Join ACMP for an action-packed chamber music vacation in Houston, Texas this February at the

Chamber Music America (CMA) National Conference
February 13 through February 16, 2025
Rice University Shepherd School of Music and the InterContinental Hotel Houston

We’re making history!

For the first time in ACMP’s long-standing relationship with CMA, we are collaborating with them on their annual conference as a Partner Organization. We’ve made sure there are many fabulous activities of interest to all of you who play chamber music for pleasure – play-ins, performances, masterclasses (open to pre-formed adult amateur groups), parties….

ACMP members can attend the CMA Conference for the same price as CMA members – 27% less than the full price for the full conference pass – to 50% off the regular price if you register for just one day.

Log into the ACMP website and

ACCESS THE SPECIAL PROMO CODE

It’s a wonderful opportunity for ACMP members from all over the United States (and the world, if you are up for international travel!) to meet one another, ACMP staff (Stephanie and Joseph) and ACMP board members (still TBD, but our Board Chair Richard Weinert is confirmed!), play with one another alongside professional musicians from CMA’s community, brush shoulders with world-renowned chamber musicians from all generations, listen to over 12 hours of professional chamber music and jazz performances, attend (or possibly even play in) 4.5 hours of masterclasses, attend panel discussions about a wide range of chamber music topics, peruse the exhibit halls, and join in on a special “town hall” meeting with me and Joseph about the state of amateur chamber music and what ACMP can do to make it prosper!

Here is a schedule of conference events of special interest to members of ACMP:

Thursday, February 13, 2pm to 5pm CST: ACMP Play-In at Rice University followed by a reception and jazz concert

Every morning from Friday, February 14 through Sunday, February 16: “Bach over Breakfast” with amateur and professional musicians. In the spirit of ACMP’s founder Helen Rice, who was famous for her Brandenburg parties, we will play two Brandenburg concerti en masse with a festive group of amateur and professional musicians each day! See below for specific times.

Friday, February 14:

9:15am CST: Bach over Breakfast #1

10:30am to 10:30pm CST: Friday Festival: A Chamber Music Marathon – 10 hours of continuous chamber music and jazz performances (with lunch and dinner breaks)

12pm CST: Valentine’s Day Lunch (included with all conference passes)

Saturday, February 15:

10am CST: Keynote Speaker, Famous Chef AND amateur violinist Kenji López-Alt

11am CST: Bach over Breakfast #2 (I guess it’s brunch!)

12pm CST: “Amateur Hour” with ACMP – a town hall meeting with ACMP staff, ACMP members and professional players who want to learn more about the needs and desires of amateur chamber musicians

1pm: CMA Awards Luncheon (included with all conference passes)

2pm to 6:30pm CST: Chamber music masterclasses (teachers TBD)

8pm CST: Fischoff Competition Gala Concert, featuring recent winners of the Fischoff Competition (preceded by a 6pm Gala Dinner, for an additional cost)

Sunday, February 16:

10am CST: Bach over Breakfast #3 – the last 2 Brandenburg concerti and farewell brunch

Check out the CMA National Conference Website for details about all the many other and varied activities.

This is such an exciting opportunity for ACMP, and we hope many of you will join us in Houston, Texas this February. Since many of you live in more northern climes – Houston is a lovely place to escape the bitter-cold weather, too. You might even swim with some famous chamber players in the InterContinental Hotel’s luxurious outdoor pool…