ALFRED — The MostArts Festival continues to draw a growing circle of world- class musicians to the Village of Alfred and the Festival’s unique celebration of the classical music tradition, as The Magic Returns.
Exactly what is the magic?
Let’s begin with the MostArts Festival Orchestra, which is an extraordinary international ensemble, with over a dozen countries represented on stage. From Russia, Serbia, Armenia, Belarus, Spain and Israel, to Korea, China, Japan, Panama, Columbia, Venezuela, Costa Rica and the USA, they are lead from the podium by an Israeli born conductor. And does this work?
According to Maestro Yuval Zaliouk, “The superb MostArts Festival Orchestra is a living proof that music is the best vehicle for international cooperation. Excellent musicians from all over the world use the common language of music for the sake of achieving one goal, one target and one purpose: perfect rendition of magnificent music that unite our musicians and audience. This is a United Nations of Orchestras.”
Founder and Artistic Director Lisa Lantz recently announced Russian pianist, Asiya Korepanova will join the MostArts Festival as its new Artist in Residence. Korepanova has been described as “a force of nature” and is returning for her fourth season as piano soloist and competition judge.
“I’m very excited and honored to have this phenomenal artist,” Lantz says. “Asiya Korepanova’ performances will be an extraordinary experience for MostArts audience members. This year she will perform Franz Liszt’s Piano Concertos No. 1 and No. 2 with the festival orchestra lead by guest conductor, David Itkin in what will be a magnificent evening of music making. We are fortunate to be hosting performances that our audiences should never forget.”
Throughout the Festival audience will hear each gifted musician in solo performance, chamber ensembles, and full symphony orchestra. These individuals have taken up the spirit of MostArts, and many members are founding members, committing themselves and their extraordinary musicianship to help an idea transforms into reality.
The Festival, now in its tenth year, has an established reputation of delivering on the promise of unusual excellence, inspiration, timeless culture, and magic.
The 2026 MostArts Festival opens Sunday, July 12 featuring Evelina Kleczek, winner of the 2025 MostArts Young Pianists Competition. The festival will be studded with outstanding performances, including “Musiquita” at the Family Concert, Monday, July 13; Asiya Korepanova Tuesday, July 15; the Young Pianist Competition Finalists, Thursday and Friday, July 16 & 17; pianist Avery Gagliano performing Chopin, and world premier work by composer & soloist, Gabriel Jenks at the Grand Finale Concert, Saturday, July 18.
All performances begin at 7:30 pm in Miller Theater on the Alfred University campus. Tickets are on sale at www.alfred.edu/MostArts and at the Box Office of Miller Theater prior to each concert.
