TICKETS NOW ON SALE

June 16-29, 2024

Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of music at our professional summer festival! From classical symphonies to contemporary jazz beats, our event hosts renowned musicians delivering electrifying performances in our stunning Recital Hall, on the Olsan-Stone Terrace, and at the Arboretum. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a curious newcomer, our festival promises a harmonious celebration of melody and rhythm in the warm summertime.

Missed one of our 2023 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

Reserve the best seats during June 16-29, 2024, for the Penn’s Woods Music Festival.

Envision yourself seated in the midst of lush greenery, in a pristine concert hall, or beneath the starlit sky, surrounded by fellow music enthusiasts eager to be swept away by the enchanting melodies. Our festival promises an unparalleled lineup of world-class artists representing a diverse array of musical genres. From classical repertoire of timeless symphonies to contemporary virtuosos pushing the boundaries of sound, each performance is a testament to the power of live music.

As you secure your seats, you’re not merely attending a concert; you’re immersing yourself in an musical experience where every chord, every crescendo, and every harmony transcends the ordinary. Feel the collective energy of the audience as it pulses in synchrony with the rhythm, creating an atmosphere charged with excitement and anticipation.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary event. Reserve your seats now and join us for a summer filled with melody, camaraderie, and memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or a newcomer to the world of music, our festival welcomes you with open arms to revel in the beauty of sound.

Tickets

Online ticket sales: May 1, 2024 (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)
NEW in 2024: 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)

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Sign up for the PWMF eNewsletter to stay informed of upcoming news and events! Tickets go on sale in April.

Message from the Maestro

Dear Friends,
Welcome to the Penn’s Woods Music Festival, where the spirit of Pennsylvania comes alive through the power of music! We are absolutely thrilled to have you join us for two weeks of sensational performances, vibrant energy, and unforgettable moments.
The festival it’s a place where artists from near and far come together to share their talents, where audiences old and new gather to be inspired, and where the magic of music weaves its spell on us all. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of a particular genre or eager to explore something new, you’ll find an endless array of musical delights to captivate your senses and lift your spirits.
But beyond the music, the Penn’s Woods Music Festival is a celebration of community, connection, and the shared experience of being part of something truly special. It’s a time to forge new friendships, create lasting memories, and revel in the joy of being surrounded by kindred spirits who share your love for great music and good vibes.
Your presence will enrich our festival in ways we couldn’t have imagined, and we can’t wait to share this magical journey with you. Get ready to dance, sing, and make memories that will last a lifetime!
With warmest regards,

Gerardo

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

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.

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).

2024 Festival Sponsors, Partners, and Donors

Penn State College of Arts and Architecture logo
WPSU logo
Foxdale Village
The Recording Industry Music Performance Trust Fund logo

Festival Donors: Penn’s Woods Music Festival is grateful for the strong community and University support received for this year’s program of excellent and inspirational concerts and outreach music programs. We are proud to honor and acknowledge the generosity of all our annual donors and supporters who are integral to the success of Penn’s Woods Music Festival and to recognize the important partnership between the community and the Penn State School of Music.

We are indebted to our Conductor’s Circle and Principal Circle donors for their individual leadership and unwavering support of the festival orchestra and community programs. Also, we are grateful to our business sponsors and community foundation supporters for their commitment to the arts. Your philanthropy and commitment to our vision enable us to provide a world-class festival program with high-caliber performers for the community.

Would you consider joining this group of individuals who so generously support the festival? Would you consider sponsoring a musician or an event? If you would like to know more, please contact Lindsey Landfried by email at lindsey.landfried@psu.edu or by phone at 814-863-1167.

To express our gratitude for your support, we offer the following recognition:
All donors: Receive recognition in the festival program, an invitation to a donor celebration event with the musicians, and the ability to purchase festival tickets in advance of the public sale.
Principal Circle ($1,850+): Be a named sponsor of one of the festival’s principal musicians, receive an invitation to lunch with your sponsored musician, and visit rehearsals.
Student Ticket Sponsorship ($2,000+): Provide free tickets to Penn State students and local schoolchildren and receive recognition from the stage at every concert.
PW4Kids ($3,500+): Fund educational programs and festival tickets that are free for students pre-K through high school and receive special recognition in the corresponding event program.
*Chamber Concert Sponsor ($2,500+): Receive program recognition as chamber concert sponsor plus six complimentary tickets to the concert you sponsor and an invitation to a private reception with the performers (estimated fair market value is $180.00*).
*Festival Orchestra Concert Sponsor ($5,000+): Receive program recognition, eight complimentary tickets to the festival orchestra concert of your sponsorship, and an invitation to a private reception with the performers. You will also be recognized from the stage and have the opportunity to host guests at an event prior to your sponsored concert (estimated fair market value is $240.00*).

*Please note: You may be entitled to a charitable deduction for federal income tax purposes for your contribution. The amount that may be deductible is limited to your contribution less the fair market value of goods or services provided, which had been determined to be $30 per ticket.

Donor List

2024 Festival Donors

as of June 12, 2024

FESTIVAL SPONSOR $10,000 and up
Pieter and Lida Ouwehand
     Sarah Schouten, principal horn chair

CONDUCTOR CIRCLE $5,000 and up
Music in The Gardens Sponsor
     Happy Valley Adventure Bureau
     Keith Karako & Janelle Bessette
     The Music Performance Trust Fund

Festival Orchestra Sponsor
     Elinor C. Lewis

Jazz on the Terrace Sponsor
     Michael J. and Aimee Rusinko Kakos Endowed Dean’s Chair
     in the College of Arts and Architecture

Eleanor D. & Dan C. Armstrong
     Naomi Seidman, principal flute chair

$1,000–$4,999
Jazz on the Terrace Sponsor
     Gordon & Caroline De Jong
Russell Bloom
Howard and Judith Bond
     Margaret Fay, principal bassoon chair
Rodney & Sharon Erickson
Chamber Music Sponsor
     Foxdale Village
Edward R. Galus
     James Lyon, concertmaster chair
G.N. Associates
Michael P. Johnson & Maureen Mulderig
    Kim Cook, principal cello chair
Seda Sahakian
     Melinda Daestch, principal viola chair
Gary & Christina Schell
     Anthony Costa, principal clarinet chair
Woskob Dev. Partners
Kerry Whitelock

$500–$999
Centre Foundation
David Frego & James Frego-Bliek
Blake & Linda Gall
Joanne Juhl
Jo & Ed Lash
Rudy & Ellen Slingerland

Up to $499
Amber Axeman
Mary Lou Bennett
Wayne & Edna Bicehouse
Rodney Bucks & Terisa Andrews Bucks
Courtney & Mary Allice Burroughs
Andrew & Christina Catherine
Joseph & Christy Clapper
John C. Collins & Mary Brown
Peter Heaney & Kim Cook
Christopher Creager & Donna Becker
David & Debra Cree
James & Gay Dunne
Dorothy & Carl Evensen
Nancy Gamble
Mary Alice Graetzer
Earl K. & Susan S. Graham
Roy J. Greenfield
Anthony & Carolee Grillo
Antonio & Linda Goncalves
Robert & Dottie Gough
Judith & Michael Hall
Carl E. Hill
Marian Hammond
Richard & Young Mi Hayes
George & Susan Henning
Tom Hogan & Sharon Frost
Martha H. Jordan
Todd and Elizabeth King
Mary & Bernard Kitt
Susan D. Klein
Rocky Landers & James Nolan
Harry Kropp & Edward Legutko
Gretchen Leathers
Thomas F. & Fen-Fen Lin
Herbert H. Lipowsky
Helen B. Love
Rebecca & John Maciejczyk
Robert & Ellen Malcom
Johannes Fedderke & Astrid Meyer
P. June Miller
Rebecca Mugridge
John & Mary Nousek
Nancy F. Parks
Fiona & Mark Pearson
Lynn F. Petnick
Joanne Rutkowski & Arthur Dervaes
Donna & Timothy Sabol
Cynthia Schein
Bernard Schockowitz
Barbara H. & Stephen Seidman
Marlynn Sidehammer
Pamela & Tobin Short
Barbara & Charles Slattery
Georgia Marie Sorensen
Linda M. Steffee
Andrew & Susan Stephenson
Martha Strebel
James & Deena Ultman
Nancy & H. Wade VanLandingham
Steven & Nancy Weinreb
Mary Jane Wild
Stephen Ross & Mary Wujek
Carol & Scott Wymer

Donor List

Donors

  • Hu L. Barnes
  • Fred J Beamer
  • Shirley Berlind
  • Wayne and Edna Bicehouse
  • Russell L. Bloom
  • Howard and Judith Bond
  • Gary A. Bontrager
  • George and Virginia Brown
  • Courtney and Mary Alice Burroughs
  • Maureen A. Carr
  • Mrs. Dorothy E. Cecil
  • Centre Foundation
  • John C. Collins and Mary Brown
  • Kim D. Cook and Peter Hearney
  • Mimi U. Barash Coppersmith
  • Debra and David F. Cree
  • Jennifer and Arthur J. Curtze
  • Caroline and Gordon F. De Jong
  • Connie and John DiNunzio
  • David Frego and James Frego-Bliek
  • N. Associates/Nina and George Woskob
  • Doug Gangler
  • Janelle Bassette and Keith R. Karako
  • Elizabeth and Todd King
  • Robyn Krause – Hale and Rick Roush
  • Gloria Komazin-Meredith
  • Rocky Landers
  • Gretchen A. Leathers
  • Elinor C. Lewis
  • Chris and Benson M. Lichtig
  • Thomas and Fen Fen Lin
  • Trudy and Herbert Lipowsky
  • Helen B. Love
  • Mary Jean MacNeil
  • Helen A. Manfull
  • John and Yihong Mauro
  • Beatrice Berry Mellinger
  • Linda and Blake Gall
  • Edward R. Galus
  • Nancy Saylor Gamble
  • Mary A. Graetzer
  • Susan and Earl K. Graham Jr.
  • Carolee and Anthony L. Grillo
  • Barbara and Donald L. Gross
  • Katharina Halperin
  • Falene and Gordon A. Hamilton
  • Joyce E. Hoffman and Norman Horn
  • Millie and Donald E. Hopkins
  • Robert and Jacki Hunt
  • Bill Jaffe
  • Lynn L. Jaffe
  • Michael P. Johnson and Maureen Mulderig
  • Alfred and Avis Jones
  • Joanne L. Juhl
  • Lyle C. Merriman
  • Mike’s Video Inc.
  • June Miller
  • Grace Ormston
  • Wayne D. Osgood
  • Lida and Pieter W. Ouwehand
  • Nancy F. Parks
  • Lucy-Lee S. Reed
  • Anne C. Rose
  • Suzanne Roy
  • Ludmilla and Daniel D. Sahakian
  • Pamela and Tobin Short
  • Lynn Sidehamer Brown
  • Ellen and Rudy L. Slingerland
  • Josephine Smith
  • Linda M. Steffee
  • Elizabeth T. Taylor
  • The Beth Richards/Sandy Stover Group LLC
  • Debra and George Trudeau
  • Sue and Jim Tumlinson
  • Deidre and William B. Tunney
  • Deena and Jim Ultman
  • Helen Billett Warren
  • Nancy and Steven M. Weinreb
  • Kerry A. Whitelock
  • Woskob Dev. Partnership
  • Carol and Scott Wymer

Know before you go: get important info about parking and health & safety