Originally published in Finger Lakes Times on January 25, 2025
While studying at Yale University, Geoffrey Herd began looking for meaningful opportunities to perform chamber music — and frequently traveled around the country to attend music festivals.
As he immersed himself in these events, he started to consider what made them so memorable: the inspirational performances, the picturesque venues, and the sense of community they fostered. That’s when it hit him: his hometown of Geneva — with its rich musical heritage, vibrant arts scene, and stunning Finger Lakes landscapes — could offer the perfect backdrop for a festival of its own.
So, in 2011, he decided to give it a try.
Today, as the Geneva Music Festival gears up for its 15th anniversary season, I spoke with Geoffrey, the festival’s founder and director, to learn more about its storied history and what’s in store for 2025.
Where it all began
The first Geneva Music Festival was modest — a two-concert event paired with a day of free school performances in the local district.
Geoffrey volunteered his time and recruited a few friends, who did the same. It was small, but it worked immediately. The community’s response was overwhelmingly positive.
“This was something people clearly wanted,” Geoffrey recalled. “We knew right away we could grow it into something bigger.”
Over the years, the festival has blossomed into a dynamic, multi-week event, drawing musicians from Geneva and across the country. The focus settled on bringing top-tier performances to the community, while expanding the number of events, venues, and outreach initiatives to connect with a wider audience.
World-class lineup
As the Geneva Music Festival celebrates its 15th year, Geoffrey’s original vision is more evident than ever. What began as a small, community-driven event has grown into a festival that attracts some of the most celebrated artists across multiple genres.
“The lineup this year is really exciting,” Geoffrey said. “We’re bringing in several Grammy Award-winning artists and some of the best musicians in their fields.”
This year’s festival will feature a blend of new guest artists alongside a dedicated group of returning favorites, many of whom have been with the festival since its early days. Among the exciting acts joining the festival in 2025 are the Cecile McLorin Salvant and Sullivan Fortner Duo, one of the top names in jazz, and Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper, regarded as one of the most distinguished bluegrass performers of our time.
“It’s a big deal to attract musicians of this caliber across many genres,” Geoffrey continues. “We’re thrilled to have them join us.”
The full festival lineup will be announced this week, and with such an accomplished list of musicians, the 2025 festival promises to be unforgettable.
“Every season gets better than the last,” Geoffrey proclaimed.
Celebrating Geneva’s charm
This season, Geoffrey is especially excited about diving into a partnership that explores the connection between two of Geneva’s most beloved crafts: wine and music.
Nestled in the heart of the Finger Lakes wine region, Geneva is home to some of the country’s most renowned winemakers. This partnership adds a distinctly local touch to the festival.
“This year, we’re diving into partnerships with winemakers,” Geoffrey explains. “It will create an experience that’s uniquely Geneva — blending live, world-class music with the finest wines in the area.”
The festival has always offered special meet-and-greet opportunities with artists after each concert. This year, these experiences will be enhanced with wine receptions with partnering venues and wineries, allowing festival-goers to savor both the music and the wine that make the Finger Lakes such a distinctive destination.
Continuing the mission
From its inception, the Geneva Music Festival’s mission has always been about presenting world-class music — and making that music accessible to everyone in the community.
Today, the festival’s outreach efforts include annual visits to local schools, the Boys and Girls Club of Geneva, the Geneva Family YMCA, and more. The festival’s commitment to accessibility is also reflected in its free concerts at local venues such as the Finger Lakes Visitor Center and the Geneva Public Library, ensuring that music reaches every corner of the community.
“The performances we bring are about the shared experience,” Geoffrey said. “Our audiences can hear the artists’ voices and feel their emotions. It’s a powerful, visceral experience.”
“The Geneva Music Festival is truly a community event,” he continued. “The support we’ve received from this city is unlike anything I’ve seen in other places. Few communities in the country could support something like this. It says a lot about Geneva.”
Save the dates
With its distinguished lineup, innovative partnerships, and experiences that celebrate the best of Geneva, the 2025 Geneva Music Festival promises to be a season like no other. Whether you’re a lifelong music enthusiast or a newcomer eager for an immersive cultural experience, this year’s festival offers something for everyone.
Mark your calendars for May 15 to June 8 and get ready to immerse yourself in the community and artistry that make the Geneva Music Festival so special. Stay tuned for more exciting updates as the season unfolds.
Season passes are available here.
This article was first published in Finger Lakes Times on January 25, 2025. You can read the full version here.