Smithsonian Chamber Music Society audiences are privy to the unparalleled experience of being able to hear two magnificent quartets of instruments—one made by Antonio Stradivari, the other by his teacher Nicoló Amati—in this popular four-concert series on Saturdays.

Ensemble

Mark Fewer and Marc Destrubé (violins), James Dunham (viola), and Kenneth Slowik (violoncello)

Concert Season Information

The Axelrod Quartet’s violist James Dunham will retire at the end of this season after 17 years with the ensemble. In the first three programs, which explore the viola quintet repertoire, the quartet is joined by one of three different violists. Dunham has chosen the final quartet-only program to include some of the works he’s most enjoyed playing over his long and distinguished career, which included membership in the Naumburg Award–winning Sequoia String Quartet and the Grammy Award–winning Cleveland quartet.

Kenneth Slowik, SCMS artistic director and recipient of the Smithsonian Distinguished Scholar Award, again curates a series of pre-concert talks one hour prior to each concert, shedding light on the glorious music and the lives and times of the featured composers.

Concert Program

Schubert: Quartet in E-flat Major, D87
Mozart: Quintet in G Minor, K515
Brahms: Quintet in F Major, Op. 88

This concert features guest violist Milena Pajero-van der Stadt.

Additional Axelrod String Quartet Saturday Series Concerts

• December 14, 2024
• January 25, 2025
• May 3, 2025
• This series is also available on Sundays.

Other Smithsonian Chamber Music Society Performances

• Masterworks of Five Centuries 2024-2025 Saturday concert series
• Masterworks of Five Centuries 2024-2025 Sunday concert series

General Information

• This program and its artists are subject to change.
• All Axelrod concerts take place at the Nicholas and Eugenia Taubman Hall of Music, National Museum of American History, 14th St. and Constitution Ave., NW (Metro: Federal Triangle). Upon arrival at the museum, please check-in at the Will Call table in Constitution Ave lobby, then proceed upstairs to the 3rd floor to the Taubman Hall of Music.
• Advanced sales will close at 2 p.m. on Friday, October 4, 2024. Tickets are available for purchase at the door. Mobile device and credit card only. No cash transactions.
• Within 24 hours of the concert, this page will be updated if tickets will be available for purchase at the door. If available, mobile device and credit card transactions will apply (no cash allowed).
• Refer to our health and safety information for in-person programs.