Chamber music concerts, chamber music masterclasses, halls filled with chamber music, top musicians bring chamber music. Chamber music is what the International Chamber Music Festival 2026 ICCF in Waterloo is all about.
It takes place in April 2026. In addition to renowned musicians, there is ample attention for emerging talent. The festival, unique in this country in its approach, offers two important components: educational masterclasses led by celebrated professors and engaging evening concerts with leading soloists. During the masterclasses, participants work closely with musical mentors and deepen their skills and technique. The concert series provides the public with a platform to enjoy live chamber music performances in an intimate setting. It offers a combination of education and performance, where musical mastery and artistic expression are central.
The two international top institutes for music education and further professional in-depth training that happen to both be located in Waterloo are closely connected to this festival. The Royal Elisabeth Music Chapel and the Musica Mundi School. A number of sometimes still very young highly gifted students to advanced students will be heard at this festival.
CMDI (Classical Music Development Initiative) Group is a dynamic organization in the cultural sector that is rapidly building a reputation for reliability and excellence through leading events worldwide. CMDI, founded and led by successful cultural entrepreneurs and managers, focuses on connecting global communities through high-quality artistic events, with a focus on classical music. With a roster of artists that includes numerous renowned soloists, conductors and orchestras, CMDI aims to provide exceptional cultural experiences. The diverse projects include concerts, ballet performances, competitions, opera recitals, masterclasses, festivals and academies. CMDI's pursuit of boundlessness ensures that its events resonate across Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Konstantin Ishkhanov chairman of the ICCF
Konstantin Ishkhanov distinguishes himself as a leading businessman and cultural philanthropist. In his role as president, he has led numerous international music festivals, competitions and academies. Ishkhanov, born in 1970, grew up in a culturally vibrant environment, which made a lasting impression on him, despite the fact that his parents were not themselves musicians. This background inspired him to a lifelong dedication to the arts, which led him to pursue cultural initiatives on a global scale.
"Culture is the universal language that connects hearts and minds and promotes harmony across borders"
Konstantin Ishkhanov
Initially, after his doctoral research, Konstantin Ishkhanov focused on advanced technological research. Around 2010, however, he shifted his priorities and dedicated his expertise and resources to the arts. This transition led to a series of prestigious cultural initiatives that have gained international recognition.
One of the most striking is the InClassica International Music Festival, which will soon celebrate its 14th edition, as well as other renowned events such as the ClaviCologne Piano Festival, the International Chamber Classics Festival, the Symphonic Middle East Festival, the Accordi Musicali International Music Festival, the Eurasian Stars International Music Festival and the Modern Composers Festival. Konstantin Ishkhanov is personally responsible for these events and ensures their success and growth on the world stage.
He is also chairman of leading international competitions, including Classic Piano, Classic Cello, Classic Violin Olympus and Classic Winds. His influence extends across a broad range of cultural projects, from music academies and concerts to ballets and ice shows. In 2019, Konstantin Ishkhanov was distinguished as the first non-Maltese recipient of Malta's highest cultural award for his "Outstanding contribution to the cultural life of Malta," underscoring his significant impact on the international art world.
