Photo of Marcelo Lehninger, new conductor of the Bellingham Festival of Music conducting the orchestra.

2026 Season Recap

A Vibrant 2026 Festival Season in Bellingham

For the Bellingham Festival of Music, now in our 33rd year, 2026 was the season of America250. Along with musical ensembles across the country, we celebrated the 1776 signing of the Declaration of Independence the best way we know how. Under Marcelo Lehninger’s leadership, the program featured new compositions and brilliant young American soloists making their local debuts—including violinist Tessa Lark and countertenor Key’mon Murrah. We enjoyed patriotic favorites like Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, pieces that erupted in sonic fireworks (looking at you, Khachaturian Violin Concerto!), and even an astonishing String Quartet by Benjamin Franklin.

This was also the year we welcomed the second class of young conductors to the BFM Conducting Institute. Clancy Ellis and Heidi Cahyadi worked intensively with Marcelo before leading short pieces during the orchestra’s mainstage concerts. They’ll be back next summer for further study.

Among the greatest pleasures of our musicians’ summer appearances are their community concerts. Often featuring lighter programs, these performances take place in casual settings like Mallard Ice Cream and the Whatcom Museum, where families can bring the kids. This year, Stemma West Brewery opened its doors to brass music, and Makeworth Coffee Roasters served up chamber music alongside lattes—both were instant favorites!

And, of course, the Festival is renowned for its parties. We work hard, and we play hard. Musicians, board members, volunteers, sponsors, home hosts, and guest artists—we feel like one big group of old friends. Together, we enjoyed the gorgeous summer scenery, delicious potluck dinners, long-awaited reunions, and, above all, the brilliance of the music-making.