Duke Arts is proud to announce the 80th Anniversary Season of the Chamber Arts Series, marking eight decades of extraordinary chamber music performances at Duke University. Established in 1945 by the Chamber Arts Society of Durham, the program is Duke’s longest-running public arts series and is a cherished tradition of classical music local throughout the Triangle.
Founded by a dedicated group of local music lovers and Duke faculty members, the Chamber Arts Society set out to bring world-class chamber ensembles to Durham—and to do so at a fraction of the cost audiences pay to see these same groups in other cities. This commitment to accessibility and excellence has allowed the series to build a loyal following while attracting some of the most esteemed musicians in the world.
This milestone season offers a remarkable lineup, including violinist Rachel Barton Pine with pianist Gilles Vonsattel, the Takács Quartet joined by violist Jordan Bak, and the return of the acclaimed Doric String Quartet. Audiences can anticipate eight captivating performances in the 2025-26 season, all taking place in Baldwin Auditorium on Duke’s East Campus. One of the premiere venues for classical music in the Southeast, the Baldwin Auditorium offers comfortable seating, excellent acoustics, and an intimate setting for classical music.
Subscriptions are now available online for renewing subscribers, with new subscriptions opening on April 17. Subscribers can book between 6-8 concerts in a subscription.
Music lovers are encouraged to book early to secure the best seats for this special anniversary season.
Rachel Barton Pine with Gilles Vonsattel, piano
September 6, 2025 | 7:30pm
Takács Quartet with Jordan Bak, viola
September 27, 2025 | 7:30pm
Trio con Brio Copenhagen
October 11, 2025 | 7:30pm
Castalian String Quartet
November 2, 2025 | 7:00pm
Akropolis Reed Quintet
January 23, 2026 | 7:30pm
Cuarteto Casals
February 14, 2026 | 7:30pm
Manhattan Chamber Players with Lucy Fitz Gibbon, soprano
March 8, 2026 | 7:00pm
Doric String Quartet
March 27, 2026 | 7:30pm