Join the Chamber Music Society of Central Virginia in a symphonic celebration that promises to captivate audiences with a series of compelling events. From honoring British composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's legacy to exploring themes of war and peace, this season offers a diverse musical journey. Enjoy performances featuring Beethoven's heroic sonatas, Baroque masterpieces, and innovative compositions by local artists. Mark your calendars for an enriching cultural experience that highlights the beauty and depth of chamber music.

Chamber Music Society of Central Virginia: A Celebration of Music and Friendship

Richmond's Chamber Music Society of Central Virginia offers a dazzling array of musical events, each with its unique charm and appeal. From exploring the fresh beginnings of classical icons to the refreshing infusion of Baroque and contemporary compositions, these events promise an engaging auditory ride. Highlighting works from Haydn to Beethoven, the 2026 season captures the essence of classical masterpieces, while family-friendly concerts provide an inviting atmosphere for all ages. Join us as we delve into the musical offerings that blend historical reverence with modern creativity.

Exploring Chamber Music: Richmond's Diverse Musical Showcase

The Chamber Music Society of Central Virginia invites you to an evocative spring series featuring 'Baroque North And South,' 'Free Concert – SEA AND SKY,' and 'Heaven And Earth.' Dive into a world of harpsichord elegance, elemental melodies, and the harmonious blend of nature and spirituality. With performances by distinguished artists like Carsten Schmidt, Jesse Mills, Rieko Aizawa, Jordan Bak, and James Wilson, this series promises to explore the rich tapestry of chamber music, bridging diverse influences and traditions.

A Melodic Journey: Chamber Music Society of Central Virginia's Spring Highlights

The Chamber Music Society of Central Virginia has curated a delightful series of events that traverse geographical and emotional landscapes through the evocative medium of chamber music. With performances scheduled from March to May 2026, these concerts promise to engage music lovers with selections ranging from Baroque compositions to contemporary premieres. Featuring the talents of Carsten Schmidt on the harpsichord, along with Jesse Mills, Rieko Aizawa, Jordan Bak, and James Wilson, these events offer a rich tapestry of sound exploring air, water, earth, and beyond.

Melodies Across Borders: A Journey with Chamber Music Society of Central Virginia

Carsten Schmidt brings his golden harpsichord back to CMSCVA to perform a recital of Baroque music with influences from countries north and south of the Alps.

Baroque North And South

St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Richmond, VA

In the second concert of Beethoven’s chamber music this season, CMSCVA highlights the legendary composer’s first quartets. Full of energy and wit, these pieces display the 30-year-old’s musical genius.

Beethoven: Upstart Genius

Holy Comforter Episcopal Church, Richmond, VA

To quote Will Rogers, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” This free event showcases the first string quartets of composers like Haydn, Mozart, and Richmond’s Riley Peters. Hear the great pieces that started it all!

Free Concert – FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Richmond Main Public Library

Virtuoso concertos shiver and burn in this concert of Italian Baroque music featuring Vivaldi’s “Winter” concerto, and the premiere of a new work by Richmond’s own Chloe Biggs.

Fire And Ice

Performing on period instruments, cellist James Wilson, and fortepianist Carsten Schmidt present music of Beethoven at the height of his creative powers. The innovation and romanticism of the legendary composer are showcased in this performance of classic chamber music.

Beethoven: Heroic Sonatas

Second Presbyterian Church, Richmond VA

Harp, flute and strings combine to perform peaceful music by the French Impressionists and the dramatic music of Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet ballet. Also featured is one of the most powerful anti-war pieces of classical music, the String Quartet no. 8 by Dmitri Shostakovich.

War And Peace

CMSCVA honors the 150-anniversary year of British composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor with a concert of his music and that of his friends and teachers. The program includes Coleridge-Taylor’s jubilant Nonet, and the ultimate friendship tribute piece, Elgar’s “Enigma” Variations, in an arrangement by CMSCVA Artistic Director James Wilson.

Circle Of Friends

First Unitarian Universalist Church of Richmond

In this family friendly free concert, CMSCVA explores the elements of air and water, and the creatures that live there, all through the evocative medium of chamber music.

Free Concert – SEA AND SKY

In this concert for four players, the ethereal music of Latvian composer Pēteris Vasks and rousing spirituals of Adolphus Hailstork sit side-by-side with the earthy and joyful music of Antonín Dvořák. Also featured is the premiere of a new chamber music work by Virginia composer Joe Jaxson.

Chamber Music Society of Central Virginia

May 9, 2026

Free Concert – SEA AND SKY

May 11, 2026

Heaven And Earth

Mar 29, 2026

Baroque North And South

Feb 22, 2026

Beethoven: Upstart Genius

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Chamber Music Society of Central Virginia