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.
Upcoming Concerts
The Smithsonian Academy Orchestra, under the direction of Kenneth Slowik, presents C.P.E. Bach’s Symphony No. 3 in C major (Wq. 182/3, H. 659), Haydn’s Symphony No. 52 in C minor, and Schubert’s Symphony No. 5 in B-flat major performed on period instruments.
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Haydn: Quartet in G Major, Op. 54, No. 1
Mozart: Quartet in A Major, K464, the Drum
Beethoven: Quartet in A Major, Op. 18, No. 5
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.