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. The Axelrod Quartet welcomes its new violist, Joan DerHovsepian, principal violist of the Houston Symphony, whose distinguished career includes membership in the Everest Quartet.

Ensemble

Mark Fewer and Marc Destrubé (violins), Joan DerHovsepian (viola), and Kenneth Slowik (violoncello)

Concert Season Information

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

J. S. Bach: The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080

Additional Axelrod String Quartet Saturday Series Concerts

• January 17, 2026
• February 7, 2026
• April 11, 2026
• This series is also available on Sundays.

Other Smithsonian Chamber Music Society Performances

• Masterworks of Three Centuries 2025-2026 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 on the 3rd floor West side outside the Taubman Hall of Music.
• Advanced sales will close at 2 p.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025.
• 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.