International Chamber Music Festival is the eldest chamber music festival in Europe, founded in 1964, and staged each year in the atmospheric Old Town of Plovdiv, with concerts set in landmark architectural venues such as the Regional Ethnographic Museum and other historic sites. Typically running from mid-May to mid-June, the festival presents a focused series of chamber concerts and masterclasses, bringing together leading Bulgarian and international soloists and ensembles in a program that balances beloved classics with rarer discoveries. After a brief interruption in 2020, it continues as one of Bulgaria’s most enduring classical music forums—pairing artistic excellence with the unique ambience of Plovdiv’s heritage setting.
Start with a quick trip form. Weekend in Plovdiv or a Bulgaria route—we’ll plan headline chamber concerts, smart tickets & timing, easy venue hops around the Old Town, and a walkable stay near the stages.
Prefer to talk it through? Book a free intro call.
DATES & TIMES
• Festival dates (2026): May 17–June 14, 2026. Official dates.
• Concert times and masterclass schedules are published by edition—check the official program page for updates as the 2026 lineup is released. Program.
LOCATION
• Plovdiv, Bulgaria — concerts in Old Town Plovdiv’s historic landmark venues. Official overview · Open in Google Maps.
• Typical venues (examples from recent editions): Regional Ethnographic Museum · Concert Hall (Academy of Music, Dance & Fine Arts, Plovdiv) · Late Antique “Irene” Building (archaeological underpass). Venue references.
TICKETS & ENTRY
• Recent official programs list concerts as free admission, first‑come, first‑served (confirm the 2026 policy once the program is published). Program note.
• For masterclass participation and registration requirements, use the official masterclass section or contact the organizer directly. Masterclasses · Contacts.
GOOD TO KNOW
• The festival is spread across multiple historic sites—arrive early for popular evenings and allow buffer time to move between venues. Official overview.
• For current updates (program releases and any venue/time changes), use the organizer’s official pages and contact emails. Contacts.
Tell us your dates, who’s coming, and what else you’d like to see. We’ll suggest a Bulgaria route that includes the International Chamber Music Festival at the right moment, with realistic travel days and comfortable home bases.
Prefer to start with a call? Book a free intro call.