Launched in 2012 by Cleveland Orchestra principal clarinet emeritus Franklin Cohen and daughter Diana Cohen, concertmaster of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, ChamberFest Cleveland burst onto the scene with a Big Bang! Steeped in a lifetime of participation in music festivals, the Cohens dreamt of bringing a world-class chamber music festival to the Cleveland community. ChamberFest Cleveland is now the region’s only such festival, creating thematic programming for unique chamber music experiences in a variety of venues around town.

Since its inaugural festival, CFC has grown from a five-concert festival to a multifaceted concert series spanning three weeks. The festival is known not only for its musical excellence and international roster of the world’s finest players, but also for its fun and innovative approaches to programming, choice of venues, and inclusion of exceptional young artists. Through its critically acclaimed performances, pre- and post-concert activities, and warm interactions between musicians and concertgoers, ChamberFest Cleveland has developed an extraordinarily loyal, enthusiastic, supportive, and expanding audience to its festival events.