What makes Chautauqua unlike any other place? In addition to the beautiful place and connected community, people continually tell us that it is the “the MIX” that makes us unique. I find myself reflecting that it is not only the mix of program, but also the intersection of and collaboration between our program pillars — Arts, Education, Religion and Recreation — that creates an “only at Chautauqua” experience for you and yours. I wanted to share a few highlights of upcoming interdisciplinary experiences that will make your time here memorable:   

Sutton Foster and Kelli O’Hara will take the Amphitheater stage twice on July 2, beginning with a morning conversation about the legacy of leading ladies during our week on Icons and Instigators: Women Who Change the World. These bold changemakers then open the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra season that evening with Principal Pops Conductor Stuart Chafetz — that’s a lot to sing about! 

Natalie Merchant, a Jamestown native and original lead singer of 10,000 Maniacs, returns following her sold‑out 2023 Amphitheater performance. On July 29, during our week on Art and Artists Against the Odds, she will appear on the lecture platform to speak about the transformative power of arts education. Throughout the week, she will work directly with children on the grounds and in Jamestown, and on Sunday, Aug. 2, she will offer a free, family‑friendly matinee performance with the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra as she brings music, learning and service together in the spirit of Chautauqua. 

Singer-songwriter Amy Grant, long known as an artist of enduring faith, performs on July 31, following a 12:30 p.m. conversation with Chautauqua’s Director of Religion, Robert Wilson‑Black. From our denominational houses to the Amphitheater stage, Chautauqua continues to be a place where faith is explored not only through words, but through music and shared reflection. 

What do Kenny G and Chautauqua have in common? Chautauquan and co-author Philip Lerman! Kenny and Phil invite you to join them at 12:30 p.m. on Aug. 27 for a discussion of the memoir Life in the Key of G followed by an evening concert in the Amphitheater. From sharing stories to a book signing and an inspirational evening, this day traces an arc that is uniquely Chautauqua.   

We close the summer with our week on Gathering. Our program pillars explore how we gather, from lectures in the Amphitheater to Dance Theatre of Harlem and an Obon festival in Bestor Plaza. Lara Downes is a classical pianist that comes to us as a cultural activist that connects many aspects of this week. She will explore American songs with John McWhorter during our morning lectures series, perform during a Naturalization Ceremony in the Amphitheater in the afternoon, and entertain with jazz singer Kurt Elling in the evening. 

Our week on the Importance of Gathering embodies the promise of a Chautauqua experience: engaging the intellect in the morning, expanding the circle of belonging throughout the day and activating joy in the evening. As we look ahead to the 2026 season, I feel a deep sense of anticipation. Whether you come for a single day or for the full season, I hope you join me in the spirit of curiosity as we gather to learn, to be challenged and to celebrate together. Only at Chautauqua! 

Deborah Sunya Moore
Senior Vice President, Chief Program Officer
Chautauqua Institution