The Skaneateles Festival has announced Hudson Brenner, a graduating senior from Fayetteville-Manlius High School, as the winner of the 2026 Robinson Award. The award, established in 2002 to honor the legacy of David and Louise Robinson, recognizes young musicians who are proficient in their craft and demonstrate dedication to their community through service.
Additionally, Brenner will receive a $3,000 cash prize and the opportunity to perform a special prelude concert on August 13 at 6:30 P.M. at the First Presbyterian Church in Skaneateles. His performance will be Skaneateles’s headliner, American Revolutions, featuring soprano Elizabeth Sutphen, flutist Erin Lesser, and violinist David McCarroll, beginning at 7:30 P.M. Doors open at 6:00 P.M., and tickets are required for entry.
Brenner’s musical path has fostered his versatility and commitment to his music through his performances with Fayetteville-Manlius High School’s Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Chorale, Swing, and Pit Orchestra. Brenner has participated in the Syracuse Young Artists Orchestra and Syracuse Youth Repertory Orchestra. In addition to his ensemble work, he has performed as a solo pianist and collaborative musician at community events, church services, and seasonal concerts throughout Central New York.
Moreover, beyond his talent, he has also placed first in the Senior and Intermediate Divisions of the CNY Association of Music Teachers Piano Competition, placed second in the Civic Morning Musicals/Syracuse Orchestra Youth Concerto Competition, received the Klingerman Award from Civic Morning Musicals, and the orchestra and chorale Award from Fayetteville-Manlius High School.
Brenner’s is praised for his technical skill and interpretive depth. He currently studies piano under Ida Tili-Trebicka. Additionally, Brenner’s impact extends far beyond the piano. He is also a dedicated leader and volunteer who has served as the President of Chorale, Secretary of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, President of the National German Honor Society, and a member of the National Honor Society and Science Honor Society.
Brenner’s dedication to music and his community has manifested in other areas of his life by contributing a sense of commitment through community service and education, with performing at nursing homes, mentoring younger students, assisting with science laboratories, participating in environmental cleanup efforts, and teaching science and German language/culture to children.
Brenner’s passion for bridging science and the arts is evident in his academic pursuits. This fall, he will be attending Johns Hopkins University, where he plans to major in Physics and minor in Piano.
The Skaneateles Festival, now in its 46th season, starting this July 30 and going until August 22, continues to uphold its mission as a premier summer music festival in the Finger Lakes region. Known for its cutting-edge programming, the festival attracts musicians from all over the state of New York and continues to engage the community through education, music, and its outreach. This year’s lineup is anticipated to include jazz, classical, Broadway, and bluegrass, offering something for every music lover across New York. Festival-goers can look forward to free Section B youth tickets (reservable in advance by calling 315-685-7418 or emailing music@skanfest.org) and $10 college student tickets (available at the door). For those eager to witness Brenner’s talent, tickets for the August 13 concert are now on sale at skanfest.org/tickets.
For more information about the Skaneateles Festival and its upcoming events, visit skanfest.org.
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