The Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival (GMCMF) wrapped its 21st season with remarkable milestones, hosting 235 students across over 75 public events, achieving a new record in community giving through its Music for Food concert initiative, and—alongside its flagship program for ages 14–30—launching a smaller, first-ever Junior Program for young musicians ages 8–13.

From June 29 to August 3, GMCMF transformed Saint Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont, into a vibrant hub of music and learning. The Festival’s Regular Program (June 29–July 27) welcomed 214 violin, viola, and cello students ages 14–30, while the new Junior Program (July 20–August 3) brought in 21 young musicians ages 8–13 for an immersive two-week experience.

Students traveled from 32 U.S. states and six countries, including Turkey, Mexico, China, Peru, Japan, and South Korea, to participate in daily lessons, rehearsals, masterclasses, and a range of performances.

In total, the Festival presented over 75 events throughout the season, including concerts, lectures, masterclasses, and artist talks. New offerings this season included a Family Concert Series, Junior Program concerts, and the Quartet Conversations lecture/performance series.

Students at the four week program presented two Quartet Hops—a community favorite— and numerous pop-up style concerts across Church Street Marketplace and beyond. The Junior Program also debuted a Mini Quartet Hop across Church Street in early August.

2025 marked the second year of collaboration with the Vermont Youth Orchestra Association, during which a string quartet comprised of VYOA students had the opportunity to attend Green Mountain during the day for one week. Students practiced each morning, rehearsed in the afternoons, had coachings with GMCMF faculty, and had the opportunity to attend all festival events! 

Continuing its Classical Encounters series, GMCMF deepened its ties with the local community, bringing chamber music into unexpected venues such as local businesses and libraries.

This year’s Music for Food concert, where attendees donate nonperishable food items instead of purchasing tickets, set a new record, collecting 103 pounds of food for a local food bank, underscoring the Festival’s commitment to using music as a force for good.

Whether you attended a concert at St. Michael's College or Elley-Long Music Center, a Quartet Conversations lecture at a local library or community center, or stumbled upon our students performing across Church Street during a Quartet Hop, we hope you enjoyed the wealth of passion, curiosity, emotion, community, and energy GMCMF's music had to offer!

Thank you for being a part of our 21st festival!