The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center

The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (CMS) is an American organization dedicated to the performance and promotion of chamber music. Its website states that it is "the nation’s premier repertory company for chamber music."

CMS is one of twelve constituents of New York City's Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the largest performing arts complex in the world. Its home is at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall and its activities include performances, education, recordings, and broadcasts events. The organization's roster includes 35 performing artists, to which guest artists are added.

CMS presents concert series and educational events annually. The organization's artistic directors are David Finckel and Wu Han. The founding director was Charles Wadsworth (1969-89), and previous directors also include Fred Sherry (1989-93) and David Shifrin (1993-2004).

CMS has released a number of CDs, including works from the standard repertore as well as contemporary compositions. It also tours the United States regularly. The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts at Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut has been an annual tour destination since 2002.

The first CMS performance took place on September 11, 1969. CMS performances include works dating back as far as the Renaissance as well as newly composed pieces. The organization has commissioned over 135 new works from composers such as Bruce Adolphe, Samuel Barber, Leonard Bernstein, William Bolcom, John......
Read More