![Messiaen-1-aspect-ratio-0-0](https://images.santafechambermusic.com/uploads/2023/09/Messiaen-1-aspect-ratio-0-0.jpg?resize=25%2C10&gravity)
About the Festival
![Alicia Schachter-Rich and Sheldon Rich Alicia Schachter-Rich and Sheldon Rich](https://images.santafechambermusic.com/uploads/2023/06/Sheldon-and-Alicia-Schachter-Rich.png?resize=16%2C10&gravity)
History
The husband-and-wife duo of pianist Alicia Schachter-Rich and music producer Sheldon Rich were visiting Santa Fe from New York City when they got the idea to create an international chamber music festival in the high-desert city with which they’d become enchanted. Since its start in 1973, the Festival has been a magnet for musicians and music lovers alike.
![Posters from first 3 seasons](https://images.santafechambermusic.com/uploads/2023/06/posters-from-first-3-seasons-1-e1685806020930.jpg?resize=16%2C10&gravity)
Archive
Explore photos, posters, and more that showcase the evolution of the Festival, dating back to its first seasons which featured the iconic artwork of famed American artist Georgia O’Keeffe.
![Future of classical music Future of classical music](https://images.santafechambermusic.com/uploads/2023/06/classical_music_sheet-e1685807044421.jpg?resize=16%2C10&gravity)
Festival Commissions
The Festival brings new music to life by championing living composers, from the most important and influential to the most intriguing up-and-comers. Since 1980, we have presented at least one commissioned work almost every year.
![Beethoven Septet 2_web](https://images.santafechambermusic.com/uploads/2023/09/Beethoven-Septet-2_web.jpg?resize=16%2C10&gravity)
Our Vision
To be a model chamber music festival in a distinctive setting and to be recognized worldwide
Our Mission
To bring together the world’s finest musicians to perform chamber music in all its forms
To build a broad and knowledgeable audience of all ages
To provide diverse educational opportunities
To enhance the cultural environment of Santa Fe and New Mexico