Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center at SPAC
Save the Date for CMS’s Summer Residency
July 12-26, 2026
The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (CMS) brings its multi-generational and international roster of the world’s finest chamber musicians to Saratoga for inspiring performances all year long. CMS became one of Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s resident companies in 2013, presenting a wide variety of concerts at Spa Little Theater that appeal to both connoisseurs and newcomers alike.
Please note: While Spa Little Theater undergoes renovations in 2026, CMS performances are being presented at the Arthur Zankel Music Center at Skidmore College.
Upcoming Events
Bach's Brandenburg Concertos
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
Sat • Dec 13, 2025 • 5:00pm
Dvořák’s Quintet in A Major
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
Sun • Jul 12, 2026 • 3:00pm
From Haydn to Copland
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
Wed • Jul 15, 2026 • 7:30pm
Burleigh, Dvořák, and Beethoven
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
Sun • Jul 19, 2026 • 3:00pm
Winds Around the World
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
Wed • Jul 22, 2026 • 7:30pm
Calidore String Quartet
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
Sun • Jul 26, 2026 • 3:00pm
World-Class Performances Close to Home
Whether you’re a dedicated classical fan or curious to experience the magic of chamber music for the first time, there’s something for everyone during CMS’s year-round residency at SPAC!
Classical, Up Close
Experience the mesmerizing excitement of chamber music up close in Spa Little Theater, our intimate 500+ seat venue. Watch as musicians move and breathe in harmony with each other, creating an enthralling conversation between their instruments.
The Best of the Best
See the world’s finest classical musicians perform in CMS’s vast and rotating roster of artists. In addition to co-artistic directors David Finckel (cello) and Wu Han (piano), other fan favorites include Arnaud Sussmann (violin), Nicholas Canellakis (cello), Paul Neubauer (viola), Matthew Lipman (viola), and the Calidore String Quartet.
Beloved Repertoire
Explore the vibrant history of music through performances spanning genres, from baroque to classical and romantic to modern. Experience cherished works by composers such as Beethoven, Bach, Brahms, Haydn, Mendelssohn, Mozart, Schubert, Dvořák, and Tchaikovsky.
The Next Generation
Watch rising stars become the future leaders of chamber music! CMS is known for fostering young artists with their Bowers Program, which supports the careers of promising chamber musicians. Sterling Elliott (cello), Evren Ozel (piano), Stella Chen (violin), George Li (piano), and the Viano Quartet are just a few of the rising artists who have performed at SPAC.
Engaging Programs
CMS programs often explore a theme or highlight specific instruments, such as the progression of chamber music over the centuries, famous piano sonatas, the evolution of the string quartet, or works that feature wind instruments. Between pieces, artists provide historical and biographical context to the music, promoting a meaningful and educational experience.
New Discoveries
Alongside beloved masterpieces, experience works from many other composers across centuries and cultures. Explore the works of Françaix, Purcell, Muffat, Schulhoff, Dutilleux, Webern, Shostakovich, Kodály, Dohnányi, Saint-Saëns, Burleigh, Villa-Lobos, Taktakishvili, Wolf, Marsalis, and more.
A Treasured Partnership
Through its many performances, education programs, recordings, and broadcast activities, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (CMS) brings the exhilarating experience of great chamber music to more people than any other organization of its kind. In 2013, under the leadership of co-Artistic Directors David Finckel and Wu Han, CMS became one of Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s resident companies, presenting a wide variety of concerts that appeal to both connoisseurs and newcomers. The performing artists constitute a multi-generational and international roster of the world’s finest chamber musicians, enabling CMS at SPAC to present chamber music of every instrumentation, style, and historical period.
“SPAC has become CMS’s North Star, a destination we gravitate to both personally and professionally. The high quality of SPAC’s presenting, our distinguished artistic colleagues, the sublime setting, and of course SPAC’s audiences of devoted music lovers all serve to pull us up from New York City with irresistible power.”
— CMS artistic co-directors David Finkel and Wu Han
Ways to Save
Subscriptions
Get early ticket access and save by reserving the same seat for all performances in a CMS season! Members will receive their discount and non-members will save $5 off each ticket.
Multi-Program Package
Purchase three or more chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center programs and receive $5 off per ticket.
Student Discount
For Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center performances, students can purchase a $15 ticket (online or by phone). Student must pick up ticket at the Box Office on the day of the event and show student ID.
SPAC Member Discount
SPAC Members save 15%-20%* on tickets for Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center! Not a member? Join today!
*Discount is tiered by membership level.
Group Sales
Experience SPAC together! From groups of friends and family to corporate outings, senior centers, summer camps, and arts schools, we can curate a special experience for your group of 10 or more. We offer discounts, flexible options and can work with your group leader to tailor your needs for a memorable day.
Arthur Zankel Music Center at Skidmore College
While Spa Little Theater undergoes renovations as part of SPAC’s 60th anniversary celebration in 2026, we’re presenting events in the Helen Filene Ladd Concert Hall in Arthur Zankel Music Center at Skidmore College. This 600+ seat venue offers amazing acoustics and a stunning three-story glass backdrop that lets art and nature mingle — making it a perfect “home away from home” for SPAC.
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Merchandise
From a wide collection of CDs showcasing the artistry of CMS across the years to newly released face masks and the cherished Brandenburg holiday ornaments, see all of the merchandise that’s available on the CMS Shop!
Thank You to our 2026 Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Summer Residency Sponsor
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center presented by Charles Schwab – Maureen Parker
