From the sounds of the Silk Road to the streets of Dublin, this year’s Summermusik festival will bring centuries of global music to stages across Greater Cincinnati.
Now in its 11th season, the chamber music festival will run July 30 to Aug. 23 and feature works spanning more than 400 years — from the Renaissance to brand-new premieres. The season includes 11 programs, international guest artists, and collaborations with local theaters, dance schools and choirs.
The 2025 lineup includes internationally known performers such as the Kronos Quartet, violinist Rachel Barton Pine, pianist Terrence Wilson and fiddler Liz Knowles. Local partners include Ensemble Theatre, University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) Prep, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Glee Club, Erickson Academy of Dance and the Riley School of Irish Music.
“Audiences can expect four weekends of discovery and joyful music making,” said Music Director Eckart Preu, who is in his ninth season leading the orchestra.
music director Eckart Preu
Behind the season
Festival themes this year include an exploration of music from countries along the ancient Silk Road, a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Art Deco movement, and a focus on traditional and contemporary Irish music.
Audiences will hear familiar pieces such as Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” and Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 1,” alongside new works by composers Jungyoon Wie, Marina López and Matt Browne, winner of the inaugural Kreitler Commission Competition. Tuvan throat singer SoRIAH is also scheduled to appear.
Summermusik will again offer three types of concert experiences: full chamber orchestra performances at the School for Creative and Performing Arts; “A Little Afternoon Musik” matinees with smaller ensembles; and “Chamber Crawls” held in nontraditional venues across the region. Admission to the Chamber Crawl series includes one alcoholic beverage.
New venues this year include the Irish Heritage Center, McHale’s Grand Ballroom, the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, Rhinegeist’s Clubhouse event ppace and Cincinnati Museum Center’s Reakirt Auditorium. Returning venues include The Redmoor and Corbett Auditorium at CCM.
For the first time, the festival will offer a discounted single ticket rate for young professionals under 40. Children under 13 can attend select mainstage and “A Little Afternoon Musik” concerts for free.
Subscriptions and single tickets go on sale to the public April 14.
Discover more from Movers & Makers
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.