Sedona Sister Cities Receives International Arts and Culture Award

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Sedona Sister Cities Associationhas been recognized on the international stage, receiving the 2026 Innovation in Arts & Culture Award from Sister Cities International for communities with populations under 25,000. The award honors the organization's acclaimed Rising Stars of Sedona and Canmore program, an inspiring international exchange that uses music to build lifelong friendships, cultural understanding, and opportunities for young artists.

The award was presented during Sister Cities International's 70th Anniversary Gala and Annual Awards Ceremonyin Washington, D.C., where communities from around the world were recognized for exemplary international partnerships and innovative programs that foster global understanding.

Representing the Sedona Sister Cities Association, Board Member Edyta Wieczorek proudly accepted the award on behalf of the organization, the dedicated volunteers, community partners, generous sponsors, host families, and the citizens of both Sedona, Arizona, and Canmore, Alberta whose collective efforts brought the program to life.

At the heart of Rising Stars is an idea both simple and profound—that music has the power to transcend borders, languages, and generations.

What began as a single concert has evolved into a remarkable international collaboration, bringing together gifted young musicians, internationally respected professional artists, educators, host families, volunteers, and audiences in both communities. Participants do far more than perform together; they live together, learn from one another, explore each other's communities, and return home with friendships and experiences that last a lifetime.

A driving force behind the program has been internationally acclaimed pianist and educator Susanne Ruberg Gordon, whose vision, artistic leadership, and unwavering commitment transformed Rising Stars from an idea into an extraordinary reality. Her passion for nurturing young musicians and creating meaningful cultural connections has shaped every aspect of the program.

The Sedona Sister Cities Association extends its heartfelt congratulations and deepest appreciation to Susanne for her countless hours of dedication, her extraordinary generosity, and the inspiration she has provided to so many young artists. Through her leadership, Rising Stars has become far more than a concert series—it has become a life-changing experience for emerging musicians on both sides of the border.

The Association also recognizes the exceptional young performers whose talent, professionalism, enthusiasm, and willingness to embrace new cultures make the program so meaningful. Their artistry reminds us that the future of international friendship is bright, hopeful, and filled with promise.

"This recognition belongs to an incredible team of people," said Winnie Muench, Rising Stars Program Coordinator and Board Member of the Sedona Sister Cities Association. "While we are honored to receive this international award, what we celebrate most are the relationships that have grown from this program. Young musicians who arrived as strangers left as lifelong friends. Volunteers, host families, sponsors, educators, and audiences all became part of something much larger than a concert. We are especially grateful to Susanne Ruberg Gordon, whose vision and dedication created the foundation for Rising Stars, and to every artist who has shared their extraordinary gifts with our communities."

The Sedona Sister Cities Association also extends sincere gratitude to its many partners whose collaboration made the program possible, including the City of Sedona, whose generous grant support has been instrumental in the program's success. Additional thanks go to the Canmore Sister Cities Committee, arts organizations, schools, business sponsors, community volunteers, host families, and municipal leaders in both Canada and the United States who embraced the vision of creating an international cultural exchange unlike any other.

"This award demonstrates what is possible when communities believe in the arts," Muench added. "It is a tribute to everyone who opened their homes, donated resources, volunteered their time, encouraged a young musician, attended a performance, or simply believed that cultural diplomacy begins one friendship at a time."

The international recognition places Sedona Sister Cities among an elite group of organizations honored during Sister Cities International's landmark 70th Anniversary celebration and highlights the growing strength of the sister-city relationship between Sedona and Canmore.

The award-winning exchange will continue this fall as Rising Stars of Sedona and Canmore returns to Canada with a performance on October 24, 2026, at artsPlace in Canmore, Alberta. The concert will once again bring together exceptional young musicians from both communities, continuing a tradition of artistic excellence, cultural exchange, and international friendship.