Musicians and students from around the world join forces and talents during the Kutztown University Summer Chamber Music Festival June 28 to July 5.
Founded in 2010 by pianist Maria Asteriadou, the Kutztown University Summer Chamber Music Festival features an intensive and comprehensive approach to learning core chamber music repertoire for stings, piano, mallet percussion and winds.
“The KU Summer Music Festival is a vibrant celebration of musical diversity, offering something for everyone,” Asteriadou said in a statement. “From the emotional power of classical music to the heartfelt soul of Americana, the festival brings together a rich tapestry of performances that will engage and uplift audiences of all ages.”
The festival is under the coordination and direction of Asteriadou and the KU Music Department staff, professors, guest instructors and musicians and students from around the world, providing a unique learning experience for the student musicians.
“Featuring our renowned faculty artists and a talented group of international student musicians, the festival is a showcase of exceptional artistry and cultural collaboration,” said Asteriadou.
Performances will be held throughout the festival week on campus at KU.
June 28: “A Rising Star” in Schaeffer Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.
June 29: Faculty Concert in Schaeffer Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.
June 30: Faculty and Student Concert in Schaeffer Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.
July 1: Student Concert in Schaeffer Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.
July 2: “Ivory Rhapsody,” a concert featuring the piano, at The Wells-Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research at 3 p.m.
July 3: Concerto competition in Schaeffer Auditorium at 1 p.m.
July 3: Student Concert in Schaeffer Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.
July 4: July 4th celebration concert in Schaeffer Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.
July 5: Final Concert in Schaeffer Auditorium at 10 a.m.
“We’re thrilled to share this festival not only with the university community but also with the greater Kutztown area,” said Asteriadou.
A free concert will also be held at the Kutztown Park bandshell at 7 p.m. on July 2.
“The Kutztown Park concert is a unique opportunity to bring the community together through the power of live music,” said Asteriadou. “We hope it provides a joyful, inspiring experience that reflects the spirit of Kutztown, a place that values tradition, creativity, and connection. It’s our goal to create a welcoming space where families, friends, and neighbors can gather to enjoy world-class performances in the beautiful park setting.”
The “Sunset Spectacular” concert will be held rain or shine from 7 to 9 p.m. on July 2 at the Kutztown Park Bandshell, as part of the Borough of Kutztown Summer Concert Series in the Park. The program includes music by Mozart, Rossini, and many others in mixed chamber ensembles and works for small string orchestra. The concert will feature groups comprised of KU faculty, guest instructors, and festival students.
The Kutztown Park concert is made possible by the Borough of Kutztown and the support of co-sponsors.
Major Sponsors: Kutztown Lions Club, Kutztown Rod & Gun Club, Russell E. Conrad Inc. Heating Oil, and Breidegam Family Foundation.
Gold Sponsors: Folino Estate Vineyard & Winery, Vintners Inn Kutztown, Kutztown NAPA Auto Parts, East Penn Podiatry Associates, Optimist Club of Kutztown, Dewy Meadow Foods, Ludwick Funeral Home & Cremation Care Inc., Construction Masters Services LLC., Kutztown Rotary Club, and Moyer Total Indoor Comfort.
Silver Sponsors: Weaver’s Ace Hardware, Kutztown Area Historical Society, Edward J. Hildenbrand Funeral Home Inc., Once Again Thrift Store, Miller’s Sanitary Service, Walbert Funeral Home & Crematory, Corrado Custom Homes Inc., Great Valley Consultants, and Barley Snyder.
Bronze Sponsors: Saucony Creek Brewing Company, Topton Family Practice, DJI Insurance, Huguenot Lodge No. 377 F&AM, Ed Seyler, A D Moyer Lumber Inc., Erb Electric, Kutztown American Legion Baseball Association, Fleetwood Bank, Second Nature Health Food Store, Towne Vision Center, Lisa Ladd-Kidder, Mark’s Sandwich Shop, Silver Maple Veterinary Clinic, Kutztown Community Partnership, Adam N’ Eve Boutique, and Kutztown Fire & Rescue.
Patron Sponsors: Kutztown Borough Council President Kevin Snyder, Drasher Insurance Agency Inc., Shaynah Kinner Daycare Center, Fegely Signs, Airport Diner, Lantek, Kutztown Grange, and Friends of the Kutztown Community Library.
