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The Juliani Ensemble — violinist Julian Graef, cellist Anita Graef, and pianist Nathan Canfield — opens the Green Lake Festival of Music season with a free program that places Classical masterworks alongside bold American voices. Mozart’s sparkling Piano Trio in B-flat Major and Amy Beach’s richly expressive trio highlight the depth and lyricism of the chamber tradition, while David Baker’s Roots II and Paul Schoenfield’s electrifying Café Music bring jazz-infused rhythms, vernacular styles, and distinctly American musical storytelling to the forefront. Audiences are invited to a special pre-concert talk at 7:00 p.m., followed by an evening that celebrates the breadth of chamber music and the vitality of American repertoire.

This free concert also reflects a meaningful artistic connection central to the festival’s 2026 theme of musical relationships and continuity. The Juliani Ensemble shares close ties with Paul Graf’s Chamber Music Festival, a sister Wisconsin program, and has already built a history with the Green Lake Festival of Music through past collaborations. Departing Artistic & Executive Director Sam Handley reflects on that relationship: “They’re a young ensemble I’ve supported through our sister chamber program in Wisconsin. When we faced a last-minute cancellation due to weather, they stepped in with only hours’ notice and delivered a beautiful concert. That spirit of partnership and artistry made it clear we wanted to bring them back with real preparation and a program that shows what they do best.”

Opening the season with this ensemble underscores the festival’s commitment to artistic partnership while spotlighting American compositional voices that connect jazz, folk, and concert traditions — a fitting celebration of collaboration, heritage, and musical innovation.