MISSION STATEMENT

It is the mission of the Chamber Music Festival of Lexington to present innovative, accessible, and inclusive chamber music performances of the highest artistry in central Kentucky by using a mixture of world-class and local musicians to foster a greater appreciation for the chamber music repertoire and regular community engagement.

HISTORY

The Chamber Music Festival of Lexington was founded in 2007 by arts patrons Charlie Stone, Charles Thompson, and Nathan Cole—Los Angeles Philharmonic First Associate Concertmaster (and Lexington native). The Festival brings together a quintet of world-renowned musicians, along with guest artists and ensembles to offer central Kentuckians performances at the Downtown Arts Center, pop-up concerts, educational programming, and a world-class guest artist. Nathan Cole, First Associate Concertmaster of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, is Music Director. Pianist Alessio Bax, violist Burchard Tang, cellist Priscilla Lee, and violinist Akiko Tarumoto complete the core ensemble. The festival also commissions a new chamber piece by a living composer. To date, the Festival has commissioned 13 new works to add to the chamber repertoire.

In 2013, the Festival grew from one weekend to 10 days, and since then, the Festival has seen dynamic growth in its audiences and community outreach, with a total audience of adults and children of nearly 3,000.

The Festival was proud to announce its inaugural 2018 season partnership with the talented musicians of the Central Kentucky Youth Orchestras, where students not only learned from CMFL’s world-class musicians from two of the most respected orchestras in the country but also played alongside them in concert. This exciting partnership will be continuing in future seasons.

Many CMFL artists have grown up in CKYO's programs, including Artistic Director Nathan Cole, and past Artists-in-Residence Zach Brock and Ben Sollee. This combination of musicians at the top of their fields, innovative repertoire and venues, and strong local partnerships positions the Festival as an essential part of Lexington's vibrant music scene.

VENUES

The Festival's Main Stage concerts moved in 2017 to the Downtown Arts Center on Lexington's vibrant Main Street! The Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center is an arts and entertainment center located in the heart of Lexington, situated between local restaurants, ample parking, and bustling nightlife.

CMFL also offers concert programming during the Festival at other venues including Blue Stallion Brewing Company, at Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate, and more!

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or giving an individual gift, please contact us via email or through the link below.

THANKS FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF THE FESTIVAL!