Make a Summer Festival Evening of It on Vashon Island
On Monday, July 13, Seattle Chamber Music Society brings the 2026 Summer Festival to Vashon Island for a special one-night-only performance at the Vashon Center for the Arts. Featuring an all-star lineup of Summer Festival artists and a program including Beethoven, Dohnányi, and anchored by Dvořák’s beloved “American” Quartet, this island concert offers a unique opportunity to experience extraordinary chamber music, and take in one of the Pacific Northwest’s beautiful island settings.
The evening music begins with a free pre-concert recital at 6:30 PM featuring James Ehnes and Amy Schwartz Moretti, followed by the 7:30 PM mainstage performance. The program includes Beethoven’s String Quartet Op. 14 No.1, Dohnányi’s Serenade in C Major, Op. 10, and Dvořák’s String Quartet No. 12 in F Major, Op. 96, B. 179, “American,” performed by an extraordinary roster of SCMS artists including James Ehnes, Amy Schwartz Moretti, Tessa Lark, Che-Yen Chen, Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt, Edward Arron, and Ani Aznavoorian.
Following the performance, enjoy a post-concert Q&A with the artists before heading back to the ferry or continuing your evening on the island.
Dinner Is on Us
Start your evening with a complimentary dinner at Vashon Center for the Arts featuring catering from local Island favorite, Iyad’s Syrian Grill. At 5pm, join fellow concertgoers along with SCMS team and artists to enjoy delicious food, great company, and a relaxed start to the evening before the music begins.
The dinner is free, but advanced registration is requested so we can plan accordingly. Registration will close at 12:00PM on July 10. Sign up Here
Getting to Vashon
Whether you prefer to drive your own car onto the ferry and enjoy the flexibility to explore the island, or walk on and use public transit, getting to Vashon Island is easy. If you’re joining us for the complimentary dinner before the concert, plan to catch the 4:35 PM ferry at the latest. If you’re attending only the pre-concert recital and evening performance, the 5:40 PM ferry is your latest recommended departure.
Summer sailings can be busy, so arriving early is recommended. We recommend consulting the Washington State Ferries schedule before your trip to choose the sailing that best fits your plans.
If driving over on the ferry, Vashon Center for the Arts offers a large, free parking lot at their venue in addition to plenty of street parking nearby. VCA location and accessibility information posted here.
Make a Day of It
Why not arrive early and discover everything Vashon Island has to offer? Browse local galleries and boutiques, enjoy waterfront views, visit local farms and parks, or stop by one of the island’s many cafés before joining us for dinner and the concert. It’s an ideal summer day trip that pairs beautifully with an evening of world-class chamber music. Explore options here.
Reserve your tickets today—and don’t forget to register for the complimentary dinner.
