Members of Trio Azura standing outdoors in front of modern city buildings, with the cellist holding her cello, the violinist holding his violin, and the pianist standing beside them in formal black attire during a sunset photoshoot.

Play it Forward Residency

For over a decade, the Festival together with the BSO has brought an emerging chamber ensemble to Bellingham in its Play it Forward Chamber Residency. Every year in the month of March, the Festival finances, houses, and transports young musicians from the prestigious Colburn Conservatory in Los Angeles, to Bellingham where they perform masterclasses, classroom outreach, and concerts throughout our Whatcom County middle and high schools.

2026

A chamber music ensemble called Trio Azura performing on stage, featuring a violinist, pianist, and cellist seated with their instruments in a concert hall with warm lighting and music stands in front of them.

Trio Azura

2025

Photo of the four members of the Quartet Integra dressed in black and holding their instruments.

Quartet Integra

2024

Photo of the Odyssey String Quartet posing with their instruments in front of a modern, sculptural white wall.

The Odyssey String Quartet

2023

The Integra string quartet playing violins and cello for students in a school music room with whiteboards in the background.

Quartet Integra

2019

Rosewind Quintet

2018

Ensemble percussionists in a dynamic rehearsal session for the Colburn Beat, showcasing collaborative music education.

Colburn Beat!

2017

Viano Quartet ensemble members smiling with their string instruments in a formal promotional headshot.

The Viano String Quartet

2016

Musicians from the Colburn group performing an educational string duet for a student audience at a school.

Colburn Chamber Players

2015

Musicians from the Olive Reed Trio performing an educational concert for a school classroom during a community music program.

The Oliver Reed Trio

2014

The 2nd Street Brass quintet standing together for a promotional photo in a venue decorated with traditional Northwest Coast carvings.

The Second Street Brass

2013

Five members of the Smoke and Mirrors Percussion Ensemble speaking to an audience during a 2013 live performance on a school stage.

Smoke and Mirrors Percussion Ensemble

2012

A diverse group of four young musicians smiling during the Bellingham Festival of Music, standing by the water at a Bellingham park with a view of the hillside and bay.

Calidore String Quartet