Leavenworth to host International Alphorn Festival and Workshop

LEAVENWORTH – The Leavenworth International Alphorn Festival and workshop will invite musicians, music lovers, and curious visitors to immerse themselves in the timeless traditions of the alphorn instrument over Memorial Day Weekend.

Players of all levels are welcome to the Northwest Alphorn Workshop, hosted at a private, riverfront park, with instruments available to rent. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from expert instructors, explore the heritage of the alphorn, and connect with fellow musicians.

The workshop will begin with a meet and greet on the evening of May 22, bringing in alphorn enthusiasts from throughout North America and Switzerland. A full schedule of classes, presentations, and hands-on sessions will continue throughout the weekend.

The International Alphorn Festival will hold a number of free public performances throughout the weekend, presented by the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce. Starting at 4:45 p.m. on May 24, an alphorn procession through downtown Leavenworth will culminate with a Front Street Gazebo concert at 5 p.m.

The next day, performances begin at 1 p.m. at the Leavenworth Ski Hill with an “Alpine Showcase,” where players will sound their horns in the natural amphitheater of the mountains. Another procession through downtown Leavenworth will begin at 3:45 p.m., followed by a grand finale concert at the Front Street Gazebo at 4 p.m.

The festival will kick off free alphorn performances all summer long. From Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day weekend, performances will be held at the Front Street Gazebo at 5 p.m. every Saturday.

The workshop and festival are organized by the Leavenworth Alphorn Association. Since 2015, the Leavenworth Alphorns have been sharing the traditional instrument with audiences of all ages, recruiting performers ranging in age from 12 years old to 75 years old. More information can be found at leavenworthalphorns.org.