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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.

About SCMS

Upcoming Concerts

Music of John Ward and Henry Purcell

The Smithsonian Consort of Viols

Haydn: Quartet in D Major, Op. 33, No. 6
Bartók: Quartet No. 2 in A minor, Sz. 67
Beethoven: Quartet in C-sharp Minor, Op. 131

Tickets for Saturday’s performance
Tickets for Sunday’s performance

The Axelrod String Quartet

Sonatas of Johann Sebastian Bach

Great Instruments with Great Stories

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 “the brothers Amati” [Nicolaus Amatus Cremonen. Hieronymi Fil. ac Antonij Nepos Fecit 1670].

The Stradivarius cello of 1701, known as the Servais, is unquestionably among the jewels of the Smithsonian’s collection. It is a magnificent instrument of incredible visual beauty, robust and bold in overall conception, yet refined in myriad details.