“Imagine US gave students the opportunity to experience what it means to be an artist beyond the classroom and the rehearsal room. They performed on some of the country’s most important stages, worked alongside extraordinary professional musicians, including many Interlochen alumni, and experienced firsthand the power of the arts to bring people together. Just as importantly, they learned to see themselves not simply as young artists, but as citizens and contributors whose voices, ideas, and creativity can have an impact on the world around them. Thanks to our amazing donors, that is the kind of transformative experience that an Interlochen education provides.” — Camille Colatosti, PhD, Provost
2025–26 HIGHLIGHTS | Imagine US
Celebrating Two Anniversaries, at Home and on the Road— and Imagining What’s Next
The flourishing of the creative youth voice at Interlochen was on vibrant display this March, as Academy students embarked on the Imagine US tour, kicking off Interlochen’s centennial celebrations while also reflecting on the 250th anniversary of the United States. In Interlochen, Detroit, Philadelphia, and Boston, an interdisciplinary, multimedia program guided audiences through snapshots of our nation’s past and present before imagining its future. American music anchored each performance, with works by Charles Ives and Reena Esmail and the world premiere of a newly commissioned cello concerto by Wynton Marsalis. Bookending each concert was “Imagine,” a song written and performed by student Sydney Kassekert (IAA 22–26), who invited audiences to conceive how future generations will leave
America better than they found it. In storied venues in Detroit, Philadelphia, and Boston, members of each city’s flagship orchestra—many of them, Interlochen alumni—performed alongside Academy musicians. Performing with them, too, were world-renowned cellists Yo-Yo Ma (Interlochen, Philadelphia, Boston) and Tommy Mesa (Detroit). Concurrent with the tour, Academy students who stayed on Interlochen’s campus enjoyed a “Home Edition” of Imagine US: a week packed with special workshops and master classes from visiting artists. Thanks to a combination of ticket sales and philanthropic support from more than 160 donors and families, the costs of Imagine US were fully covered.
GUEST ARTISTS
ACADEMY AND CAMP GUEST ARTISTS TO PERFORM, PRESENT, AND TEACH. 166 24
INTERLOCHEN WELCOMED
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2026 ANNUAL REPORT OF GIFTS
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