Chamber Music America Shares 2026 Conference Site & Dates

February 16, 2025 — From the stage in Houston, Texas, Chamber Music America Chief Executive Officer Kevin Kwan Loucks announced the dates and location for CMA’s next annual event. From August 20 to 23, 2026, CMA will hold its 2026 National Conference in Chicago, Illinois.

This announcement came on the heels of one of CMA’s most successful convenings, for which more than 570 people gathered in Houston as attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, esteemed speakers, and performers, traveling from 37 states and more than 10 international cities. Spanning three days, the 2025 National Conference featured 27 sessions, 70 speakers, 30 performances, 5 master classes, and several group readings, play-ins, and jams. More than 166 musicians graced the world-class stages at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University, a sponsoring partner of the event.

“We can’t wait to build on the momentum of this year’s conference and take our convening to one of our country’s most dynamic cultural hubs,” said Loucks, who also noted the major change in dates that move the conference from its long-held January timeframe to August. “By shifting to these sunnier, more favorable dates, we’re not only saying goodbye to blizzards—we are responding to real feedback from the field. The new dates align better with booking cycles, academic calendars, and the vibrant energy of late summer, ensuring more artists, presenters, and industry leaders can be part of the experience.”

Writes CMA Conference Chair Jennie Oh Brown: “When CMA staff presented the move of the 2026 Conference to Chicago, the Board Conference Committee was thrilled to and supportive of the idea. The decision reflected thoughtful research, data analysis, and funding potential. Additionally, the shift to August 20 to 23 ensures that participants can enjoy the best of the city. I can’t wait to welcome everyone to my hometown and showcase the chamber musicians who are the center of this great community.”

Details of the 2026 Conference, including exact locations, partner institutions, and more will be shared in the coming months.

Chamber Music America, the national network of ensemble music professionals, was founded in 1977 to develop, strengthen, and support the chamber music community. With a membership including musicians, ensembles, presenters, artists’ managers, educators, music businesses, and advocates of ensemble music, CMA welcomes members representing a wide range of musical styles and traditions. In addition to its funding programs, CMA provides its members with consulting services, access to instrument and other insurances, conferences, seminars, and its quarterly publication, Chamber Music magazine.