MISSOURI CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL to Return for 16th Season at The Sheldon

The Missouri Chamber Music Festival will present Season 16, Hope is the Thing with Music, June 10–21, 2026, in partnership with the Sheldon Concert Hall.

Hope is the Thing with Music explores the deep connection between poetry and music, where lyric and line intertwine. Featuring works by Judith Weir and Augusta Read Thomas, the season draws inspiration from the poetry of Emily Dickinson, illuminating themes of nature, immortality, inner life, and the enduring power of words. The Festival's commitment to expanding artistic voices continues with a new commission by David Werfelman, further amplifying diverse perspectives in chamber music.

“For me, this season marks a real turning point,” said Nina Ferrigno, Artistic Director of the Missouri Chamber Music Festival. “It feels like the beginning of a new chapter for MOCM—one that builds on our foundation while opening the door to new collaborations and a broader vision for what chamber music can be in St. Louis.”

The season reflects longstanding artistic relationships, featuring the Arianna String Quartet and the Calyx Piano Trio, alongside a new partnership with the Sheldon Concert Hall and the appointment of Managing Director Aviva Hakanoglu.

The Festival's educational initiative, ACMI (Adult Chamber Music Intensive), will take place May 26–31, 2026. Applications are currently open, with an extended deadline of April 10, 2026.

Events, Performers, Tickets

MOCM Season 16:  Hope is the Thing With Music

All events:

The Sheldon Concert Hall

3648 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108

Concert I. “Upon Enchanted Ground” June 10, 2026 @ 10:30 AM

Music of Copland, Giovanni Solima and Faure

Concert II. “Musicians Wrestle Everywhere” June 15, 2026 @ 7 PM

Featuring Judith Weir: Musicians Wrestle Everywhere for Chamber Orchestra

James Sommerville, conductor

Concert III. Arianna String Quartet June 17, 2026 @ 7 PM

Prelude Concert of Young Artists from ACMF @ 6 PM

Augusta Read Thomas, Upon Wings of Words

Featuring Benedetta Orsi & The Arianna String Quartet

Special Prelude concert by Young Artists from the Arianna Chamber Music Festival

Concert IV. “There's a certain slant of light” June 21, 2026 @ 7 PM

WORLD PREMIERE: New Work by David Werfelman

Music of Beethoven & Elena Kats-Chernin,

The Calyx Piano Trio

Festival Performers

The Arianna String Quartet

The Calyx Piano Trio

Nina Ferrigno, piano

Sixto Franco, viola

Tzuying Huang, clarinet

Nadine Hur, flute

Hannah Ji, violin

Nathan Lowry, violin

Benedetta Orsi, mezzo-soprano

Kevin Ritenauer, percussion

Davin Rubicz, cello

James Sommerville, conductor

Robert Walker, clarinet

Shen Wen, pian

Tickets

On sale now:  www.mochambermusic.org

4-Concert Festival Passes $100