Taos School of Music Chamber Music Festival

About our chamber music festival

MOUNTAINS, MUSIC AND MEMORIES!

In the early 1960's in the mountain community of Taos, New Mexico a group of musicians gathered to play chamber music, a passion of theirs.

These musical meetings brought them together to collaborate, play and share their love of classical music. It is from this unassuming beginning that a summer chamber music festival was established.

Chilton Anderson, one of the founders and executive director, never imagined the school would be one of the leading chamber music institutions in the country. He certainly never anticipated the organization would flourish for over half a century. His passion was the school and assisting young musicians who were embarking on their musical careers. He wanted a place where students could immerse themselves solely in chamber music. This was his labor of love. As he said in a Today Show segment, “I can get very emotional about the way the kids play sometimes and the youthful vitality that goes with it. It's gratifying to know you were successful in a small way.”

Ten years ago I took over for my father as executive director and have continued the mission he believed so strongly in. Spending time with these students and getting to know them on a personal level is one of the highlights of my year. It is difficult to adequately describe the warmth and camaraderie that develops in the charming Hotel St. Bernard in the idyllic setting of Taos Ski Valley, their home for the summer.