Following the resounding success of their 2025 collaboration, the New Hampshire Music Festival is delighted to announce the renewal of its partnership with the Pemigewasset Choral Society for the opening Classics concert of the 2026 Festival. On Thursday, July 9, 2026, the two organizations will once again join to form the NHMF/Pemi Festival Chorus, performing Elaine Hagenberg’s Illuminare under the baton of Pemigewasset Choral Society Music Director William Gunn.

The 2025 Festival Choir performance of Vivaldi’s Gloria was met with enthusiastic response from audiences and musicians alike, reaffirming the power of large-scale choral collaboration and inspiring both organizations to continue the partnership into 2026. Choral works have long been a cornerstone of the New Hampshire Music Festival’s artistic legacy, and the ongoing collaboration with the Pemigewasset Choral Society continues this tradition while bringing new repertoire to our Festival audience.

Elaine Hagenberg’s Illuminare is a luminous, contemporary choral-orchestral work that celebrates themes of hope, light, and human connection. Known for her richly expressive musical language and soaring choral writing, Hagenberg has become one of today’s most performed living choral composers. Illuminare promises to be a moving and inspiring centerpiece for the opening of the 2026 Festival season. Listen to Illuminare and learn more about Elaine Hagenberg.

Community singers are warmly invited to participate in the 2026 NHMF/Pemi Festival Chorus. Those interested in receiving information about auditions and rehearsals are encouraged to complete the form below. The Pemigewasset Choral Society will communicate directly with singers as details become available.

The Pemigewasset Choral Society is an active community chorus based in Plymouth, NH with a rich 52-year history. It’s repertoire includes classical and contemporary works as well as folk songs, spirituals and music from stage and screen. Learn more about the Pemi Choral Society.