Gateways Music Festival announces 2025–2026 season celebrating Black classical artistry

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Gateways Music Festival announces its 2025–2026 season, spotlighting Black classical artistry through live performances, national partnerships, and community engagement.

From Rochester to Winston-Salem, the Festival honors legacy, fosters innovation, and expands access to historically underrepresented voices in classical music.

Gateways Music Festival 2025: Terence Blanchard Headlines Fall Festival Centerpiece

This fall, Grammy-winning trumpeter Terence Blanchard headlines Gateways’ season centerpiece in Rochester, New York.

He joins pianist Joshua Mhoon, a rising talent currently studying at The Juilliard School.

Together, they will perform works that honor Black composers through dialogue, imagination, and expressive collaboration.

Their appearance marks a rare and powerful moment in Gateways’ history.

Chamber Works and National Collaborations Strengthen the Season

Throughout the season, Gateways will feature chamber works by composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor.

In February 2026, Gateways partners with the ASTA/SAA National Conference in San Francisco.

Festival President Lee Koonce leads the delegation, while Laing delivers a keynote address.

The Gateways Chamber Players will perform in a featured showcase concert.

These appearances deepen Gateways’ connection to string educators and expand its national impact.

Gateways Radio Expands Access Nationwide

Meanwhile, Gateways Radio continues to amplify Black classical music through a weekly, nationally syndicated broadcast.

Hosted by Loki Karuna, the show blends storytelling with powerful performances.

Listeners can tune in Saturdays at 4 p.m. on WDAV 89.9FM via wdav.org/listen.

It also airs Sundays at 11 a.m. on WXXI Classical 91.5 via wxxiclassical.org.

Gateways Brass Collective Tours the Midwest and South

The Gateways Brass Collective continues its national tour with stops in Grand Rapids, Orlando, Winston-Salem, Atlanta, and Fort Wayne.

The ensemble includes Herbert Smith, Courtney Jones, Larry Williams, Isrea Butler, and Jerome Stover.

Through performances and residencies, the quintet models excellence, accessibility, and community engagement.

Spring 2026 Homecoming Honors Festival’s Roots

In Spring 2026, Gateways returns to Winston-Salem—the city of its founding—for concerts, celebrations, and special recordings.

These events honor the Festival’s origins and its founder, pianist Armenta Hummings Dumisani.

Full programming details will be announced in early 2026.

🎟️ For tickets and updates, visit www.gatewaysmusicfestival.org.