Gregory Sheppard, Artistic Director
David Ross, Music Director and Conductor
Invest in Local Art and Culture
'Your contribution fuels our mission to bring free music to Syracuse "
Help us bring the magic of Festival of Music to life by supporting our upcoming summer series. As a community-driven celebration of music and culture, we rely on generous supporters like you to help us cover costs. Please consider a donation of any amount to ensure this vibrant festival remains accessible to all.
To contribute , visit our Donate page or contact Gregory Sheppard at basssheppard@yahoo.com, (646)275-6349 to discuss becoming a donor . We also accept PayPal and CashApp.
Festival of Music receives contributions through our 501(c)3 fiscal sponsor, Tucker Missionary Baptist Church. Your contributions are tax deductible. Thank you for giving!
The Harlem Renaissance and the music, the rhythm, the poetry, the literature, the culture, the people and a cultural explosion that went around the world. Blues, Jazz, Gospel, and African American Art Songs on July 14, 2026 at 7:00pm.
This concert is in memory of Sidney Manes, a friend and supporter of Festival of Music, and is made possible through the generosity of Ms. Amy Zamkoff.
Artwork Adobe Stock
YOUNG ARTIST CONCERT
Nagi Aitbayeva, violin (l) and Klark Johnson, soprano (r) join Festival of Music on Tuesday evening, July 21 at 7:00pm in Tucker Missionary Baptist Church, 515 0akwood Ave. The Young Artists Concert gives our talented artists the opportunity to perform as soloists with the Festival Orchestra and our conductor David Ross.
The concert is partnered with, and financially supported by Syracuse Friends of Chamber Music. Festival of Music gratefully acknowledges their generous support.
Steve Kulick, President, Syracuse Friends of Chamber Music
Gregory Sheppard, Artistic Director , Festival of Music
Jeremiah Abiah, tenor is an international soloist and recording artist. Mr. Abiah is a graduate of Syracuse University and New England Conservatory. He will bring his rich voice, versatility and joy of singing to Syracuse on July 14 when Festival of Music celebrates The Harlem Renaissance.
Patrice Eaton, mezzo-soprano is a Festival of Music and Syracuse audience favorite.
Miss. Eaton is soloist this summer season in On Broadway on July 28, 2026.
Priyantha Fernando performs in Celebrating The Harlem Renaissance on July 14. The multi-talented young artist is in his fifth season with Festival of Music.
Internationally acclaimed Kearstin Piper Brown, soprano, returns to Festival of Music as soloist in ON BROADWA Y.
Ms. Brown will be heard in selections from PORGY AND BESS and SHOW BOAT. She was last heard with Festival of Music as soprano soloist in Mozart's EXULTATE JUBILATE in 2023. The highly sought after soprano has recently been heard with the Metropolitan Opera, Chicago Lyric and the Rochester Philharmonic. Other artists joining Ms. Brown in selections from RAGTIME and SOUTH PACIFIC will be Patrice Eaton, Steven Stull, Gregory Sheppard , conductor David Ross and the Festival Orchestra. The concert is free with donations accepted at the door.
ON BROADWAY
July 28, 2026 at 7:00pm
Tucker Baptist Church
515 Oakwood Avenue,
Syracuse, NY 13205
2026 SEASON
CELEBRATING 5 YEARS
Join us this spring, summer, next winter and celebrate with us our fifth year of exciting concerts, exciting artists, exciting venue and an excited audience!
FIVE YEARS AND FIVE CONCERTS
ELIOT FISK
THE HARLEM RENAISSANCE
ON BROADWAY
THREE YOUNG ARTISTS
AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS
Festival experiences
"You know how sometimes there's just no way to describe an experience to someone beyond saying, "You had to be there?" Well..."Your had to be there ." It was extraordinary Thanks, Gregory Sheppard for the thought, time and commitment that produced the end result. Same time next year? Vicki Feldman
Our new Festival of Music logo was designed by artist, Vicki Feldman. Vicki is a member of the Festival of Music team.
Capture the moment
Explore the vibrant atmosphere and unforgettable moments captured at Festival of Music. Dive into our gallery to relive the excitement and see what makes our festival a truly unique experience.
"What a magnificent evening you gave us on Friday. Not only was the music moving , the voices exquisite but you were a master of pedagogy. The evening so satisfied both my aesthetic and intellectual needs. And what was equally thrilling was to be at a performance that was racially mixed. We're looking forward to the next performance!'
Amy Zamkoff
"I am happy to support Festival of Music."
Richard Jaeger
"I've been to many music festivals, but Festival of Music stands out. The organization was top-notch, and the atmosphere was electric. I'll definitely be back next year!"
Oliver Hartman
Get in touch
Festival of Music
Tucker Missionary Baptist Church
515 Oakwood Avenue
Syracuse, NY 13202