ABOUT  |  MUSIC FESTIVAL ORIGINS

Governor Bill Anoatubby

the Chickasaw Nation

 

In recent history, American Indian creative talent has found expression in the classical musical arts. Widely known for his appreciation of and support for the fine arts, Bill Anoatubby, governor of the Chickasaw Nation, approved and endorsed the creation of the Chickasaw Chamber Music Festival, which became the first permanent venue for classical American Indian composers and performers.

 

 

Jerod Tate

Artistic Director

 

The festival was conceived and designed in 2007 by Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate, a Chickasaw classical composer, who also serves as artistic director for the festival. Through a series of concerts, American Indians are introduced to classical repertoire and performers, and non-Indians are introduced to classical American Indian composers and performers.

 

By these means, American Indian classical musicians can be firmly established in the history of fine arts.

 

The festival is sponsored by the Chickasaw Nation Division of Arts and Humanities and takes place at the historic McSwain Theatre in Ada, Oklahoma.