5 Can’t Miss Happenings at This Year’s Conference

Sessions & Workshops

Dynamic and thought-provoking sessions are the cornerstones of the CMA Conference. At this pivotal moment in our history, we’re presenting sessions on a range of topics: the legacy of Jazz in Houston; the future of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts; digital marketing; fundraising, commissioning; and more. Sessions are focused on topics specific to our industry. Enter sessions with an open mind and leave with questions, ideas, and things to discuss over lunch with your colleagues. You can find the day-by-day agenda for all sessions here. 

Locations and Venues

This year’s conference expands beyond one hotel—reinvigorating the standard conference model and imbuing the event with a new musical spirit that celebrates community, collaboration, and partnership. With an aim to focus national attention on the musical landscape of Houston, we want to honor the ensembles and venues within this rich, artistic region. Our sponsoring partner, The Shepherd School of Music at Rice University, serves as our main performance hub, while Thursday evening’s A Night of Jazz takes place at the historic Eldorado Ballroom. Shuttle transportation between the various venues and the InterContinental Houston will be provided by CMA.

Bach Over Breakfast

Presented in partnership with Associated Chamber Music Players (ACMP), Bach Over Breakfast reading sessions kick off Friday morning. Bring your instruments—any are welcome!—and join in the joyous, no-stress readings of two Brandenburg concertos each day. (By Sunday, we’ll have played through all six of Bach’s masterpiece concerto grossos.) Again, all instruments are welcome for this Baroque jam session that’s all in good, non-verbal, communal fun.

Fun fact: Helen Rice, a founder of ACMP who started the Brandenburg reading parties, was Chamber Music America’s first-ever Richard J. Bogomolny National Service Award recipient, which started in 1980.

Friday’s All-Day Music Festival

One of the things we’re most excited about is the sheer volume of performances at this year’s conference, and especially, Friday’s all-day chamber music marathon. The 12-hour festival, taking place at the Duncan Recital Hall at the Shepherd School of Music, features promising students, Texas-based artists, showcase ensembles, Fischoff Competition winners, and our very own Ensembles in Residence. We won’t pick favorites, but some highlights include: Marlon Simon and the Nagual Spirits, Del Sol Quartet, Seraph Brass, Apollo Chamber Players, and ETHEL featuring Robert Mirabal. We urge you to attend performances you know nothing about! Like at any festival, some of the most effecting performances are those you weren’t prepared for.

Note: The daytime performances (from 10:00am to 7:00m) are free and open to the public; the evening portion is ticketed. All Friday Festival performances (from 10:00am to 10:30pm) are included with conference registration.

Conference Exhibit Hall

Returning to the 2025 Conference is CMA’s exhibit hall! Meet representatives from all corners of the industry—artist representatives, record labels, composers, competitions, and universities. The exhibit hall is a great place to network, learn about the field, and get to know your fellow conference attendees. Each of the 40 exhibitors offer something special. Don’t miss out! 

You’re invited: Join happy hour in the exhibit hall on Thursday evening, from 5:30pm – 7:00pm for light fare and libations.