Another season of incredible performances (see what we mean and start the Brahms at right-->) is now a sweet memory! Stephanie created four extraordinary programs and with 23 of her nationally and internationally renown artist friends once again rocked the house.

Now ready to begin its 12th season, Cactus Pear Music Festival was founded in 1996 by Stephanie Sant'Ambrogio, former concertmaster of the San Antonio Symphony for 12 years. Stephanie's musical lineage is one of performers and pedagogues: her grandmother Isabelle Schiebler Sant'Ambrogio was a concert pianist and teacher; her grandfather Anthony Sant'Ambrogio was a violinist, once a member of the St. Louis Symphony. John Sant'Ambrogio, her father, just retired as Principal Cello with the St. Louis Symphony, and her sister Sara is the cellist in the award-winning Eroica Trio. Music is in the genes!

Looking to fill the summer void of classical music in South Texas as the SA Symphony went on its 3-month hiatus and symphony musicians left for music festivals far and wide, Stephanie's brainstorm came one sultry evening on the cafe banks of the River Walk as she sipped a signature Zuni Grill cactus pear margarita. ¡Caramba!, she exclaimed, and a music festival was born … a festival with all the refreshing COOL and vibrancy of the color of its namesake drink.

A Night on the Town!
We thank the EMILY MORGAN HOTEL for their participation in the festival this summer. Not only did they host our press conference that opened the season along with our collaborative art project, but they offered 3 fabulous hotel packages-- the STANDARD ROOM, DELUXE ROOM and EXECUTIVE SUITE packages--for festival attendees. Al l included valet parking, tickets to a CPMF concert and incredible savings over the package benefits if purchased separately. For a memorable time in San Antonio stay at the luxurious Emily Morgan. For more information: emilymorganhotel.com

A Treasure Trove of Musical Gifts
Cactus Pear has inaugurated its eStore that offers distinctive gifts of music to give a friend, family member or the music lover in your life. We have notecards for personal thank yous, general correspondence or holiday use. How about beautifully produced CDs or Festival Season Tickets to this summer's festival? CPMF can make that birthday or anniversary gift search a little easier for you while you in turn help us with your purchase fulfill our musical mission. Click here to make your way to our gift store.

Mission Statement
Cactus Pear Music Festival’s mission has two components:
1) to present and produce great chamber music for people of all ages and backgrounds throughout South Texas;
2) to significantly contribute to the musical education of South Texas young people throughout the year.

The organization is also committed to active collaborations with diverse arts and cultural organizations in the region.

Program Description
Cactus Pear Music Festival is committed to the following program components:

1. the CPMF Summer Concert Series, consisting of performances by Artistic Director Stephanie Sant’Ambrogio and noted chamber music artists of national and international renown, both in San Antonio and outlying South Texas communities.
2. the Kinder Konzerts, a children’s concert series taking place during the school
year and directed toward and serving children ages 3 to 10, many of them from
underserved school districts;
3. the Young Peoples’ Concert Series, performed during the summer Festival season directed to children ages 8 to 18, including children and teens in the Youth Orchestra of San Antonio and also including many from underserved local populations; and
4. the Young Artist Fellowship Program, which provides two-week intensive training fellowships and group performance opportunities to talented and accomplished young student musicians during the summer Festival season.

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