Since 1976, the Smithsonian Chamber Music Society’s exhibitions, concerts, tours, broadcasts, recordings and educational programs have brought the Smithsonian’s priceless collection of musical instruments to life for hundreds of thousands in the Washington area and millions of people all over the world.

Support SCMS

Join the Friends of Music!

Your contributions are vital to fulfilling our mission. Become a member today! Learn more

Upcoming Concerts

Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 3:30 pm
Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 3:30 pm

 Music by Heinrich Biber, Johann Schmelzer, and Johannes Schenck

The Smithsonian Chamber Players
Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 3:30 pm
Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 3:30 pm

 J.S. Bach Sonatas for Violin and Obbligato Harpsichord

Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 3:30 pm
Sunday, December 15, 2024 at 3:30 pm

Schubert: Quartet in G Minor, D173

Mozart: Quintet in C Major, K515

Mendelssohn: Quintet in B-flat Major, Op. 87

The Axelrod String Quartet
More Concerts

Great Instruments with Great Stories

Cello by Luigi Rovatti, Buenos Aires, Argentina, 1915
Rovatti was born in Italy in 1861 and trained there as a pupil of Joseph and Enrico Rocca. He emigrated to Argentina in 1885, producing about 1,000 violins,... More
The “Servais" Cello
The Stradivarius cello of 1701, known as the Servais, is unquestionably among the jewels of the Smithsonian’s collection. It is a magnificent instrument... More
Violin from the shop of Amati, ca. 1670
This beautiful violin bears a label identifying it as the work of Nicolò Amati, the son of Hieronymus and nephew of Antonio Amati, who are known as... More