Events

SMF 2026 “Metamorphosis: Music of Change”

Join us for musical storytelling through chamber music inspired by themes of change! The 2026 festival will be held in Kansas City at the intimate Diastole Center in collaboration with UMKC.

Gala Concert + Reception

Thursday, May 21, 2026 (Ticketing info coming soon!)

6:30pm - 7:30pm Reception (Wine and light snacks provided)

7:30pm - 9:00pm Gala Concert featuring Madeline Barrett’s Whispers on the Wind for soprano, flute, saxophone, and piano (Winner of 2026 Call for Scores) and Cindi Hsu’s Four Songs for for soprano, flute, saxophone, and piano.

Invited Performer Concerts

Friday, May 22, 2026 (Ticketing info and performance repertoire coming soon!)

Concert No. 1 - 10:00 am

Performers:

Rose Bishop, Chris Johnson, Rachel Villareale

Stella Markou & David Colwell

Kelariz Keshavarz

Helena Hyesoo Kim & Curtis Pavey

Rose Bishop & Heather Neuenshwander

Sara Renner

Concert No. 2 - 11:30 am

Performers:

David Pelino & Suna Avci Gunther

Gina Hart Kemper, Elaine Fox, Jessica Koebbe

Kelariz Keshavarz

Helena Hyesoo Kim & Curtis Pavey

Rose Bishop, Chris Johnson, Rachel Villareale

Concert No. 3 - 3:00 pm

Performers:

Rose Bishop & Heather Neuenshwander

Rose Bishop, Chris Johnson, Rachel Villareale, bassoon

Stella Markou & David Colwell

Sara Renner

Kelariz Keshavarz

Suna Gunther, Jennifer Townsley, Sylvia Stoner, Sharon Campbell, Jessica Koebbe

Concert No. 4 - 4:30 pm

Performers:

Rose Bishop, Chris Johnson, Rachel Villareale

Sara Renner

Rose Bishop & Heather Neuenshwander

Kelariz Keshavarz

Helena Hyesoo Kim & Curtis Pavey

Stella Markou & David Colwell

Concert No. 5 - 6:00 pm

Performers:

Drew Leslie, Ian Lester, Jared Sherman

Suna Gunther, Jennifer Townsley, Sylvia Stoner, Sharon Campbell, Jessica Koebbe,

Kelariz Keshavarz

Helena Hyesoo Kim & Curtis Pavey

- Performers’ Reception to Follow -

Jun

Chamber Music Play-In

Thursday, June 12, 2025
9:00 AM 11:00 AM
Prairiewood's Blue Sage Barn (map)
Google Calendar ICS

Scheherazade Music Festival invites you to a FREE Chamber Music Play-In event on Thursday, June 12th, 2025 from 9am-11am at The Blue Sage Barn at Prairiewood in Manhattan, Kansas.

A Play-in is an opportunity for adult amateur and professional musicians to make music for music's sake: no pressure, no performance, just a chance to meet other musicians and collaborate on some pieces. Join our morning round robin-style playing event where musicians can form small chamber groups and read through some pieces together!

This program was made possible, in part, through the support of Associated Chamber Music Players (ACMP), an international service organization supporting chamber music for pleasure. Join ACMP – Membership is FREE!

Coffee and snacks provided upon arrival with a chance to socialize with fellow attendees. We look forward to ending this year's festival playing chamber music together!

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