Snapshots: 'Music for All' kicks off annual Linda Plaut Festival - Newton Beacon

Support nonprofit, nonpartisan news in Newton. GIVE TODAY.

Snapshots: ‘Music for All’ kicks off annual Linda Plaut Festival

Bryan McGonigle|May 11, 2026|Culture, Top|

plaut4

plaut4

Olga Lisovska performs at the Linda Plaut Festival of the Arts opening concert on May 9, 2026. Photo by Meryl Kessler

On Saturday night, Spark Newton, in collaboration with the City of Newton, kicked off the annual Linda Plaut Festival of the Arts with a concert at the City Hall War Memorial Auditorium. The program, titled “Music for All,” featured musicians from New Philharmonia and soprano Olga Lisovska and a finale sung by children from WeStar Academy.

Next Saturday, the festival continues with Springfest Newton, an all-day festival running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Newton City Hall.

The Linda Plaut Festival will continue through June and is made possible with sponsorship from the Plaut Mahoney Family, Honda Village and The Village Bank.

You can find the complete schedule of events here. And below are more photos from Saturday’s concert.

Spark Newton Executive Director Leandra Sharron, shown here with Spark Newton Board Chair Gloria Gavris, speaks at the opening concert of the Linda Plaut Festival of the Arts on May 9, 2026. Photo by Meryl Kessler

Mayor Marc Laredo speaks at the Linda Plaut Festival of the Arts opening concert on May 9, 2026. Photo by Photo by Meryl Kessler

Olga Lisovska performs at the Linda Plaut Festival of the Arts opening concert on May 9, 2026. Photo by Meryl Kessler

The Linda Plaut Festival of the Arts opening concert saw a packed house on May 9, 2026. Photo by Meryl Kessler

Children from WeStar Academy sing “Que Sera, Sera” at the Linda Plaut Festival of the Arts opening concert on May 9, 2026. Photo by Meryl Kessler

The Linda Plaut Festival of the Arts opening concert saw a packed house on May 9, 2026. Photo by Meryl Kessler

DONATE TO SUPPORT LOCAL NEWS

Your tax-deductible gift to the Newton Beacon keeps our community connected and its residents informed.

Get story alerts
twice a week:

Upcoming Events

SUBMIT AN EVENT

About Us

The Newton Beacon is an independent, nonprofit, and nonpartisan digital news organization reporting exclusively on Newton, Massachusetts. It is operated by the Newton News Foundation Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit organization led by a local, volunteer board of directors.

Contact Us

Business Queries: info@newtonbeacon.org
News Tips: editor@newtonbeacon.org
Submit a Letter: letters@newtonbeacon.org
Mail: PO Box 650102, West Newton, MA 02465

Get story alerts twice a week:

© Copyright 2025 The Newton Beacon | All Rights Reserved