The 2024 Colorado International Piano Academy & Festival (CIPAF) returns to the University of Northern Colorado campus this summer, promising a vibrant celebration of musical excellence against the breathtaking backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. From July 25-Aug. 3, 2024, CIPAF will bring together world-class pianists, distinguished pedagogues, festival competitors and music enthusiasts for a week filled with concerts, masterclasses, presentations and community engagement events.
Hosted in the historic Milne Auditorium of Kepner Hall and the exquisite Campus Commons Performance Hall, CIPAF features an outstanding lineup of performances by internationally acclaimed guest artists and faculty. The festival opens with the electrifying Lomazov Rackers Piano Duo from the Eastman School of Music performing Igor Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring” for piano four-hands on July 25 at 7 p.m. Subsequent evenings will highlight performances by esteemed artists such as Michael Chertock (July 26), Ian Jones from the Royal College of Music in London (July 27), Jerome Lowenthal from The Juilliard School (July 29) and Frank Weinstock and the DieYi Piano Duo (July 31).
“We are thrilled to present such a diverse and talented group of artists for this year’s festival,” says Dr. Lei Weng, artistic director and founder of CIPAF. “From classical masterpieces to contemporary works, CIPAF offers something for every music lover to enjoy.”
In addition to performances, CIPAF provides educational opportunities through open masterclasses and the prestigious CIPAF International Competition, offering participants invaluable feedback and mentorship from renowned faculty members representing institutions like The Juilliard School, the Royal College of Music in London and the China Conservatory of Music. As part of its commitment to community engagement, CIPAF proudly presents the “Rising Stars Concert” on Wednesday, July 31, at 6 p.m. in the UNC Campus Commons Performance Hall. This special event showcases the next generation of talented pianists from Colorado, providing them with a platform to present their skills and passion for music.
“We are excited to feature these Rising Stars from our local community,” Weng adds. “Their performances will inspire and delight audiences of all ages.”
All CIPAF events are open to the public, with tickets available for purchase through the CIPAF website. Free parking will be provided on the UNC campus for attendees at both Milne Auditorium and Campus Commons Performance Hall during evening recitals.
2024 Concert Schedule
- July 25 at 7 p.m. – Milne Auditorium: Lomazov Rackers Piano Duo (Eastman)
- July 26 at 7 p.m. – Milne Auditorium: Michael Chertock (CCM)
- July 27 at 7 p.m. – Milne Auditorium: Ian Jones (RCM)
- July 28 at 7 p.m. – Milne Auditorium: CIPAF Faculty Recital I
- July 29 at 7 p.m. – Campus Commons Performance Hall: Jerome Lowenthal (Julliard)
- July 31 at 6 p.m. – Campus Commons Performance Hall: Rising Stars Concert
- July 31 at 7:30 p.m. – Campus Commons Performance Hall: CIPAF Faculty Recital II
Free tickets will be available at the door for students, children, active military personnel, veterans and individuals with a disability (ADA). For more information about the 2024 Colorado International Piano Academy & Festival, including ticket sales and event details, visit cipaf.org.
