September 17, 2026
Varnum
Headwaters is an intimate musical homecoming — a reflection on place, memory, and belonging. Inspired by Michigan’s vast waterways and natural landscapes, this recital traces the beginnings of artistic and personal identity, much like the headwaters that give rise to streams and rivers.
Through art songs and operatic arias inspired by the Great Lakes, wildlife, changing seasons, and the feeling of home, the program celebrates Michigan’s singular beauty while exploring what it means to leave, to grow, and ultimately to return. Both nostalgic and deeply personal, Headwaters is an homage to the landscapes that shape us long after we have traveled beyond them.
Presented on the rooftop deck at Varnum in downtown Grand Rapids on September 17, this open-air performance invites audiences to experience music, water, sky, and cityscape together — an evening where artistry and environment meet at the source.
Tickets
Private event: Mozart Society Members only
To learn how you can become a Mozart Society member, please contact Emilee Shen at eshen@operagr.org.
Cast
Valerie Beck | Soprano
