For 28 summers (1997-2024) CMIsc offered musicians several intensive coaching sessions over a period of a few weeks followed by a performance at a fine venue. Director Kay Pech carefully grouped musicians by ability into string quartets or other ensembles and matched them with appropriately challenging music. Musicians were exposed to the standard repertoire–Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven et al.–as well as a broader range of music by women and African-American composers such as Fanny Mendelssohn, William Grant Still, Rhiannon Giddens, and many more.
CMIsc grew out of Kay Pech’s lifetime of teaching and continued learning, and in many ways its administration was a one-woman operation, a labor of love. It was never about making money (she never paid herself) and always about spreading the love and enjoyment of chamber music to students of all ages. When she unexpectedly passed away in October 2024 (please see her tribute), she left behind a gaping hole not easily filled; therefore, CMIsc has since closed its “doors.” This website will remain as a repository of memories for all those touched by Kay, all the other coaches who furthered her vision, and all the fellow musicians who celebrate her life of music.
Remembering
Kay Pech
Founder and Director of Chamber Music Institute/So Cal (1997-2024)
born June 27, 1940 – died October 5, 2024
“Ms. Pech was extraordinary. She was a brilliant musician and teacher, but also a mentor and friend….”
Thank you to everyone who helped to make the 2024 concert such a success! We didn’t know it would be the last one.
Please go to our GALLERY to see videos and pictures from the event.
The World Has Lost a Great Cellist & Teacher
Dr. Charles Baker, a founding member of the CMIsc Board of Directors and one of our first coaches
Sept 28, 1931—July 17, 2024
Our July 28, 2024 concert was dedicated to his memory
PERFORMANCE VENUE
For the final three summers (2022–2024) our string groups performed in the exquisite Nixon Presidential Library Theater in Yorba Linda, California.
FEATURING WOMEN COMPOSERS
Have you ever played a quartet written by a Florence, Laura, Sarah or Fanny?
Groups had an opportunity to learn a movement by a woman composer as well as the standard repertoire.
CMIsc was made possible, in part, with support from Associated Chamber Music Players (ACMP) as well as a very generous grant from the Hennings Fischer Foundation.
Chamber Music Institute/SoCal 