Masterworks of Five Centuries Series

About this event

Featuring musical masterpieces from the first decade of the 17th century to the early 21st, the Smithsonian Chamber Music Society (SCMS) celebrates its 50th season with performances on some of the world's most highly prized musical instruments. The repertoire ranges from acclaimed masterpieces to undeservedly obscure gems by frequently overlooked composers. Veteran musicians of the Society, some returning to the series after many years, are joined by emerging artists on several programs in this 7-concert series. Concert Program In late November, Drew Minter and Kenneth Slowik explore Schubert's chilling monodrama on texts by Wilhelm Müller, which the composer called "a cycle of terrifying songs" that "have affected me more than have any other of my Lieder." Schubert: Winterreise, D 911 (1827) Drew Minter, baritone; Kenneth Slowik, fortepiano Kenneth Slowik, SCMS artistic director and recipient of the Smithsonian Distinguished Scholar Award and Early Music America's Howard Mayer Brown Lifetime Achievement Award, offers a pre-concert talk one hour prior to this concert, shedding light on the glorious music and the lives and times of the featured composers. Additional Masterworks of Five Centuries Series Concerts September 13, 2026 September 27, 2026 February 28, 2027 April 7, 2027 April 18, 2027 May 9, 2027 Other Smithsonian Chamber Music Society Performances The Axelrod String Quartet 2026-2027 Saturday concert series The Axelrod String Quartet 2026-2027 Sunday concert series General Information This program and its artists are subject to change. This concert takes 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 check-in at the Will Call table in the Constitution Ave lobby then proceed to the 3rd floor to the venue. Advanced sales will close at 2 p.m. ET on Friday, November 20, 2026. 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).