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 G Minor, D173
Mozart: Quintet in C Major, K515
Mendelssohn: Quintet in B-flat Major, Op. 87
This concert features guest violist Joan DerHovsepian.
Additional Axelrod String Quartet Saturday Series Concerts
Other Smithsonian Chamber Music Society Performances
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 proceed to the 3rd floor of the museum (West side) and check-in at the Will Call table outside Taubman Hall of Music.
- Advanced sales will close at 2 p.m. on Friday, December 13, 2024.
- 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.
