From April 30 to May 10, 2026, Kalamazoo, Michigan, will become a mecca for piano lovers as the Irving S. Gilmore International Piano Festival returns with its first annual edition, transforming the city into a celebration of both classical and jazz piano artistry. Over 11 days, the Festival will feature more than 75 events, ranging from concerts and family-friendly performances to master classes, film screenings, and exclusive artist collaborations.
Founded in 1989, the Gilmore Piano Festival has long drawn thousands of fans and artists to Southwest Michigan. This year marks a shift from a biennial to an annual festival, reflecting the growing demand for immersive piano experiences. “Over 11 days, thousands of patrons from around the world will transform Kalamazoo into a vibrant hub of creativity, culture, and connection,” said Pierre van der Westhuizen. “Building on the success of the Gilmore Artist Awards and this year’s inaugural Larry J. Bell Jazz Artist Awards, we’re excited to present the top pianists of both classical and jazz music.”
The 2026 Festival bridges classical tradition, contemporary innovation, and jazz’s evolving landscape. Programming highlights iconic performers such as Joshua Bell, Brad Mehldau, Kirill Gerstein, and Alexandre Kantorow alongside rising stars. World premieres, commissioned works, and interdisciplinary performances explore the piano’s role as both a solo instrument and a unifying force across genres and cultures.
This year also marks the inaugural Larry J. Bell Jazz Artist Awards, honoring Sullivan Fortner as Jazz Artist Awardee and Esteban Castro and Tyler Bullock as Bell Young Jazz Artist recipients. Their performances will be central to the Festival’s programming, highlighting jazz alongside classical showcases and family-friendly events.
Venues throughout Kalamazoo and Southwest Michigan — from historic concert halls to intimate clubs, community spaces, and family-oriented stages — will host performances, creating a city-wide celebration of the piano. Surrounded by rolling countryside, art galleries, wineries, and the natural beauty of nearby Lake Michigan, the region becomes a dynamic backdrop for this multi-genre festival.
With its expansion to an annual event, the Gilmore International Piano Festival offers more opportunities for creative exploration, audience engagement, and collaboration across musical worlds, solidifying Kalamazoo as a must-visit spring destination for music lovers everywhere.