About the Festival

Penn’s Woods Music Festival (PWMF) offers outstanding chamber music and orchestral performances by professional musicians. Supported jointly by Penn State and the surrounding community, the festival seeks to inspire a passion for classical music through innovative concert programming, educational activities, and informal events.

This summer professional orchestral and chamber music festival began in 1986 and has been in its current format since 2008. The festival was created to provide something the community did not have – a professional classical music festival in the summer. PWMF, with a community advisory board, is supported by generous contributions from community volunteers and patrons.

The festival is typically held during June in State College, PA, and features outstanding professional musicians from across the nation performing beside Penn State School of Music faculty, alumni, and graduate students. These extraordinary forces gather for high-intensity music-making that is the highlight of the concert year.

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The Power of Commitment: The Penn’s Woods Music Festival began as little more than a small group of music enthusiasts, united by their vision of bringing top-tier summer performances to the State College community. The idea was ambitious. Penn State had never attempted such a festival, and the national economy struggled to break free of a prolonged recession. How would such an enterprise be funded? The idea took hold, however, and thanks to the passion and generosity of music lovers, donors, and volunteers, the festival has blossomed into an annual, self-sustaining, three-week musical event.

PWMF is made possible by generous donations from people like you. Ticket sales cover only 30 percent of the cost of the festival. The remaining funds are raised by the Penn State School of Music in partnership with our Community Advisory Council. More than 70 percent of the festival budget is used to pay the musicians. The School of Music provides staff support and use of its facilities at no cost. We hope you will support this community-university partnership with your gifts, your presence, and your advocacy for great music at affordable prices.

How to Support the Festival: There are two easy and secure ways to support Penn’s Woods Music Festival right now! You can make a gift online or via text (text PWMF to 41444). Your support keeps this even affordable for everyone.