Chelsea Music Festival Artistic Directors Melinda Lee Masur and Ken-David Masur announce programming for the 2026 Festival—titled Every Story Counts—which takes place in New York City, from June 20–27.

Called a “gem of a series” by The New York Times, this acclaimed summer festival presents a week of concerts, receptions, visual art, and family and community events exploring American stories through classical music, jazz, and the visual and culinary arts. The 2026 season features an exceptional 12 New York Premieres and 1 World Premiere.

This season, our theme “Every Story Counts” draws inspiration from the phrase “Every Vote Counts,” where each person’s vote is dignified and counted in a democracy. We celebrate the power of music and storytelling to preserve and elevate the voices of people from all walks of life in America,” said Festival Artistic Directors Melinda Lee Masur and Ken-David Masur. “As we contemplate America’s 250th anniversary, we welcome the voices of composers, musicians, artists, chefs, and creators who contribute to the cultural fabric of this country and strive to elevate our shared humanity. Our hope is to continue providing a stage and safe haven for the exchange of ideas and differences, and a fertile ground for artistic collaborations between the performing, visual, and culinary arts. This season, Every Story Counts, will be an uplifting feast for the ears, eyes and palate, and a welcome place for audiences of all ages and backgrounds.”

Highlights of the 2026 Festival include Copland & Twain on June 25— a theatrical concert directed by Bill Barclay and produced by Concert Theatre Works, weaving Aaron Copland’s incidental music with the writings of Mark Twain, performed by five actors with the Festival Chamber Orchestra conducted by Ken-David Masur. Masur will also conduct Ania Vu’s Water Realms later in the week.