Chamber Arts Series

Now celebrating its 80th year, this popular series features eight concerts by world-renowned small ensembles selected by the Chamber Arts Society of Durham at Duke University.

Salix Piano Trio

Salix Piano Trio

Sunday, September 20 at 2:00pm

Named for the weeping willow, Salix Piano Trio shapes Mozart, Brahms, Higdon, Bridge, and Shostakovich into a vivid arc where elegance and intensity meet “fiercely intelligent playing” (The Washington Post).

Camerata Nordica

Camerata Nordica

Sunday, October 4 at 7:00pm

A standout from Sweden’s chamber scene, Camerata Nordica’s conductor-less octet dives into Mozart, Mendelssohn, and Shostakovich, performing from within the ensemble for a thrilling sense of collaboration and energy.

Schumann Quartett

Schumann Quartett

Friday, November 6 at 7:30pm

Three brothers and close collaborator, Veit Hertenstein, bring familial chemistry to Haydn, Ives, and Tchaikovsky, pushing each work to its limits with “extraordinary, frightening brilliance” (Bachtrack).

Pacifica Quartet

Pacifica Quartet

Sunday, January 10 at 7:00pm

Two-time GRAMMY winners, Pacifica Quartet pairs Beethoven’s expansive Op. 130 with George Walker and Gabriela Lena Frank, placing bold contemporary voices alongside one of the repertoire’s most searching masterworks.

Escher Quartet with pianist, David Fung

Escher Quartet with pianist, David Fung

Sunday, January 31 at 7:00pm

Inspired by M.C. Escher’s interplay of forms, the Escher Quartet joins pianist David Fung for Mozart, Schumann, and Korngold, music rich in dialogue, shifting between intimacy and concerto-like drama.

Sphinx Virtuosi

Sphinx Virtuosi

Sunday, February 21 at 7:00pm

A self-conducted ensemble redefining classical performance, Sphinx Virtuosi blends Stravinsky, Ravel, and Roberto Sierra with new works in a program shaped by the sounds and stories of America.

Quatuor Van Kuijk

Quatuor Van Kuijk

Friday, March 5 at 7:30pm

Hailing from France, Quatuor Van Kuijk are BBC New Generation Artists and winners of the Wigmore Hall Competition. Their Duke Arts debut features Mozart’s “Dissonance” alongside Bartók and Brahms.

Anthony McGill, clarinet and Conrad Tao, piano

Anthony McGill, clarinet and Conrad Tao, piano

Sunday, April 11 at 7:00pm

When Anthony McGill, principal clarinet of the New York Philharmonic, joins pianist and composer Conrad Tao, expect a program of striking range where lyricism and virtuosity meet contemporary sensibility.