Charles Ives Music Festival
The Charles Ives Music Festival at the Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra celebrates the legacy of Charles Ives by presenting dynamic performances of American music, fostering innovative collaborations across genres, and providing interactive educational programs that inspire musicians of all ages in Fairfield County.
Our Programs
The Charles Ives Music Festival offers two main summer programs—Chamber Music Intensive (CMI) and the Chamber & Orchestra Performance Program (COPP)—providing young musicians with immersive chamber music and orchestra training, master classes, and performance opportunities alongside artist-faculty. CIMF also offers a Winter/Spring Chamber Music Intensive.
Meet our Artist-Faculty
What CIMF Participants Are Saying
“Before I joined CIMF, I played the cello, but after these four years of CIMF, I became a cellist.“
SofiaLee L., cello participant
"CIMF inspired me to reach higher and become a better musician. The faculty members were very professional and easily connected with everyone. Through rehearsals, masterclasses, and concerts all of the participants were able to grow together."
Katherine M., violin participant
"The CIMF artist-faculty are some of the best-natured and most helpful music teachers I have worked with; they always seem to know exactly the best way to tackle any improvements that can be made. CIMF has inspired me to pursue music; it is safe to say, without hyperbole, that my life would be substantially different without CIMF."
Dmitri V., composition participant