American Masterworks
Experience a high-octane opening to the 2026 season with an all-American program featuring two-time Grammy Award winning James Ehnes, one of the most acclaimed violinists performing today. From the jazz-infused streets of 1940s New York to the searching harmonies of mid-century America, this program captures the full expressive range of the American orchestral tradition.
James Ehnes is one of the most celebrated violinists of his generation and has won two Grammys, three Gramophone Awards and twelve Juno Awards, the most of any classical musician in history. Performing on the legendary “Marsick” Stradivarius of 1715, he brings centuries of history to every note he plays. While now a staple on the world’s most prestigious stages, Ehnes has a special history with the Peninsula Music Festival, having performed here early in his meteoric rise when both he and the PMF were still finding their place in the musical world. To hear him now — at the height of his international success — is a rare opportunity that regular concertgoers and newcomers alike shouldn’t miss.
Program
Bernstein | Three Dance Episodes from On the Town: Start the night with the jazzy, urban energy of Leonard Bernstein’s iconic Broadway-inspired score.
Joan Tower | Tambor: A modern masterpiece defined by its driving, percussive power.
Barber | Violin Concerto, Op. 14: James Ehnes takes center stage for this cornerstone of the violin repertoire, famous for its heart-wrenching melodies and a finale that demands breathtaking technical virtuosity.
Sousa | Stars and Stripes Forever: The night concludes with the ultimate American encore, ensuring you leave the theater on a high note.
Opening night at the PMF never disappoints, and the 2026 season opens with one of the strongest programs in recent memory. With a world-renowned soloist returning to his roots and a program that moves from the energy of Broadway to the grandeur of the concert hall, this is a performance that delivers on every level.
This is your chance to see a global icon in an intimate setting before he returns to the world’s largest stages.