2026 Cello | Fresno International Cello Festival
2026 CELLO | FRESNO International Cello Festival
November 12–14, 2026
School of Music | California State University, Fresno
CELLO | FRESNO International Cello Festival brings together aspiring cellists and distinguished artist faculty for three days of music, education, collaboration, and performance. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from accomplished musicians through master classes, workshops, ensemble rehearsals, and performances.
Contact tloewenheim@csufresno.edu for more information.
Advanced Cello Ensemble
Designed for advanced high school, college, and graduate-level cellists, the Advanced Cello Ensemble offers participants the opportunity to take part in master classes and perform side-by-side with our distinguished artist faculty.
The ensemble will be conducted by Emilio Colón, providing participants with a unique collaborative and performance experience.
Two Festival Programs
Young Cello Ensemble
Designed for young cellists who are beginning their musical journey, the Young Cello Ensemble provides an engaging and supportive environment for students to develop their skills, build confidence, and experience the excitement of making music together.
The ensemble will be directed by Cara Elise Colón.
ALL PARTICIPANTS ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AN APPLICATION BEFORE THE FESTIVAL.
Concerts
CELLO ASCENDING FACULTY CONCERT
Featuring the Fresno State Symphony Orchestra
When: Friday, November 13, 2026 @ 7:30 P.M.
Where: School of Music Concert Hall
Works for solo cello and small cello ensembles by Bartok, Crumb, Piazzola, and Klengel, featuring the artist faculty of the Cello│Fresno Festival.
Tickets are $25 for general admission
$20 for employees, seniors, and military/veterans
$15 for non-Fresno State Students
Free for Fresno State students with ID.
CELLO MANIA CLOSING GALA CONCERT
Featuring the Fresno State Symphony Orchestra
When: Saturday, November 14, 2026 @ 7:30 P.M.
Where: School of Music Concert Hall
Featuring the two cello ensembles conducted by Cara and Emilio Colón, and the Fresno State Symphony Orchestra featuring Gary Hoffman in Bloch’s Schelomo, Thomas Loewenheim in Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations, and Wesley Baldwin, Jennifer Kloetzel, and Attila Pasztor in Popper’s Requiem.
Tickets are $25 for general admission
$20 for employees, seniors, and military/veterans
$15 for non-Fresno State Students
Free for Fresno State students with ID.
Our Distinguished Artists
Honored Guest Artist
Gary Hoffman
Queen Elizabeth Music Chapel
Thomas Loewenheim
Fresno State
Artistic Director
Emilio Colôn
Indiana University
Artistic Director
Cara Elise Colon
American Cello Institute
Young Cellists Director
Guest Artists Faculty
Wesley Baldwin
UT Knoxville
Jennifer Kloetzel
UC Santa Barbara
Attila Pasztor
Thomasik Infeld
Product Manager
Jonathan Ruck
University of Oklahoma
Cello | Fresno 2026 - Young Cello Ensemble Information
All rehearsals are required in order to participate. Exceptions due to the marching band competition will be made. Please remember to arrive a few minutes early to set up and warm up. Students are responsible for their own transportation (parents/guardians are encouraged to stay for rehearsals if they’d like). Students are responsible for all food other than lunch on Friday.
All accepted students receive a scholarship for their involvement in the 2026 Cello | Fresno International Cello Festival, with no application or participation fee required. They will be receiving excellent instruction and master classes by Suzuki educator Cara Colón, and Dr. Loewenheim. Please see the attached "Young Cellist" itinerary for details.
ALL PARTICIPANTS ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AN APPLICATION BEFORE THE FESTIVAL.
Students, don’t forget to pack ALL of these items:
Pencil – 2 of them to be safe, Rock Stop, Music, Extra Strings (if you have them)
Your instrument, Bow(s), water, lunch (Saturday), and Snacks
Dress comfortably for rehearsal; concert attire will be announced Saturday.
Cello & Bass Ensemble Schedule
November 12–14, 2026
Please review the complete schedule below, including rehearsal locations, student pickup times, meal information, and concert details.
Thursday, November 12
Clark Intermediate School
Location: Clark Intermediate School – Band Room (IA8)
Address: 902 5th Street, Clovis, CA 93612
4:00 p.m.
Cello & Bass Ensemble Rehearsal
6:00 p.m.
Rehearsal concludes. Students are welcome to stay briefly to help clean up chairs and music stands.
Friday, November 13
Fresno State School of Music
Location: California State University, Fresno – School of Music
Address: 2380 Keats Ave., Fresno, CA 93710
9:50 a.m.
Students arrive at the Fresno State School of Music.
10:00 a.m.
Cello & Bass Ensemble Rehearsal – Band Room
11:30 a.m.
Masterclass Observation with CELLO | FRESNO Faculty
12:00 p.m. — Lunch
Pizza will be provided for participating students by Cara and Emilio Colón – American Cello Institute.
1:00 p.m.
Cello & Bass Ensemble Rehearsal
3:00 p.m.
Cello & Bass Technique Class and/or Young Cellists & Bass Masterclass
4:00 p.m. — Student Pickup
Classes conclude. Please be sure to pick up your student at Fresno State.
Friday Evening Concert
7:30 p.m.
CELLO ASCENDING – The Faculty of CELLO | FRESNO in Concert
Fresno State Concert Hall
Students, families, and friends are invited to attend this special evening performance featuring the CELLO | FRESNO faculty.
Students are responsible for their own transportation.
Tickets:
https://www.ticketsource.com/california-state-university-fresno
Saturday, November 14
Fresno State School of Music
Location: California State University, Fresno – School of Music
Address: 2380 Keats Ave., Fresno, CA 93710
10:00 a.m.
Cello & Bass Ensemble Rehearsal
12:00 p.m. — Lunch Break
Students should bring a sack lunch, or a parent/guardian may bring lunch for them.
1:00 p.m.
Cello & Bass Ensemble Rehearsal and/or Young Cellists Masterclass
3:00 p.m. — Student Pickup
Rehearsal concludes. Please be sure to pick up your student at Fresno State.
Saturday Evening Dress Rehearsal & Gala Concert
6:30 p.m.
Dress Rehearsal – Fresno State Concert Hall
7:30 p.m.
CELLO MANIA GALA CONCERT
Celebrate the culmination of the festival with a special gala performance featuring our participating students in cello ensembles, the Fresno State Symphony Orchestra, and the renowned CELLO | FRESNO Faculty Artists.
Family and friends are warmly invited to attend and celebrate the students’ hard work and accomplishments.
Students are responsible for their own transportation.
Tickets:
https://www.ticketsource.com/california-state-university-fresno
Advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended, as concerts may sell out.
Important Information for Students & Families
Full participation is strongly encouraged. Students are encouraged to participate in all scheduled festival activities and concerts to receive the full benefit of this intensive musical experience and the opportunity to share their hard work during the final gala celebration.
Transportation: Students and families are responsible for transportation to and from all festival activities and performances.
Schedule Updates: Times and activities are subject to change.
For additional information and festival updates, visit:
www.facebook.com/cellofresno
Scholarship & Participation
How do I get started?All students accepted into the 2026 CELLO | FRESNO International Cello Festival will receive a scholarship covering their participation in the festival.
AcceptanceThere is no application or participation fee for accepted students.
Apply for the 2026 FestivalCellists interested in participating are invited to complete the online application.
What you need to know.
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All accepted students receive a scholarship for their involvement in the 2026 Cello | Fresno International Cello Festival, with no application or participation fee required.
All participants are required to complete an application prior to the festival.
Anyone applying after October 24 may attend master classes, presentations, concerts, and open parts of the competitions, as well as participate in the cello ensemble, but will not be able to participate in any master classes or the concerto competition.
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Due to the rapid growth of the festival, we are no longer able to offer housing for participants. Hotels near the Fresno State campus are listed below the application.
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Contact Dr. Thomas Loewenheim at
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Hilton Garden Inn Clovis: 520 W Shaw Ave, Clovis, CA
Holiday Inn Express Hotel Clovis/Fresno: 650 W Shaw Ave, Clovis, CA
University Inn: 2655 E Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Fresno North: 6065 N Thesta St, Fresno, CA
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Clovis: 1508 Clovis Ave, Clovis, CA