250 Concerts: Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday
Washington, DC| New York, NY | Boston | Philadelphia
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday in 2026 by embarking with your ensemble on a historic journey featuring iconic cities that played pivotal roles in the nation’s founding – Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC. These cities are steeped in rich history, vibrant culture, and offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the patriotic spirit of the United States.
National Symphonic Invitational
Washington, DC| March 7-9, 2026
The National Symphonic Invitational is an exclusive music event historically held each Spring in the Concert Hall of Washington, D.C.’s John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Four select ensembles will be featured in performance at this historic concert venue. All participating orchestras are selected by application process through Music Celebrations.
Percy Grainger Wind Band Festival
Chicago, Illinois | March 14-15, 2026
Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center
The annual Percy Grainger Wind Band Festival will feature four outstanding wind ensembles conducting featured, stand-alone performances of Percy Grainger and other select literature in a matinee performance in Chicago’s Historic Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center. Each ensemble will also take part in a clinic with a noted band conductor.
Boston Symphonic Invitational
Boston, Massachusetts | March 28-29, 2026
Boston Symphony Hall
Music Celebrations International is pleased to produce the Boston Symphonic Invitational, taking place each Spring in the iconic Boston Symphony Hall. Few cities in the United States rival the historical and musical significance of Boston.
New York Symphonic Invitational
New York, NY | June 22-23, 2026
Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall
For musicians, the chance to perform at Carnegie Hall is both a milestone and a memory that will last a lifetime. Ensembles will also take part in a private clinic with a renowned composer and conductor, offering invaluable artistic growth and inspiration. This unique combination of performance and education ensures that every participant leaves the event not only as a better musician but also as part of a legacy of excellence.
Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival
Vienna, Austria | July 3-8, 2026
Musikverein & Wiener Konzerthaus
The Summa Cum Laude Festival in Vienna is Austria’s premier global youth music festival for choirs, bands, and orchestras. Taking place every July in Vienna’s two main classical concert venues, the Golden Hall of the Musikverein and the Konzerthaus, it offers an international environment where a thousand young musicians enjoy intercultural exchanges and build bridges that span continents.
New Year’s Festival Dublin
Dublin, Ireland | December 28, 2026 – January 2, 2027
Music Celebrations International is thrilled to partner with New Year’s Festival Dublin (NYF Dublin), Fáilte Ireland, and the Dublin City Council to present this unforgettable experience for marching bands to kick off the new year in Dublin, Ireland! Now in its ninth year, NYF Dublin is Ireland’s biggest New Year Celebration. The festival includes spectacular events taking place over 2 days. Bands will have the opportunity to march on New Year’s Eve before thousands as part of the NYF Dublin procession. This family friendly event includes street performers, dancers, artists, and bands from across the world.
National Symphonic Invitational
Washington, DC | March 13-14, 2027
Warner Theater
Music Celebrations International is pleased to present the National Symphonic Invitational, an exclusive music event that will take place on March 8, 2026 in the Concert Hall at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Four select instrumental ensembles will be featured in performance at this historic concert venue. Each ensemble will also take part in a festival clinic with renowned composer and conductor, Brian Balmages.
Percy Grainger Wind Band Festival
Chicago, Illinois | Spring 2027
Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center
The annual Percy Grainger Wind Band Festival will feature four outstanding wind ensembles conducting featured, stand-alone performances of Percy Grainger and other select literature in a matinee performance in Chicago’s Historic Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center. Each ensemble will also take part in a clinic with a noted band conductor.
Boston Symphonic Invitational
Boston, Massachusetts | March 13-14, 2027
Boston Symphony Hall
Music Celebrations International is pleased to produce the Boston Symphonic Invitational, taking place each Spring in the iconic Boston Symphony Hall. Few cities in the United States rival the historical and musical significance of Boston.
New York Symphonic Invitational
New York, NY | June 16-17, 2027
Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall
For musicians, the chance to perform at Carnegie Hall is both a milestone and a memory that will last a lifetime. Ensembles will also take part in a private clinic with a renowned composer and conductor, offering invaluable artistic growth and inspiration. This unique combination of performance and education ensures that every participant leaves the event not only as a better musician but also as part of a legacy of excellence.
Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival
Vienna, Austria | July 2 – 7, 2027
Musikverein & Wiener Konzerthaus
The Summa Cum Laude Festival in Vienna is Austria’s premier global youth music festival for choirs, bands, and orchestras. Taking place every July in Vienna’s two main classical concert venues, the Golden Hall of the Musikverein and the Konzerthaus, it offers an international environment where a thousand young musicians enjoy intercultural exchanges and build bridges that span continents.
New Year’s Festival Dublin
Dublin, Ireland | December 28, 2027 – January 2, 2028
Music Celebrations International is thrilled to partner with New Year’s Festival Dublin (NYF Dublin), Fáilte Ireland, and the Dublin City Council to present this unforgettable experience for marching bands to kick off the new year in Dublin, Ireland! Now in its ninth year, NYF Dublin is Ireland’s biggest New Year Celebration. The festival includes spectacular events taking place over 2 days. Bands will have the opportunity to march on New Year’s Eve before thousands as part of the NYF Dublin procession. This family friendly event includes street performers, dancers, artists, and bands from across the world.