IWU Cello Retreat!
July 8-12, 2026
9 am - 2 pm @ Illinois Wesleyan University’s Presser Hall (music building)
Cellists from the Bloomington/Normal area are invited to IWU’s Cello Retreat, July 8-12, 2026. Registration is limited to eight junior high and high school-age cello students. Activities include a variety of cello ensembles and cello choir, individualized technique sessions, and final performance. The deadline to register is Friday, May 1, but registration will close if spots are filled sooner.
$250 Registration. Payment is due the day of the event or you may submit payment via check to ILCMF, Cello Retreat, PO Box 2900, Bloomington, IL 61702-2900. Questions? Contact Lisa Nelson at lnelson@iwu.edu.
To enroll in IWU’s Cello Retreat, please fill out the form below. Once enrolled, a detailed schedule will be sent to you. Payment may be made in advance or cash/check are accepted at the day’s event.
Cello Retreat Faculty
Nina Gordon is Emeritus Professor of Cello and Chamber music at Illinois Wesleyan University and former Principal Cellist with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra.
Martti Laivuori teaches cello at Illinois Wesleyan University and in the Chicago area and has been a member of the Illinois Symphony Orchestra since 2024. Prior, he taught for a decade at the Avonia Music School in Espoo, Finland.
Thank you to all our former students and supporters who joined us in celebrating 20 years!
We invited alumni back in 2022 to celebrate the Illinois Chamber Music Festival. Thanks to all of those who attended the Student Concert followed by an Alumni Reception on July 23, 2022. We enjoyed seeing you again!
ILCMF Alumni Would you like to give a talk to the current ILCMF students about your career path in music? Are you interested in playing in a chamber music group and getting coaching from faculty? What other ideas do you have for future anniversary celebrations? Click on the button below to email us.