Now in its fourth season, Chamberfest Cheboygan has established itself as one of the premiere series for classical music in Northern Michigan. The series introduces listeners to the variety of music in the classical genre and features both established and up-and-coming musicians from around the world. The excellent acoustics of the Cheboygan Opera House make it an ideal setting for chamber music. This season includes six (6) outstanding concerts, exploring four centuries of great music performed by a wide range of ensembles.
Student (18 and under) tickets are FREE. To arrange for free student tickets, please visit or call the Box Office (Tuesday-Friday 12:00-4:00, 231-627-5841).
WindSync
Sunday, May 4, 7:30pm
Kicking off this year’s Chamberfest is WindSync, a dynamic wind quintet known for its vibrant performances that embrace classical works and contemporary compositions, all delivered with technical prowess and engaging artistry. Praised for eliminating the “fourth wall” between musicians and audience, the group creates a unique, intimate connection performances. WindSync has earned a reputation as “a group of virtuosos who are also wonderful people, too” (Alison Young, Classical MPR). The ensemble’s extensive touring includes appearances at renowned venues like the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, the Library of Congress, and the Ravinia Festival, as well as collaborations with distinguished artists and composers.
Avery Gagliano (piano)
Friday, May 16, 7:30pm
Join us at the Cheboygan Opera House for an unforgettable evening with Avery Gagliano, a celebrated young pianist hailed for her emotional depth and “distinctly narrative approach” to performance. Winner of the First Prize at the 2020 National Chopin Piano Competition, Avery has dazzled audiences at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Warsaw Philharmonic Hall, and the Louis Vuitton Foundation. As a finalist of the 2025 American Pianists Awards, she continues to captivate with her powerful interpretations of works by Chopin, Schubert, and more. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a rising star of the classical world in an intimate and inspiring setting.
Geneva Lewis and Julia Hamos (violin & piano)
Saturday, June 7, 7:30pm
Kiwi/American violinist Geneva Lewis is a highly acclaimed artist, recognized for her mastery and heartfelt performances. A recipient of prestigious awards like the 2022 Borletti-Buitoni Trust Award and the 2021 Avery Fisher Career Grant, she has performed with leading orchestras and esteemed conductors. Geneva is also a founding member of the Callisto Trio, known for their international performances and success in competitions. She is deeply committed to community engagement and music education.
Pianist Julia Hamos, known for her dynamic performances and adventurous approach to repertoire from Bach to contemporary composers, blends her American and Hungarian roots with an instinctive artistry. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music in London, she is an international performer, having played at venues like Wigmore Hall, Carnegie Hall, and the Kennedy Center. Hamos is also an acclaimed educator, passionate about the student-teacher dynamic, and recently signed with Naïve Records for upcoming solo recordings.
Orion Weiss (piano)
Thursday, June 19, 7:30pm
Joining us again at the Opera House is Orion Weiss. One of the most sought-after soloists and chamber music collaborators of his generation, Weiss is widely regarded as a “brilliant pianist” (The New York Times) with “powerful technique and exceptional insight” (The Washington Post). With a warmth to his playing that outwardly reflects his engaging personality, Weiss’s “delicate, even fingerwork” (Washington Classical Review) and “head-spinning range of colors” (Chicago Tribune) have dazzled audiences around the world. He has performed with all of the major orchestras of North America, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the New York Philharmonic.
Weiss’ program at the Opera House will include Bach’s Goldberg Variations.
Liv Redpath and George Xiaoyuan Fu (soprano & piano)
Sunday, July 6, 7:30pm
Soprano Liv Redpath, praised for her radiant voice and exceptional coloratura, is quickly gaining recognition worldwide in both opera and symphonic performances. In 2023/24, she debuted at the Royal Opera House and Staatsoper Hamburg, as well as The Metropolitan Opera. She also appeared at Santa Fe Opera and collaborated with major orchestras such as the Berliner Philharmoniker, Cleveland Orchestra, and Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. A versatile performer, Redpath’s repertoire spans from opera to chamber music and beyond. Her 2022/23 season included prominent roles in productions of Lucia di Lammermoor, Hamlet, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Chinese-American pianist George Xiaoyuan Fu, celebrated for his “stunning virtuosity” (Boston Music Intelligencer) and “phenomenal technique,” (Apple Music) is gaining international recognition for his fearless interpretations across a wide range of music. Recently awarded BBC Music Magazine’s 2024 Newcomer Award, he has performed at renowned venues like Carnegie Hall, Wigmore Hall, and Konzerthaus Berlin. Fu’s debut album MIRRORS received widespread acclaim, and his second solo album Colouring Book will be released in spring 2025. A frequent soloist and chamber musician, he is also a founding member of Trio Zimbalist and has collaborated with many renowned artists.
Ariel String Quartet
Saturday, August 2, 7:30pm
The Ariel Quartet, celebrated for its virtuosity and passionate performances, will conclude the 2025 Chamberfest series at the Cheboygan Opera House. Known for its remarkable musical insight and fiery execution, the quartet has been praised internationally for over two decades. The quartet has performed the complete Beethoven cycle on six occasions throughout the United States and Europe. The Ariel Quartet has captivated audiences worldwide. Highlights include a sold-out Carnegie Hall debut and performances with renowned artists like pianist Inon Barnatan and cellist Alisa Weilerstein. The Ariel Quartet has earned numerous awards, including the Cleveland Quartet Award, First Prize at the prestigious Franz Schubert and Modern Music Competition in Graz, Austria, and the Grand Prize at the 2006 Fischoff Competition. The Cheboygan performance promises to be a fitting finale to the Chamberfest series, showcasing the Quartet’s artistry and commitment to chamber music.
Their program, the last of the 2025 Chamberfest series, will include Schubert’s String Quartet No. 14, known as “Death and the Maiden”.