Honoring the Past. Shaping the Future.​​

Throughout history, women artists have shaped the world with their voices, visions, and creativity—often against immense challenges. “Her Legacy, Our Voice” is a powerful panel discussion that brings together three artists who are strengthening the legacy of women in the arts while paving their own distinct creative path.

Dr. Chen Yi, one of this century’s most influential composers, brings her perspective on culture and humanity, having grown up in China during the Cultural Revolution. A former concertmaster of the Peking Opera Orchestra, she seamlessly blends Chinese traditional and European classical styles into a language uniquely hers.

LunART welcomes back mezzo-soprano Adriana Zabala, who will portray the lead role in The Trial of Susan B. Anthony, a dramatic song-cycle by Steven Mark Kohn, at the 2025 festival. The Fulbright Scholar shines in roles that exemplify feminine strength, and was featured in our 2023 Festival in “NADIA,” a chamber music play celebrating the remarkable life of the influential composer/teacher/conductor Nadia Boulanger.

Official portrait artist of the Cleveland Browns, Desere Mayo creates powerful images that tell a personal story through the medium of pencil and paper. A Madison- based artist, Mayo researches her subjects, both historical and contemporary, as she incorporates biographical details into her artwork.

Join us as we examine the current landscape for women artists and discuss how we can collectively uplift and celebrate their contributions. Through meaningful conversation, we aim to inspire action and empower artists to carry forward the voices of those who came before us.

Commissioned Artwork
In addition to her participation in the panel discussion and performances, Desere Mayo has been commissioned by LunART to create a commemorative artwork for the Festival 2025 theme, “Her Legacy, Our Voice.” Varieties of her artwork will be available for purchase at all festival events.

Full 2025 Festival Schedule:

“Her Legacy, Our Voice” Panel Discussion – FREE Admission
Wednesday, May 28, 7:30 PM
The festival will commence with a powerful panel discussion, bringing together three distinguished artists– Composer-in-Residence Dr. Chen Yi, vocalist Adriana Zabala, and portrait artist Desere Mayo – who are actively strengthening the legacy of women in the arts while forging their own unique creative paths.

Gala Chamber Music Concert: HER LEGACY
Friday, May 30, 7:30 PM
Audiences will experience an electrifying journey featuring the vibrant energy of 2025 Chen Yi’s “Qi,” followed by the 2025 Call for Scores Winner Lingbo Ma’s “Dance Unleashed,” a sonata by Eugenie Rocherolle, and a powerful performance of Steven Mark Kohn’s gripping musical drama, “The Trial of Susan B. Anthony,” brought to life by guest mezzo soprano Adriana Zabala.

Gala Chamber Music Concert: OUR VOICE
Saturday, May 31, 7:30 PM
OUR VOICE promises a whirlwind of bold and breathtaking music by an extraordinary lineup of composers, including the trailblazing Rebecca Clarke, the masterful Louise Farrenc, Composer-in-Residence Chen Yi, Sato Matsui in a highly anticipated world premiere, and a spotlight on rising talents – 2025 Call for Scores winners Stella G. Gitelman Willoughby and Jennifer Margaret Barker.

Composers Hub Spotlight Chamber Music Concert – FREE Admission
Sunday, June 1, 2:30 PM
The festival will conclude with the Composers Hub Spotlight Concert. This grand finale of unites seven composers from across the globe, whose distinct creative voices are shaping the landscape of 21st-century music. LunART’s 2025 Composers Hub Cohort will join forces with Composer-in-Residence Dr. Chen Yi for a week of workshops and collaboration, culminating in this one-of-a-kind sonic palette. A reception will follow the concert!

LunART Festival is supported by the Amphion Foundation, Arts and Literature Laboratory, Bolz Center for Arts Administration, the BRAVA Magazine, Dane Arts, Ian’s Pizza, Madison Arts Commission with additional funds from the Wisconsin Arts Board, Marriott Daughters Foundation, Microtone Media, Pleasant T. Rowland Foundation, Willy Street Co-op, WORT, and WYSO.

LUNART’S MISSION is to support, inspire, promote, and celebrate ALL women in the arts through public performances, exhibitions, workshops, and interdisciplinary collaboration; thus enriching our community and creating a welcoming space for learning and experimentation.