About Us

Formed in the 1950s as a learning and performance association, the Chamber Music Society of Central Kentucky is the second oldest musical organization in Lexington. Since its incorporation as a nonprofit in 1971, the Society has presented an annual concert series featuring national and international touring groups, plus an annual concert by outstanding chamber players from central Kentucky.

After a half-century, we look back on a history of presenting well over 200 concerts, and almost as many different ensembles. All were stellar in their ability to communicate the beauty and passion of great chamber music. Our audience has relied on us to bring them the kind of artistry they would otherwise have to travel to Louisville or Cincinnati or beyond to hear, and we have delivered.

While central Kentucky now has two summer chamber music festivals, CMSCK is the only organization devoted solely to presenting an annual fall-to-spring chamber music series. For music lovers in Fayette County and central Kentucky, we provide a service that is essential, unique, and accessible—a subscription to the four outstanding concerts in our 2022-23 season costs only $60.00.

Education is another part of our mission. We offer free admission to students. We also work with other organizations in the community, such as the Carnegie Center, the Fayette County Schools, and the Lexington Public Library, to reach out to new and underserved audiences and to develop the chamber music patrons of the future.

We have been told that the Chamber Music Society is the best-kept secret in Lexington. With your support, we will strive to become more visible during our next half-century as we continue to enrich life in the Bluegrass with the best in chamber music.