The Kent Blossom Music Festival, with an over-five-decades-long legacy, returns to Kent State for its 58th season, running from June 21 through July 26. As the only partnership of its kind between a major American orchestra and a public university, it partners with The Cleveland Orchestra to provide talented young artists with the unique opportunity to grow their skill sets and perform side by side with their mentors in a professional setting.
The presenting partner of the Kent Blossom Music Festival 2026 Season is the Kulas Foundation, which was established in 1937 with the primary purpose of supporting the musical arts in the Greater Cleveland area.
“The Kulas Foundation is proud to serve as presenter of the 58th season of the Kent Blossom Music Festival. For decades, the festival has played a vital role in nurturing the next generation of exceptional musicians while enriching the cultural life of our community through world-class performances and artistic collaboration. We are honored to support this remarkable tradition of musical excellence,” said Nancy McCann, president of the Kulas Foundation.
The festival will welcome 42 outstanding young musicians from prestigious music schools around the globe, including talented students from Kent State University’s Glauser School of Music.
“CAF — Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean — is proud to continue its partnership with the Kent Blossom Music Festival for a second consecutive year. At CAF, we understand music education not only as an artistic endeavor, but as a key condition and powerful tool for sustainable development in the region. It contributes to social cohesion, strengthens communities, and fosters regional integration. Supporting emerging musicians as they refine their artistry and prepare for the next stage of their careers is fully aligned with our mission, and we are honored to contribute to nurturing the exceptional talent participating in this year’s festival,” said Alejandra Claros, secretary general of CAF.
Kent Blossom Music Festival will host four faculty concerts featuring 19 professional musicians, 10 young artist concerts featuring student participants from around the world, and a side-by-side concert with The Cleveland Orchestra at Blossom Music Center. The Chamber Orchestra concert will be conducted by Taichi Fukumura, assistant conductor of The Cleveland Orchestra, and the side-by-side concert will be led by guest conductor Kevin John Edusei. All faculty concerts will be ticketed and take place in Kent State University Glauser School of Music’s Ludwig Recital Hall in Kent.
The Faculty Concert Series runs from June 24 to July 15 and will feature the following artists:
Wednesday, June 24, at 7 p.m.
Paul Huang, violin, and Amy Yang, piano
Wednesday, July 1, at 7 p.m.
Quintet of the Americas
Wednesday, July 8, at 7 p.m.
Benny Kim, violin; Pierre Lapointe, viola; Brook Speltz, cello; and Benjamin Hochman, piano
Wednesday, July 15, at 7 p.m.
The Blossom Quartet featuring members of The Cleveland Orchestra: Stephen Tavani, violin; Yun-Ting Lee, violin; William Bender, viola; and Dane Johansen, cello, with guest pianist Orion Weiss. This concert will also feature musicians of The Cleveland Orchestra: Genevieve Smelser, violin; Gareth Zehngut, viola; and Charles Paul, bass.
Young Artist Concert Series
The Young Artist Concert Series will present concerts throughout Northeast Ohio. These concerts will take place during the weekends of July 2-5 and July 17-19 at various venues, including the Hudson Library & Historical Society, Laurel Lake Retirement Community in Hudson, and Ludwig Recital Hall in Kent.
Season Finale at Blossom Music Center
The season ends with a concert at Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls on Saturday, July 25, with the Kent Blossom Chamber Orchestra performing at 6 p.m., followed by a side-by-side concert with The Cleveland Orchestra at 7 p.m.
More information about the performers, concerts, artist meet-and-greets, and post-concert receptions can be found at www.kent.edu/blossom/concerts.
Subscriptions and Tickets
Subscriptions and single tickets for the Faculty Concert Series are available now. Pricing options are available for college students, seniors and adults. Anyone 18 and under can attend free of charge. Advance orders are highly encouraged. Detailed ticket information can be found at www.kent.edu/blossom/ticket-information.
Please note that this announcement does not reflect the independent programming of The Cleveland Orchestra and Blossom Music Center. For information regarding concerts of The Cleveland Orchestra at Blossom Music Center, please visit www.clevelandorchestra.com.
About Kent Blossom Music Festival
Kent Blossom Music Festival is a 58-year-old educational partnership between Kent State University and The Cleveland Orchestra. During the summer, young artists from around the world study with members of The Cleveland Orchestra, Glauser School of Music faculty and guest artists on the Kent State University Kent Campus. On average, 16 faculty and young artist concerts are presented every season.
