See you on JUNE 20-22, 2025!

Festival Sponsors: Pieter & Lida Ouwehand and Gary & Christina Schell

A Weekend of Chamber Music, Jazz, Brass, and the Magic of Shakespeare.
Join us for a reimagined celebration where classical, jazz, and the timeless words of Shakespeare meet in an inspired weekend of artistry and connection.

Why One Weekend? Because Vision Matters.
Our decision to transition from a two-week festival to a single, immersive weekend was driven by intention, not limitation. As we paused to reflect on our mission, we saw an opportunity—not just to scale down, but to focus up.

This reimagined format allows us to:

• Rethink the Experience – By distilling the festival into one powerful weekend, we create space for deeper connection, fuller attendance, and more impactful programming.

• Reevaluate Our Purpose – With every note, word, and performance, we’re realigning with what matters most: meaningful artistry, accessibility, and community.

• Reimagine the Future – This is a bold new chapter that invites innovation, invites collaboration, and invites you to be part of something evolving, intentional, and inspired.

We believe less time can mean more meaning. More focus. More soul. More resonance.

We invite you—artists, dreamers, listeners—to be part of this powerful new chapter.

Missed one of our 2024 concerts? View them online.

I imagine that music is a meeting place at which all people can converse about their unique differences and common stories.” – Jessie Montgomery

Tickets

Online ticket sales: Tuesday, May 13, 2025 (Note: there is an additional $4 per ticket fee for online sales.)
In-person ticket sales: 10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday – Friday at Eisenhower Auditorium only. (NO $4 ticket fee)
Call the Box Office [814] 863-0255 during business hours and our staff will assist you. (NO $4 ticket fee)
Recital Hall Box Office: Opens at 6 p.m. before each concert. (NO $4 ticket fee)

Message from the Maestro

Look forward to Maestro’s 2025 remarks in the comng days!

About the Festival

Penn’s Woods Music Festival (PWMF) offers outstanding chamber music, jazz, 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.

Make a Gift

Why Support the Festival: PWMF is made possible by generous donations from people like you. Ticket sales cover only 20 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 80 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 by clicking the button below or via text (text PWMF to 41444).