About the Charles Ives Music Festival
CIMF offers aspiring musicians the opportunity to perform side-by-side with world-class artist-faculty in chamber music groups and in the CIMF Orchestra, led by conductor Eric Mahl. CIMF Artist-Faculty hold positions in major American Orchestras, lead chamber ensembles, and perform on Broadway. In addition to our educational programs, the CIMF Artist Concerts, open to the public, are a professional series performed by CIMF Artist-Faculty and guest artists. They honor the legacy of Charles Ives through performances of his works, music of other American composers and musicians, and music that transcends the traditional boundaries of classical music to incorporate other styles of music.
Our Mission
The mission of the Charles Ives Music Festival is to honor the legacy of Charles Ives by bringing American music to the Fairfield County area, a community that is home to one of America’s most famous composers. CIMF concerts regularly feature dynamic and unique artists performing the works of Charles Ives, the music of 20th and 21st-century American composers, and music that transcends the traditional boundaries of classical music to incorporate other styles of music. CIMF also provides interactive educational events, centered around the exploration of chamber music, for both children and adults in our community.
In addition, CIMF furthers the mission of the Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra which is to educate and inspire young musicians through the study and performance of classical and contemporary musical works, participation in enrichment activities, and engagement with the community.
Want to know more about our namesake, Charles Ives?
To learn more about Charles Ives and his music, visit the