JAMAICA-Founded in 2012, the Pikes Falls Chamber Music Festival (PFCM) returns to southern Vermont Aug. 18–22, with five days of admission-free concerts, educational programs, and community events.
Audiences are invited to experience chamber music performed by nationally recognized artists in welcoming venues throughout the region. Known for its intimate performances, free admission, and commitment to presenting contemporary music alongside classical favorites, PFCM has become what organizers call a “beloved” summer tradition.
Created by flutist Susanna Loewy, PFCM brings chamber music and visual art to southern Vermont while fostering connections between artists, audiences, and the local community. Since its founding, the festival organizers say, PFCM has presented 71 concerts, commissioned 14 world premieres, and exhibited 13 works of visual art.
The 2026 season continues that tradition with four public concerts, a world premiere by the festival’s composer-in-residence, and a variety of community events.
The festival features musicians from the Grammy-nominated Inscape Chamber Orchestra of Washington, D.C., alongside performers from Philadelphia, New York, Los Angeles, San Antonio, and Vermont.
As in previous seasons, the festival will conclude with the world premiere of a new work by its composer-in-residence, Nathan Lincoln-DeCusatis. All events are free and open to the public. Here’s the festival schedule:
• Tuesday, Aug. 18: noon, children’s music program at the Jamaica Memorial Library; 5:30 p.m., garden concert and opening celebration at 3417 Vermont Route 30.
• Wednesday, Aug. 19: 5:30 p.m., sidewalk social at the Jamaica Haus before the evening concert; 7 p.m., guest artist evening concert at the Jamaica Town Hall by Ensemble Amphion.
• Thursday, Aug. 20: 7 p.m., concert at the Grafton Community Church featuring PFCM musicians.
• Saturday, Aug. 22: 7 p.m., festival finale featuring PFCM musicians at the Jamaica Town Hall, with a world premiere by the festival’s Composer-in-Residence.
In addition to its public performances, PFCM musicians will present private outreach concerts for residents of assisted living communities in Manchester and Townshend, continuing the festival’s commitment to making live chamber music accessible throughout southern Vermont.
For more information, visit pikesfallschambermusicfestival.com or email Managing Director Andy Sabol at info@pikesfallschambermusicfestival.com.
This Arts item was submitted to The Commons.