Classical music encompasses a wide range of forms, styles, and periods. At Seattle Chamber Music Society (SCMS), we bring together two to eight musicians from all over the world to perform, bringing the greatest repertoire of chamber pieces to life. Chamber music developed in the 19th century as entertainment for amateur musicians to play pieces with friends in the comfort of the home. The repertoire grew increasingly complex as musical luminaries like Beethoven, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, and others composed pieces that brought this music out of the home and into the concert hall. Besides the size of the group, another characteristic that distinguishes chamber music from symphonic music is that there is no conductor. Each musician plays an equal part in the decision making – choosing tempo, shaping phrases, and finding the perfect balance and blend of sound. Interpretation and style offer an exclusive performance for listeners each time a unique group of musicians come together. At SCMS we invite principal musicians from leading orchestras, award-winning soloists and recitalists, and dedicated chamber musicians to our stage. Think of this as Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, and Mick Jagger getting on stage together to have a jam session. Every SCMS concert brings the best musicians with unique personalities together to offer music worth experiencing!
Experience the legendary Hagen Quartet live in Seattle on their farewell tour—hailed as one of the finest quartets of our time (The Washington Post). Be there for this unforgettable evening of world-class chamber music!
Seattle Chamber Music Society is a celebration of variety, celebrating the astounding range of musical expression over the past four centuries. It is my greatest pleasure as Artistic Director to create programs that feel both self-contained and also part of a larger, season-long journey.
— JAMES EHNES, Gilbert Omenn and Martha Darling Artistic Director
Seattle Chamber Music Society is a celebration of variety, celebrating the astounding range of musical expression over the past four centuries. It is my greatest pleasure as Artistic Director to create programs that feel both self-contained and also part of a larger, season-long journey.
— JAMES EHNES, Gilbert Omenn and Martha Darling Artistic Director
Since 1982, Seattle Chamber Music Society (SCMS) has been a cornerstone of Seattle’s classical music scene, presenting world-class performances and making high-quality chamber music accessible to all. Attracting renowned musicians from around the world, SCMS continues to innovate, launching its Virtual Concert Hall in 2020 to bring performances online. Today, audiences can experience extraordinary music year-round through the Summer and Winter Festivals, the Signature Series, Crescendo Concerts in Seattle’s most stunning homes, and Concerts at the Center. Whether in the concert hall or from the comfort of home, SCMS delivers intimate, world-class performances that captivate both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
This past season, Seattle Chamber Music Society (SCMS) expanded its reach, bringing world-class chamber music beyond traditional concert halls and into the heart of the community. As one of the leading chamber music organizations, we continue to grow in both size and impact, making classical music more accessible than ever. Through our Academy for Chamber Music, live performances in elementary schools, and enriching programs in retirement communities, we inspire the next generation of musicians and music lovers. From concerts in hospitals and Azure Family Concerts to outdoor performances in Seattle parks and mobile “concerts on wheels,” SCMS remains dedicated to sharing the transformative power of chamber music.
