Winter Reflections and Summer Dreams

Here in early-December 2025, with the holidays approaching and the new year on the horizon, we find ourselves in a quiet moment of reflection—and, as always, looking ahead with gratitude and excitement.The coming weeks bring one of our most cherished traditions: the 17th Annual Invitational at Carnegie Hall on January 18, 2026. This beautiful matinee in the Isaac Stern Auditorium is a non-competitive celebration of pre-professional dance, choral, and instrumental ensembles from around the world.

We gather near MLK Day to honor unity, expression, and lifelong dedication to the arts—presenting the Del Kieffner Award this year to the remarkable Sheela Ramanath, MFA, and continuing beloved traditions like our Rose Ceremony. It's a day when young artists step into the legacy of that legendary stage, supported by directors, families, and mentors who believe in them deeply.If you lead or know a talented group ready for this experience, there's still time to join us—spaces are limited, and we would love to welcome you.

And yet, even as January's crisp New York winter calls, a familiar video pulled us forward today into the warmth of summer memories and dreams. We were watching one of our own past Summer Stages Lisbon videos—just for personal inspiration on this gray December afternoon—and it worked its magic instantly. The sunlight on young faces, the energy of workshops, the joy of performing outdoors… it reminded us all over again why Lisbon was chosen as the 2026 site for our festival.

Here it is, in case you need a little dose of summer too:

From the triumphant winter spotlight we’ll create at Carnegie Hall to the sun-soaked renewal of Summer Stages Lisbon 2026, these milestones remind us how privileged we are to walk alongside young artists as they grow, connect, and shine.

If either journey calls to you—for January in New York or summer in Portugal—please reach out.  We would love to help make it possible.

​P.S. Sometimes all it takes is one video on a December day to remember why we do this.