Chamber Music San Francisco

Chamber Music San Francisco (CMSF) is a prominent cultural organization dedicated to the presentation of chamber music concerts and recitals in the San Francisco Bay Area. Founded in 2003, CMSF has established itself as a respected entity within the region's rich artistic ecosystem, collaborating with other organizations to serve and expand the community of music enthusiasts. #### History and Mission The mission of Chamber Music San Francisco is to bring top-tier touring artists and talented local musicians to the Bay Area, enriching the cultural landscape with high-quality chamber music performances. Since its inception, the organization has been committed to respecting and complementing the work of other arts entities in the community. Initially, CMSF presented performances at the 300-seat Florence Gould Theatre in the Legion of Honor, fostering a successful collaboration with the Fine Arts Museums. However, due to decreased availability of the venue to outside renters in 2008, CMSF sought a new home and subsequently moved to the 900-seat Herbst Theatre in 2009, where it continues to host its events. #### Expansion to Palo Alto In 2008, after a conversation with patrons at a summer festival on the Peninsula, CMSF expanded its reach by replicating its successful series in Walnut Creek to serve the Palo Alto area. With initial support from patrons and a commitment to bringing high-quality performances to the region, the Palo Alto series was launched in February 2009 with an impressive lineup featuring renowned artists such as Lynn Harrell, Nelson Freire, the Prazak Quartet, and the Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio. Initially held at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, the series faced challenges with venue suitability. However, the completion of the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center (OFJCC) in Palo Alto provided a new venue, the Schultz Cultural Arts Hall, which boasts 330 seats with excellent sightlines and acoustics. Since 2010, CMSF has been delighted to call the OFJCC its home on the Peninsula. The Palo Alto series quickly gained popularity, and by the third season in 2011, nearly all available seats were sold on season subscriptions. This success has allowed CMSF to allocate funds typically spent on advertising directly to artist fees, ensuring subscribers receive the finest concerts possible. #### Unique Three-City Partnership Chamber Music San Francisco's innovative three-city partnership, encompassing San Francisco, Walnut Creek, and Palo Alto, is unique in the United States. This arrangement benefits all stakeholders involved, including the artists, the organization, and most importantly, the audiences. The mission in Palo Alto remains straightforward: to bring the world's finest musicians to the Oshman Family JCC. Chamber Music San Francisco continues to thrive as a beacon of chamber music in the Bay Area, offering a diverse range of concerts and contributing to the region's cultural vibrancy. Through its dedication to quality and community engagement, CMSF has become an indispensable part of the local arts scene, providing enriching experiences for chamber music aficionados and newcomers alike.