Britt to Honor Founder John Trudeau with Stage Dedication and Community Celebration
Jacksonville, OR – Monday, April 27, 2026: This summer, Britt will host a special community event, Honoring Britt’s Founder: A Dedication and Picnic Celebration, recognizing the life and legacy of founder and longtime music director John Trudeau, whose vision helped establish Britt as a cultural cornerstone of Southern Oregon.
The celebratory evening will take place on Tuesday, June 23 at 5:30 PM the Britt hill, where community members, members of the Trudeau family, Britt alumni, and friends will gather to reflect on the lasting impact of John Trudeau and the important role he and his wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Trudeau, played in shaping the organization.
Through shared stories and time together on the grounds, guests will learn more about the Trudeau family’s legacy; from the Festival’s earliest days, to the creation of the Britt Pavilion, the growth of education programs, and the development of the internationally respected Britt Festival Orchestra. The evening will conclude with a picnic supper under the trees, and attendees are invited to remain on site for the Orchestra’s evening rehearsal at 8 PM.
As part of the celebration, the Britt Pavilion Stage will be formally dedicated as the S. John and Elizabeth Trudeau Stage, marking a meaningful milestone in Britt’s history. The dedication will also be recognized publicly during the Britt Festival Orchestra concert on June 27.
“Britt Festival is woven into the very fabric of the Trudeau family’s life and legacy. We are deeply touched that this commemoration will celebrate our father John Trudeau, its founder and 25-year music director, and our mother Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Trudeau, who shared his devotion to Britt and worked tirelessly at his side in service to music and community. Dedicating the Britt Pavilion Stage to honor them means the world to us.” said John and Elizabeth Trudeau’s children, George Trudeau, Jeannette Coil, Stephanie Hulcher, and Jennifer Graylands.
“John and Betty Trudeau helped build the foundation of what Britt is today,” said Abby McKee, President & CEO of Britt Music & Arts Festival. “Their dedication to artistic excellence, education, and community connection continues to shape our mission. It is a privilege to honor their legacy in a lasting and visible way.”
Tickets for the June 23 event and the full Britt Festival Orchestra season are available through Britt’s box office and website at britt.org.
