2026 International Lyre Conference Invitation

An Invitation to Members and Friends for the 2026 International Lyre Conference 

Dear LANA Members and Friends,

One year from now, in late July and early August of 2026, lyrists from all over the world will gather at the Goetheanum in Dornach, Switzerland for an international celebration in honor of the centenary of the lyre. During the next year, and beginning formally with our 2025 Lyre Conference in just a few weeks, members and friends will be hearing much more about the exciting musical activities planned for this special occasion.

Reproduction of the First Modern Lyre

 A prime spotlight for our 2026 gathering will be prepared concert offerings from different countries. The organizing committee expressed the wish to have the participation of the US in such an offering, and we are pleased to share that Christina Porkert, Saeko Shibayama, and Sheila Johns have agreed to be the organizers for the preparation of an America Lyre Ensemble to perform at our international conference next summer.

Participation in this ensemble is open for the consideration of any members or friends who are committed to traveling to Dornach for the conference, who are able to solidly learn the program of music being prepared, and who are willing and able to be present at the rehearsals that will be scheduled.

We will have an initial meeting during one of the post-lunch times in our upcoming conference in Copake, though it is not necessary to be at this organizing meeting in order to be a part of the ensemble. We will read through some music and discuss more details at that time, but we are aiming for a group of 12-14 at the most, and we are planning to schedule rehearsals for the whole group three times during the upcoming year – two of which will be mandatory for all participants. It will also be necessary to have a good spread of ranges in order to be able to form a balanced ensemble.

If you would be interested to learn more or to participate in this initiative, please contact Christina Porkert at cep@fairpoint.net before August 15th when our 2025 Conference begins.  

Warm Regards, 

Sheila Johns                                                                                                                    Christina Porkert                                                                                                             Saeko Shibayama