OUR STORY
The Lake Champlain Chamber Music Festival is founded on the idea that bringing musicians, audiences, and students together makes not only for great music but also for a rich and rewarding dialogue for all. It is the Festival’s aim to inspire and nurture a lifelong appreciation for classical music throughout the community. We have world-class musicians and incredible music, but what surrounds the music and the artists is the community. The enthusiasm and deep engagement of our audiences continue to astound us. In addition to a main summer concert series, the festival presents recitals, master classes for aspiring young musicians, festival seminars and meet-the-artist discussions, and other events.
Now in our 15th season, the Lake Champlain Chamber Music Festival is known for its outstanding musicians, innovative programming, and educational activities under the leadership of violinist Soovin Kim and pianist Gloria Chien.
A deeply committed Board of Directors has been instrumental in guiding our organization, and programming has satisfied the desire of this community to experience music with focus, depth, and understanding.
Soovin Kim’s personal mission in founding our organization grew out of a youth spent in the region and his close relationship with the Vermont Youth Orchestra (VYO), which he joined at the age of 10. Gloria Chien became Co-Artistic Director in 2017.
The 9-day summer festival offers more than 20 public events: four major concerts, recitals - including a free lunchtime concert at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Burlington, dynamic lectures led by Resident Composer David Serkin Ludwig, events involving guest composers, commission premieres, discussions on repertoire, talks and demonstrations by guest speakers, and opportunities to interact with the artists.
Participants in the Young Composer Seminar work with Resident Composer David Serkin Ludwig and a young professional ensemble, mentored by festival artists, is in residence throughout the festival.
Now in its 7th year, LCCMF’s ONE Strings program offers strings instruction for all 3rd-5th graders at the Integrated Arts Academy, a Burlington, Vermont public school in the Old North End of the city.
Our programs are made possible by generous donors— our raving fans and audience members — who are eager participants in all phases of the festival. They recognize the superb quality of the programming, performances, and educational activities, and the special intimacy that develops between the audience and performers during the festival.
Mission
The mission of the Lake Champlain Chamber Music Festival is to inspire a passion for chamber music.
Vision
Our Vision – what our community looks like when we achieve our mission.
Programming delights and challenges diverse audiences who are enriched by an intimate and interactive environment.
Vibrant educational activities nurture present and future generations.
World-class musicians perform and are supported.
LCCMF is a financially healthy organization.
LCCMF’s collaborative partnerships sustain and promote a rich musical environment and the health of the arts community.