From the Desk of Trey Devey: Where legends and learners meet
President Devey previews the launch of the Shirley Young Distinguished Artist Series and how it will inspire the next generation of artists.
For nearly a century, Interlochen has been a place where aspiring young artists have witnessed greatness up close—where unforgettable names like Van Cliburn, Jessye Norman, John Philip Sousa, and Yo-Yo Ma have not only taken the stage, but also inspired generations of students through their presence, their artistry, and their example.
This powerful tradition continues today.
Each summer, Interlochen is transformed by the convergence of young artists from around the globe—drawn together by a shared passion and boundless curiosity. It’s this dynamic energy—fueled by creativity, collaboration, and challenge—that gives Interlochen its unmistakable spark.
This summer, that spark will be kindled by something extraordinary.
On August 2, we’ll welcome pianist Lang Lang to Kresge Auditorium for his Interlochen debut as the inaugural guest in the Shirley Young Distinguished Artist Series. His appearance marks the beginning of a bold new initiative—one that builds on Interlochen’s proud legacy while introducing a thrilling new chapter.
Conceived as a deep and immersive exchange between celebrated artists and the young musicians of Interlochen Arts Camp, the Shirley Young Distinguished Artist Series honors the life and legacy of a true visionary: the late Shirley Young, a trailblazing business executive, cultural ambassador, and emeritus trustee of Interlochen. Her life was a testament to the belief that the arts can build bridges, foster understanding, and elevate the human experience. Thanks to the generous support of the US-China Cultural Foundation, that belief will live on through this extraordinary series.
Our inaugural event features Lang Lang, one of the most electrifying pianists of our time, performing Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” with the World Youth Symphony Orchestra (WYSO) under the baton of Cristian Măcelaru, Interlochen alumnus and Music Director Designate of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. The concert will also feature Măcelaru conducting John Williams’ “Raiders March” from Indiana Jones performed by the Interlochen Philharmonic (IP); Gershwin’s An American In Paris performed by the IP under the baton of Louis Langrée, Director of the Théâtre National de l’Opéra-Comique in Paris and Conductor Emeritus of the CSO; and Williams’ “The Throne Room and End Title” from Star Wars conducted by Langrée and performed by WYSO.
In addition to the public performance, Lang Lang will offer a master class for our Camp piano students and spend the week in residence with our community.
But this is only the beginning.
In 2026, the series continues with a residency and performance by Renée Fleming, one of the most acclaimed sopranos in history. In addition to leading master classes and staging a multimedia concert performance of Voice of Nature: The Anthropocene, she will host a Music and the Mind symposium in partnership with Munson Medical Center—bringing together experts to explore the intersection of music, health, and neuroscience.
In 2027, we’ll be joined by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, whose weeklong residency spanning both classical music and jazz will include concerts, student workshops, and a culminating performance with WYSO featuring one of Marsalis’ compositions.
Together, these residencies will provide more than just concerts—they will create unforgettable learning experiences, spark lifelong memories, and help shape the next generation of artists.
As we prepare to celebrate Interlochen’s Centennial in 2028, the Shirley Young Distinguished Artist Series is a shining example of how we are building upon our proud legacy while boldly imagining the future. Thanks to the vision of our supporters, net proceeds from these concerts will be directed to an endowment to allow Interlochen to engage exceptional artists for years to come—creating a self-sustaining fund to bring artists of this caliber to Interlochen for generations to come.
To the family of Shirley Young, the US-China Cultural Foundation, and all who are making this dream possible: thank you. Your generosity ensures that Interlochen will remain a place where legends and learners meet—and where inspiration lives on.
With deep gratitude,
Trey
