Students practicing for Kent Blossom Music Festival

Give to KBMF

Explore how you can support the students and programs of the Kent Blossom Music Festival! Thank you for considering a gift. 

The Kent Blossom Music Festival (KBMF) has trained the next generation of classical music artists for more than 50 years. The festival is a partnership between The Cleveland Orchestra and Kent State University and stands as one of the top summer training institutes in the United States.

2600+ Festival Alumni
5% Expenses Covered by Ticket Sales
15 Annual Festival Performances
Impact

More than 2,640 alumni have shared the festival’s unique experience since 1968, and many have held artistic positions nationally and internationally with major orchestras, opera companies and conservatory facilities. 

Festival alumni include 16 current members of The Cleveland Orchestra and members in the Atlanta Symphony, New York Philharmonic, Boston Symphony and Philadelphia Orchestra, along with members of the Emerson, Miami, Borromeo, Ariana, Grancino and Euclid Quartets. 

Since its inception, Kent Blossom Music Festival’s remarkable young musicians have had career placements with 157 chairs in U.S. and international orchestras, 14 chamber ensembles and as members of more than 52 U.S. and international music faculties.

Why is Philanthropic Support Needed?

Sponsorships

Public funding for arts programs is dwindling and private support is critical to ensuring that the Kent Blossom Music Festival continues to provide a top-tier chamber music program for the future of classical music. This program provides affordable and accessible opportunities to young musicians and the regional community.

Making an Impact

Ticket sales account for only five percent of Kent Blossom Music Festival expenses, so your gift is meaningful to ensure that this first-rate classical music program can continue for future generations of performers and audiences. Donor support will have a significant impact on the following areas:

  • Student program scholarships
  • Expenses for visiting artist teachers and mentors
  • Program and reception costs
  • Transportation costs
  • Operation and administrative costs
  • And more
Endowments
  • Kent Blossom Music Endowment
  • Richard D. Worthing Memorial Scholarship
  • John Mack Endowment
  • Joseph Gingold Endowment
  • Louis Lane Endowment
  • Bernhard Goldschmidt Endowment
  • Peggy Shaffer Endowment
  • Maurice Sharp Endowment
  • The Nicoletti-Pisegna Family Scholarship
Talk to Us About a Gift

Contact Ricardo Sepúlveda

Director, Kent Blossom Music Festival
rsepulv1@kent.edu | 330-672-0397

Give to KBMF

Online

You can give online securely and safely!

Donate Now

If you have difficulty finding the fund you'd like to support, simply:

  1. Check the box that says, "Still can’t find your fund? Check this box to enter your own designation"
  2. Enter in the name of the fund you'd like to support from this list:
    • Kent Blossom Music Endowment
    • Richard D. Worthing Memorial Scholarship
    • John Mack Endowment
    • Joseph Gingold Endowment
    • Louis Lane Endowment
    • Bernhard Goldschmidt Endowment
    • Peggy Shaffer Endowment
    • Maurice Sharp Endowment
    • The Nicoletti-Pisegna Family Scholarship
 

By Mail

If you would like to mail your gift to us, please make your check out to Kent State University Foundation/Kent Blossom Music Festival and mail it to:

Kent State University Foundation
350 S. Lincoln Street
P.O. Box 5190
Kent, Ohio 44242-0001

Donor Levels

Kent Blossom Music Festival sponsorships are available for naming in memory or honor of an individual, family, business or other organization.

Working with members of The Cleveland Orchestra and other guest artists was an extraordinary opportunity. Their insights and high standards pushed me to elevate my own playing and provided invaluable learning experiences.

Nate Robinson, KBMF 2023 and 2024, Violinist

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