The Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra makes its exciting Carnegie Hall debut at Zankel Hall, led by Dr. Libor Ondras. Renowned for their expressive performances and dynamic presence, the orchestra brings the rich musical traditions of northern Michigan to one of the world’s most prestigious stages.

The program features Milhaud’s vibrant Le Bœuf sur le Toit, Bruch’s expressive Double Concerto in E minor featuring violinist Dylana Jenson, Dvořák’s lyrical Czech Suite, and Michael Daugherty’s colorful Sunset Strip. Together, these works showcase the ensemble’s warmth, virtuosity, and stylistic range. This performance promises a stirring evening of exceptional music-making in one of Carnegie Hall’s most distinctive spaces.

DR. LIBOR ONDRAS, MUSIC DIRECTOR

Dr. Libor Ondras is an award-winning conductor and violist, internationally recognized for his artistry and leadership. A recipient of the Slovak Ministry of Culture Fellowship, he began his formal training at the prestigious Moscow Conservatory under the legendary Yuri Bashmet, continued at the Academy of Arts in Prague, and earned his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Houston.

Dr. Ondras has collaborated with distinguished conductors and soloists, performing with orchestras across the United States, Europe, and Japan. He has made his Carnegie Hall debut under the baton  of Sir Solti and Suntory Hall under maestro Eschenbach. He has presented lectures and recitals for the American Viola Society and the International Viola d’Amore Society in Us and Europe. His scholarly work was published in the Journal of the American Viola Society.

Recent highlights include a residency at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, a solo performance with the Northwest Sinfonietta in Washington, leading the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra’s featured performance at the League of American Orchestras National Conference, and a research collaboration with the Belle Violinmaking School in Bilbao, Spain.

Dr. Ondras serves as Director of Orchestras and Professor at Grand Rapids Community College, Lecturer of Viola and Chamber Music at Central Michigan University, Music Director of the Kent Philharmonic Orchestra and the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra, Guest Conductor of the Slovak State Opera, and Artist-in-Residence at both the Bay View Chautauqua Music Festival in Michigan and the InterHarmony International Music Festival,Italy.

In 2026, Dr. Ondras will lead the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra in its Carnegie Hall debut, marking a milestone for the ensemble and for northern Michigan’s cultural landscape.

DYLANA JENSON, VIOLIN

A child prodigy, Dylana Jenson began studying violin with her mother at the age of two years and ten months, later continuing her training with some of the world’s most distinguished violin teachers and internationally renowned concert artists. She made her performance debut at age 8 and quickly gained national attention, appearing at age 9 on a Jack Benny television special and at age 12 on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.

By age 11 she had performed with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and by 13 she had appeared with leading orchestras throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. At 17, she achieved international acclaim when she won the Silver Medal at the prestigious International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow, becoming the youngest and first American woman in the history of the competition to receive this honor.

A violinist of extraordinary artistry and international acclaim, Dylana Jenson continues to captivate audiences worldwide. The Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra is honored to feature her as the soloist for its historic Carnegie Hall debut.

PROGRAM

Monday June 8, 2026 at 7:30 PM
ZANKEL HALL

Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra 
Dr. Libor Ondras, music director

DARIUS MILHAUD Le Bœuf sur le Toit, Op. 58
ANTHONY PATTERSON, The Match Concertante
MAX BRUCH Double Concerto in E minor, Op. 88
                    Dylana Jenson, violin
                    Libor Ondras, viola
                    David Lockington, guest conductor 
ANTONÍN DVOŘÁK Czech Suite in D major, Op. 39
MICHAEL DAUGHERTY Sunset Strip