Opening Night: Revolutionary Portraits

Skaneateles Festival Opening Night: Revolutionary Portraits Thurs. July 30, 2026 Concert at 7:30 PM Pre-Concert Talk at 6:30 PM, Doors Open at 6:00 PM First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles Event Sponsored by: Doug and Peg Whitehouse   The multiple GRAMMY Award-winning Pacifica Quartet kicks off the Festival’s 47th season, also the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Their program with narrator honors trailblazing women who have helped shape our nation. The evening features two commissions for narrator and string quartet: Jennifer Higdon’s tribute to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Gabriela Lena Frank’s portrait of environmental pioneer Rachel Carson—each blending powerful narration with vivid musical storytelling. The program ends with Dvořák’s beloved “American” Quartet.   Program: Backstage Pass: American Revolutions: 250 Years of Music Join the Festival Artistic Directors, narrator Julia Figueroa, and members of the Pacifica Quartet for a conversation about American music and the new musical portraits of Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and environmentalist Rachel Carson to be heard on this evening’s program. Revolutionary Portraits MENDELSSOHN String Quartet, Op. 13 GABRIELA LENA FRANK New work for Narrator and String Quartet JENNIFER HIGDON New work for Narrator and String Quartet DVOŘÁK String Quartet, Op. 96 (“American”) Upcoming Events “warmth of phrasing, dynamic control and superbly coordinated ensemble balance”  Gramophone Magazine WEEKDAY EVENING CONCERTS First Presbyterian Church The facility was rebuilt in 1998 and the church committed to using the building as a community resource to provide space for and host various Art Shows and Music Festivals, Education programs, Co-ops, and Community based youth programs. 97 E. Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY 13152 Parking for the First Presbyterian Church along Genesee Street or in the municipal parking lot located behind M&T Bank on Genesee St. or Doug’s Fish Fry on Jordan. There is also free parking at Skaneateles High School. From Syracuse and points east: Take Rte. 690 West to 695 West, then follow exit sign to Rte. 5 West. At the second light, turn left onto Rte. 321 (Bennetts Corners Road). Follow 321 until it ends in downtown Skaneateles. Turn left onto Genesee Street. The church is on the left, directly across from Lakeside Park and the Episcopal Church. From Auburn and points west: Take Route 20 (Genesee Street) to Skaneateles. Go through the center village and the church will be on the left, directly across from Lakeside Park and the Episcopal Church. Doors open at 7:30pm – Concerts begin promptly at 8pm The church is air-conditioned and the seats are cushioned church pews. All seating is “first come, first served” with“A” ticket seating being designated in the front rows of the church and “B” ticket seating in the back ½ of the church. Light refreshments may be available for purchase at Intermission. There are many restauran...