Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival Announces Spring Highlights
AMELIA ISLAND, FL (April 2026) — The Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival (The "Festival") continues its 25th Anniversary Season with three spring events designed to welcome every generation: a free, interactive family jazz concert, a rare U.S. tour appearance by international piano star Khatia Buniatishvili (sold out with a waitlist), and a free showcase of outstanding local youth musicians honoring the legacy of former Executive Director Dr. Joe Marasco.
Free Family Concert: “Just Jazzin’ Around” with the Gary Motley Trio (April 18)
On Saturday, April 18, 2026 (3:00), the Festival presents Family Concert: Just Jazzin’ Around with the Gary Motley Trio, a fun, interactive introduction to jazz created especially for young listeners. The performance is free, with seats reserved at aicmf.org.
“This is the perfect event to bring your entire family to,” said Robyn Lamp, Executive Director. “It’s a concert where kids can run around and be themselves. You don’t have to worry about disturbing other concert-goers, because you’re all in the same boat enjoying a fun, interactive experience where you’ll learn about jazz.”
SOLD-OUT: Khatia Buniatishvili, piano (April 21) — Waitlist Available
On Tuesday, April 21, 2026 (7:00), the Festival welcomes Khatia Buniatishvili, the internationally acclaimed Georgian-French pianist celebrated for her expressive power and commanding virtuosity, for a recital featuring Schubert and Liszt. This event is currently SOLD OUT; patrons may call (904) 261-1779 to be added to the waitlist.
“We are thrilled to be presenting Khatia in our 25th Anniversary Season,” Lamp said. “Khatia performs all over Europe, and we are one of her rare stops in the United States during this tour, which only includes two other U.S. stages: Carnegie Hall and the Trump Kennedy Center.”
Marasco Young Artists’ Concert (May 9)
The Festival’s spring season continues with the Marasco Young Artists’ Concert on Saturday, May 9, 2026 (5:00), a new annual tradition spotlighting the next generation of musicians from Nassau County. This first annual concert will feature approximately 30 students ranging in age from 9 to 26, with performances including cello, clarinet, piano, voice, and the Allegiance Youth Choir. Admission is free, with seats reserved at aicmf.org, and the Festival will host a cookie and juice reception immediately following the concert so audiences can meet the performers.
“This is the first annual concert where we highlight the local talent we have right here in Nassau County,” Lamp said. “We are thrilled to be featuring 30 talented students in this concert, ranging in age from 9–26… and we are thrilled to carry on Dr. Marasco’s legacy with this incredible community-centered event.”
Event details
Free Family Concert: Just Jazzin’ Around with the Gary Motley Trio
Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 3:00
Maxwell Hall at Memorial United Methodist Church, 50 N 6th St, Fernandina Beach
Free — Reserve at aicmf.org
SOLD-OUT: Khatia Buniatishvili, piano
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 | 7:00
The Preserve at The Amelia River Club, 4477 Buccaneer Trail, Fernandina Beach
$75 | SOLD OUT — Waitlist: call (904) 261-1779
Marasco Young Artists’ Concert
Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 5:00
Memorial United Methodist Church, 601 Centre St, Fernandina Beach
Free — Reserve at aicmf.org (Reception following)
About the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival
Founded in 2001, the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit presenting world-class artists and advancing music education for audiences, students, and aspiring young musicians, while supporting the cultural and economic vitality of Nassau County and Northeast Florida.
Media Contact:
Robyn Lamp, Executive Director
Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival
(904) 261-1779 | r.lamp@aicmf.org