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 three-concert series on Sundays.

The Axelrod Quartet—Marc Destrubé (violin), James Dunham (viola), Kenneth Slowik (violoncello), and now includes violinist Mark Fewer—presents three programs, each of which is anchored by one of Schubert’s last quartets. Additional works of quartet masters Haydn, Beethoven, and Shostakovich are joined by three 20th-century works related, in their diversity, to varied interests of the National Museum of American History through the 2023-2024 concert season. Note that Sunday concerts do not feature pre-concert lectures.

Concert Program

This concert features music by Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert, and 20th-century composer, Florence Price. Much of the music of African American composer Florence Price was rediscovered only in 2009. Her Quartet in G Major, a work from 1929, recalls the harmonic language of Antonín Dvorák, who prophesized, "In the Negro melodies of America I discover all that is needed for a great and noble school of music.”

• Florence Price: String Quartet in G Major
• Ludwig van Beethoven: Quartet in E-flat Major, Op. 74, the Harp
• Franz Schubert: Quartet in A Minor, D804, Rosamunde

Additional Axelrod String Quartet Sunday Series Concerts

• April 7
• April 28
• This series is also available on Saturdays.

Other Smithsonian Chamber Music Society Performances

• Masterworks of Five Centuries 2023-2024 Saturday concert series
• Masterworks of Five Centuries 2023-2024 Sunday concert series

General Information

• Update: Advanced sales will close at 2 p.m. on Friday, December 8, 2023. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door. Mobile device and credit card only. No cash transactions.
• Refer to our health and safety information for in-person programs.