ChamberFest Cleveland performing Brahms.Just as continents have shifted and reshaped the world over millions of years, musical traditions have crossed oceans, cultures, and centuries—creating new artistic landscapes along the way. That idea is at the center of ChamberFest Cleveland opens its 14^th season,

“Continental Drifts” opens Wednesday, June 10 with 12 performances at a variety of Greater Cleveland venues, including the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM) and other University Circle sites, Dunham Tavern, Museum of Contemporary Art (moCa Cleveland), and Federated Church in Chagrin Falls. The festival runs through Saturday, June 27.

The theme of this festival explores the intersection between global music styles, highlighting how composers and traditions influence one another across time and geography.
ChamberFest is spearheaded by artistic directors Diana Cohen, Franklin Cohen, and Roman Rabinovich, who selected works written by 37 composers from 24 countries.
ChamberFest Cleveland was spearheaded by Franklin Cohen, Diana Cohen, and Roman Rabinovich.When talking about the “Continental Drifts” theme of this season, Rabinovich notes, “Music, like the continents, is always moving. It carries traces of where it began, even as it travels across borders, absorbs new influences and changes shape.”

Rabinovich says the programs in “Continental Drifts” explore the push-and-pull effect the forces can have on each other.

“When different traditions meet, they reshape one another, creating something new,” he explains. “This festival celebrates that process: The slow, powerful drift of ideas across time and place, and the rich new worlds that emerge when cultures collide.”

Co-artistic director Cohen emphasizes, “There are so many incredibly talented and brilliant composers who have lived or are still living, and to discover their music is really one of the great pleasures of my job.”

She explains that ChamberFest Cleveland always uses their themes to create moving experiences for audiences. She says “Continental Drifts” is no exception.

“From the geological standpoint, when these giant tectonic plates move, you get heat and energy and friction and eruptions—and volcanoes even,” says Cohen. “So we just thought that there was a huge connection there between what happens geologically, what happens in music, and what makes us feel so human when we listen to music.”

ChamberFest 2026 kicks off on Wednesday, June 10 in CIM’s Kulas Hall. ChamberFest executive director Jessica Peek Sherwood will host a festival welcome before the performance.

“For our first program, [‘Global Fanfare’], we have this giant pastiche of works from almost every continent around the world,” explains Cohen, who is also ChamberFest’s cofounder. “Global Fanfare” travels across time periods to China, West Africa, Germany, Australia, the United States, and other locations.

Canadian violinist Kerson Leong makes his ChamberFest Cleveland debut in 'Phenomenon' on June 11.“And then we really get into the weeds from there,” Cohen remarks, adding that the first performance will be a more literal expression of continental movement, when compared to the focus in the other events.

“Continental Drifts” performances are uniquely distinguishable from each other, says Cohen, consisting of musician showcases, varying geographical spotlights, captivating preludes or postludes, hands-on experiences, and even a birthday celebration.

Leong makes his ChamberFest debut
On Thursday, June 11, “Phenomenon” will showcase Canadian violinist Kerson Leong in his ChamberFest Cleveland debut.

Leong has been in the public spotlight ever since he achieved success at just 13 years old. He has gained global attention, with more than 100,000 followers on Instagram.

‘Celebrating Frank:’ 80 years of excellence
“Celebrating Frank!” is not your typical musical performance. It is a tribute to two-time Grammy winner Franklin Cohen—the Cleveland Orchestra’s Principal Clarinet Emeritus with 39 seasons as principal clarinet, and 50 years with the Cleveland Institute of Music.

Cohen turns 80 this summer. His colleagues, alumni, friends, and family will take the stage on Monday, June 15 to honor Cohen’s impact on Cleveland’s classical music scene.

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History will hos ChamberFest Cleveland's family event, 'Jurassic Jamboree' on June 20.Family-Friendly festivities
For audiences looking for an immersive ChamberFest event for the whole family, “Jurassic Jamboree” on Saturday, June 20 offers hands-on activities and live performances in the Cleveland Museum of Natural History (CMNH) Visitor Hall.

The free event is open to the public. Attendees of all ages are invited to explore the Musical Petting Zoo, where guests can try playing the violin, cello, and percussion instruments.

The finale
Season 14 of ChamberFest Cleveland will end on a sweet note on Saturday, June 27, with an ice cream social following “Convergence.”

This finale will capture the exuberance of some of history's most noteworthy composers: Olli Mustonen, Ernst Dohnányi, and Franz Schubert. After the performances, the audience is invited to attend a postlude ice cream social, hosted by Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream, to celebrate the successes of “Continental Drifts.”

ChamberFest Cleveland’s complete Season 14 schedule and ticket information can be found on the event’s website. Individual event ticket prices vary by event; there are also subscription passes for multiple events.