluegrass/country standards that utilized the richest and speediest of their instrumental capabilities along with an intuitive sense of interplay and obviously gleeful camaraderie.”

the musical box

SATURDAY EVENING CONCERTS

Robinson Pavilion at Anyela’s Vineyards

2433 West Lake Road, Skaneateles, NY 13152

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Robinson Pavilion at Anyela’s Winery
2433 West Lake Road, Skaneateles, NY 13152 (about 4.5 miles south of Route 20)
Parking at Robinson Pavilion provided free at the venue and will be directed by volunteers

Concert Tips & Tricks

seating
Gates open at 6:00pm – Concerts begin promptly at 8pm
“A” ticket seating is open seating with chairs for A ticket holders — designated near the front of the stage and on the upper terrace areas at the Robinson Pavilion. “B” ticket seating is lawn seating, first come / first seated designated in the grass tiers of the amphitheater. Bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on.

food and drink
Anyela’s Vineyard offers their own wine and local craft beer for sale as well as a variety of snacks for nibbling. Otherwise, pick up a “take away” from a local “Friends of the Festival” restaurant or bring your own hamper and feast under the stars. No alcohol or glass bottles are allowed to be brought into the concert.

preparing
Many attendees like to make an evening of it with a picnic dinner, so if you want a seat close to the stage beyond the A seating, you should arrive early. There is usually a line to enter as bags are checked and tickets processed. This can take some time… The pavilion lawn is terraced so even if you are not near the A seating up front, you will have a good view anywhere on the lawn. However, it is a gravel path and lawn, so “sensible” shoes are suggested to get to your seat. See below if you need assistance with handicap access. The temps may be warm when you arrive, but it can cool off considerably as the sun sets, so think about bringing a few layers of clothing to add throughout the night. Also bring something to sit on — a folding lawn or beach chair or at least a blanket/tarp as the dew will fall with the sun. Portable toilets are located for your convenience along the vineyard path at the north side of the lawn. It will be dark by the end of the concert, so bring a flashlight or use your phone to help you find your car afterwards.

handicap accessibility
We are happy to accommodate any accessibility needs of patrons and handicap seating is available in all price levels. At Robinson Pavilion, our accessible section is located on the terrace nearest the parking lot. This section is also close to the accessible restrooms. If you purchase a lawn ticket you will need to bring your own chair to the terrace as it will not be provided. Please call our office at 315-685-7418 so that we can ensure the best accommodations.

Skaneateles Festival Merchandise
We sell a variety of Skaneateles Festival merchandise and CD’s for purchase before each concert and during intermission. Guest artist CD’s are also available on the nights they perform. Credit cards and cash are both welcome.

inclement weather notification for saturday evening concerts
In the event of inclement weather, Friday and Saturday concerts will move to their respective rain location. That decision will be announced by 3pm the day of the concert via our website, Facebook, Instagram, voicemail and email (If you aren’t on our email list, it’s super easy to sign up here, we send great updates and Festival news!)

There are a variety of ways to get tickets!

Presale tickets refer to all tickets that are sold before the day of the concert. There are no special requirements to be eligible to purchase presale tickets!

Order Online

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Order by Phone

315-685-7418

Click to Call

Order in Person

Skaneateles Festival Office
97 East Genesee Street
Hours: M-F 10am – 5pm

Purchase at the Door

On concert nights, if tickets are still available, they can be purchased at the venue entrance as follows:

First Pres. Church – side entrance off the parking lot – beginning at 7:30pm
Robinson Pavilion – tent near the Tasting Room – beginning at 6:00pm

Special Event: Carter & Cleveland "Unplugged"
2026-08-16 15:00 - 17:00 | Mandana Barn, 1274 State Route 359, Skaneateles, NY, 13152, United States
Skaneateles Festival

Special Event: Carter & Cleveland “Unplugged”

Sun. August 16, 2026
3:00 PM
Mandana Barn
1274 State Route 359, Skaneateles NY, 13152

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Event Sponsored by:

Steve and Kelly Scheinman

Join longtime friends Jason Carter and Michael Cleveland for a special “unplugged” duo performance at the Mandana Barn, complete with food and drink! Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to see the two fiddle champions up close!
Program to be announced from the stage.
Doors open at 2:00 PM for drinks before the concert, Music will begin around 3:00 PM
$125 per person
Limited availability
Please note: This special one-off event is not included in Season Passes, Vineyard Passes, or Week Passes.

Listen to the Album Here

Outreach Event: Terra String Quartet at the Carriage House Theatre
2026-08-17 18:00 - 19:00 | Carriage House Theatre, 203 Genesee St REAR, Auburn, NY, 13021, United States
Skaneateles Festival

Terra String Quartet at the Carriage House Theater

Mon. August 17, 2026
6:00 PM
Carriage House Theater at the Cayuga Museum of History & Art

203 Genesee St Rear, Auburn, NY

Learn more about our Outreach Events

In Collaboration with:

This event is Free and Open to the Public- No Ticket Required

Winners of the 2025 Naumburg Chamber Music Competition and recent prizewinners at the 2025 Bordeaux and Wigmore Hall International Quartet Competitions, the Terra String Quartet is a vibrant young international ensemble based in New York City. They are composed of graduates of The Juilliard School, The New England Conservatory, Harvard University, and the Curtis Institute of Music. Known for their sincere storytelling, commitment to artistic excellence, and versatile approach to repertoire, TSQ strives to foster conversation and genuine human connection through their performances and pedagogy.
Harriet Langley, violin I; Amelia Dietrich, violin II; Chih-Ta Chen, viola; Audrey Chen, cello.

Location: Carriage House Theater- 203 Genesee St Rear, Auburn, NY

Outreach Event: Terra String Quartet at the Soule Library
2026-08-19 14:00 - 15:00 | Soule Library Branch, 101 Springfield Rd, Syracuse, NY, 13214, United States
Skaneateles Festival

Terra String Quartet at the Soule Branch Library

Wed. August 19, 2026
2:00 PM
Soule Branch Library

101 Springfield Road, Syracuse

Learn more about our Outreach Events

In Collaboration with:

Soule Branch Library

This event is Free and Open to the Public- No Ticket Required

The Skaneateles Festival’s 2026 Emerging Artists in Residence and winners of the 2025 Naumburg Chamber Music Competition and recent prizewinners at the 2025 Bordeaux and Wigmore Hall International Quartet Competitions, the Terra String Quartet is a vibrant young international ensemble based in New York City. They are composed of graduates of The Juilliard School, The New England Conservatory, Harvard University, and the Curtis Institute of Music. Known for their sincere storytelling, commitment to artistic excellence, and versatile approach to repertoire, TSQ strives to foster conversation and genuine human connection through their performances and pedagogy.

Harriet Langley, violin I; Amelia Dietrich, violin II; Chih-Ta Chen, viola; Audrey Chen, cello.

Location: 101 Springfield Road Syracuse, NY

Outreach Event: Musical Trail Walk at Baltimore Woods
2026-08-19 18:00 - 19:00 | Baltimore Woods, 4007 Bishop Hill Rd, Marcellus, NY, 13108, United States
Skaneateles Festival

FREE: Musical Trail Walk at Baltimore Woods

Wed. August 19, 2026
6:00-7:00 PM
Baltimore Woods Nature Center
4007 Bishop Hill Rd, Marcellus, NY 13108

Learn more about our Outreach Events

In Collaboration with:

This event is in memory of David Graham

This event is Free and Open to the Public- No Ticket Required
Come join us at the beautiful Baltimore Woods Nature Center on Wednesday, August 19th, at 6:00 PM.
Immerse yourself in the serenity of nature’s song as you take a stroll through a 1/4 mile trail featuring musicians who will be stationed along the way. Don’t miss out on this free event, and be sure to bring your walking AND dancing shoes for this unique experience in the trails of Baltimore Woods!

This event will run continuously from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM.

Terra String Quartet
2026-08-20 19:30 - 21:00 | First Presbyterian Church, 97 East Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY, 13152, United States
Skaneateles Festival

Meet the Terra String Quartet

Thurs. Aug 20, 2026
7:30 PM
First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles

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The swiftly rising Terra String Quartet is the Skaneateles Festival’s 2026 Emerging Artist in Residence. Their name is a nod to their multicultural origins, representing four continents and speaking six languages. They are winners of the 2025 Naumburg Chamber Music Competition and prizewinners at the 2025 Bordeaux and Wigmore Hall International Quartet Competitions. Hear why they “have a great future ahead of them” (Third Coast Review).

Harriet Langley, violin I; Amelia Dietrich, violin II; Chih-Ta Chen, viola; Audrey Chen, cello.

Program:
SCHUBERT String Quartet, D. 804 (“Rosamunde”)
Allegro ma non troppo
Andante
Menuetto: Allegretto – Trio
Allegro moderato
JURI SEO String Quartet No. 2 “Overgrown Paths” (2025)
Chacony
Aria, like an epilogue…
BRITTEN String Quartet No. 2 (1945)
Allegro calmo, senza rigore
Vivace
Chacony: sostenuto

Outreach Event: Terra String Quartet at the Wesleyan Chapel
2026-08-21 14:00 - 15:00 | Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, 136 Fall St, Seneca Falls, 13148, United States
Skaneateles Festival

Terra String Quartet at the Wesleyan Chapel

Fri. August 21, 2026
2:00 PM
Wesleyan Chapel, Women’s Rights National Historical Park

136 Fall St, Seneca Falls

Learn more about our Outreach Events

In Collaboration with:

Women’s Rights National Historical Park

This event is Free and Open to the Public- No Ticket Required

Winners of the 2025 Naumburg Chamber Music Competition and recent prizewinners at the 2025 Bordeaux and Wigmore Hall International Quartet Competitions, the Terra String Quartet is a vibrant young international ensemble based in New York City. They are composed of graduates of The Juilliard School, The New England Conservatory, Harvard University, and the Curtis Institute of Music. Known for their sincere storytelling, commitment to artistic excellence, and versatile approach to repertoire, TSQ strives to foster conversation and genuine human connection through their performances and pedagogy.

Harriet Langley, violin I; Amelia Dietrich, violin II; Chih-Ta Chen, viola; Audrey Chen, cello.

Location: Wesleyan Chapel, Women’s Rights National Historical Park- 136 Fall St, Seneca Falls, NY

Special Event: Silkroad Ensemble with Rhiannon Giddens
2026-08-21 20:00 - 21:30 | The Vine Theater at del Lago Resort, 1133 NY-414, Waterloo, NY, 13165, United States
Skaneateles Festival

Special Event: Silkroad Ensemble with Rhiannon Giddens

*Please note: venue is ages 21 and over
Fri. August 21, 2026
8:00 PM
The Vine Theater at del Lago Resort
1133 Route 414, Waterloo, NY 13165

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Media Sponsor:

Rhiannon Giddens is “one of the most important musical minds currently walking the planet” (American Songwriter). The two-time GRAMMY Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning singer and instrumentalist, MacArthur “Genius” grant recipient, and composer of opera, ballet, and film leads the cross-cultural Silkroad Ensemble, founded by cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Their new program, Sanctuary: The Power of Resonance and Ritual, brings together top folk and classical instrumentalists from around the world.
Selections to be announced at a later date.
The performance will be held at The Vine Theater at del Lago Resort. This venue is ages 21 and up, IDs will be checked at the door.
Visit the del Lago Resort website for more information on the venue: Entertainment FAQ – del Lago Resort & Casino | Seneca County, NY
Members: Yo-Yo Ma, cello; Kinan Azmeh, clarinet; Jeffrey Beecher, double bass; Layale Chaker, violin, vocals; Shawn Conley, double bass; Nicholas Cords, viola; Sandeep Das, tabla; Pura Fé, lap – steel slide guitar, vocals; Haruka Fuji, percussion; Maeve Gilchrist, celtic harp, vocals; Colin Jacobsen, violin; Shaw Pong Liu, violin, erhu; Karen Ouzounian, cello; Cristina Pato, galician bagpipe (gaita); Shane Shanahan, percussion; Mazz Swift, violin, vocal;. Kojiro Umezaki, shakuhachi; Kaoru Watanabe, shinobue, taiko drums; Wu Tong, sheng, bawu, vocals; Mantawoman (fka Reylon Yount), yangqin.

KidsFest: Time Travel with the Terra String Quartet
2026-08-22 10:30 - 11:30 | Mandana Barn, 1274 State Route 359, Skaneateles, NY, 13152, United States
Skaneateles Festival

KidsFest: Time Travel with the Terra String Quartet

10:30 AM, Sat. August 22, 2026
Mandana Barn
1274 NY-359, Skaneateles, NY 13152

KidsFest Presented by:

David and Jan Panasci in loving memory of Faye Panasci
with additional support from: the Fletcher Foundation

TIME TRAVEL WITH THE TERRA STRING QUARTET
The Terra String Quartet takes you on a time-warp journey through three centuries of lively and lyrical string quartet music, from Mozart to present, in their interactive program for kids.

Harriet Langley, violin I; Amelia Dietrich, violin II; Chih-Ta Chen, viola; Audrey Chen, cello.

Location: Mandana Barn (1274 NY-359, Skaneateles, NY 13152)
Time: 10:30 AM
Kids Free; Adults $5 at the door
KidsFest is presented in loving memory of Faye Panasci

Festival Finale with Cécile McLorin Salvant
2026-08-22 20:00 - 21:30 | Robinson Pavilion at Anyela’s Vineyards, 2433 West Lake Rd, Skaneateles, NY, 13152, United States
Skaneateles Festival

Festival Finale with Cécile McLorin Salvant

Sat. August 22, 2026
8:00 PM
Robinson Pavilion at Anyela’s Vineyards

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Event Sponsored by:

Bob and Sally Neumann Fund for Jazz & Innovative Programming
Piano Sponsored by: Sarah and Kevin Goode, courtesy of Artist Pianos

Media Sponsor:

Three-time GRAMMY-winning vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant is one of today’s great jazz singers. In the words of Wynton Marsalis, with whom she has often performed, “You get a singer like this once in a generation or two.” Also a composer and 2025 Carnegie Hall Perspectives Artist, Salvant finds the connections between vaudeville, blues, theater, jazz, baroque and folkloric music. Join her for a mix of classic jazz tunes, French chansons, and newly composed songs.
Cécile McLorin Salvant, vocals; McSullivan Fortner, piano; Yasushi Nakamura, bass; Kyle Poole, drums
Selections to be announced from the stage.
