Interlochen Centenary Celebration Features Wynton Marsalis Concerto Debut

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Interlochen Center for the Arts celebrated its 100th anniversary with a concert at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, featuring a premiere of a new cello concerto by Wynton Marsalis performed by renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma. The program also included Charles Ives' sprawling Symphony No. 4 and a performance by the Interlochen Arts Academy Choir. While the event was packed with diverse elements, the Marsalis concerto and Ma's interpretation stood out as highlights.

Why it matters

Interlochen is a renowned arts education institution that has trained generations of musicians, dancers, and artists. Its centennial celebration showcased the school's commitment to nurturing young talent and presenting innovative new works alongside American classics. The Marsalis concerto premiere demonstrated the school's continued role in fostering creativity and artistic expression.

The details

The concert featured the Philadelphia Orchestra performing side-by-side with over 100 Interlochen student instrumentalists. The program included the premiere of Wynton Marsalis' new cello concerto, which eschewed traditional concerto form in favor of a thematically-connected suite that showcased Yo-Yo Ma's virtuosity and interpretive skills. The concert also included a rarely performed rendition of Charles Ives' Symphony No. 4, which the Interlochen Arts Academy Choir accompanied with atmospheric vocal moments.

• The concert took place on Friday, March 13, 2026 at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia.
• The Marsalis cello concerto received its world premiere at this event.

What’s next

The Interlochen centenary concert tour will continue with performances by the Interlochen students and the Boston and Detroit orchestras in the coming months.