Chamber Music Conference (at Colgate University)

The Chamber Music Conference, often and previously referred to as "Bennington", is pleased to announce that we are planning an all-vaccinated, in-person Conference in 2022 at our lovely new location, Colgate University in Hamilton, New York.

Specifics about our 2022 Chamber Music Conference, including the Conference dates, the application timeline, and required covid-related precautions, are now posted on our website (cmceast.org). Many of our usual program features are returning, but there are some modifications related to the pandemic and the new site.

NOTE: New applicants should contact Executive Director Susie Ikeda (susieikeda@cmceast.org) for information about starting the application process.

This program has been made possible, in part, with generous support from ACMP Associated Chamber Music Players.

A description of our Conference:

For 75 years, musicians from all over the world have gathered each summer to play chamber music and to grow as musicians. What attracts these musicians, and brings them back, is the love of playing chamber music, the chance to learn from world-class performers and teachers, and the joy of seeing old friends and making new ones.

The Conference enables committed chamber musicians to learn and grow by offering outstanding chamber music coaching, faculty concerts and seminars, and opportunities for spontaneous free playing, in a beautiful setting. At the same time, it supports new chamber music composition and performance through a vibrant program of composer residencies. This combination of features creates a unique and exhilarating musical immersion.

The Conference runs for four weeks in July and August. Most participants attend for one or two weeks. Conference participants comprise amateur musicians who range in age and ability, and who play strings (violin, viola, cello, and double bass), woodwinds (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and horn), and piano. All participants share a passion for chamber music and the desire for an intensive and rewarding learning experience.

The Conference faculty includes outstanding artists who combine concert careers with a dedication to teaching. Members of the faculty perform regularly as soloists, chamber musicians, and orchestra players, and many teach at major conservatories and university music departments nationwide and beyond.