Small groups. Big sounds.

What if you could experience music in its most human form? No conductor. No barriers. Just extraordinary musicians creating magic together, right before your eyes. For 49 years, SCMR concerts have offered this rare opportunity - where you experience the spontaneous expression and connection between performers in real time.

Whether you're discovering chamber music for the first time or have been with us from the beginning, our 2025-2026 season promises something special for everyone.

-Juliana Athayde & Erik Behr, Artistic Directors

CONCERTS

TICKETS

Donald Hunsberger
August 2, 1932 - November 5, 2023

Don Hunsberger was a giant in his field and gentleman of his time. He served as SCMR's Chairman for many years, while simultaneously enriching the Eastman School of Music as a distinguished conductor, inspiring mentor, and respected colleague.

Alongside him, Polly Hunsberger graced the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra as a cellist and touched countless lives throughout Rochester's music community through her performances and teaching.

We gratefully acknowledge a generous gift from an anonymous donor honoring the remarkable lives and contributions of both Don and Polly. This thoughtful tribute ensures their passion for chamber music and commitment to musical excellence will continue to inspire future generations of musicians and audiences in Rochester.

Though deeply missed, their legacy lives on through the music they loved and the lives they touched.

Our Mission

The Society for Chamber Music in Rochester (SCMR) presents Chamber Music concerts featuring musicians of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and the Eastman School of Music as well as selected local and visiting artists. We perform great works of chamber music of all periods and styles. Our outreach mission reaches and teaches students of all ages and inspires chamber music’s ongoing creation through composition competitions and commissions.

Our Programs

Society for Chamber Music in Rochester presents five concerts in each season. We perform great works of chamber music of all periods and styles. In addition, our outreach mission reaches and teaches students of all ages and inspires chamber music’s ongoing creation through composition competitions and commissions.

Concert Series

The variety of music and musicians is wonderful. There is something for each of us: some old friends, some new compositions and some new composers to whet your musical appetite. We are excited about the unique collaborations featuring the wonderful musicians in all five of our concerts.

Outreach

Society for Chamber Music in Rochester believes that today’s students are tomorrow’s audiences. Funded by New York State Council on the Arts, Rochester Area Community Foundation and our own generous donors, SCMR musicians perform and teach master classes in schools in the Rochester area.

competitions

The Young Composer Competitions attract entries statewide from high school and college students. Winners receive a cash prize and their chamber work is performed in a series concert. These competitions are funded by the Howard Hanson Institute for American Music at Eastman School of Music.

SCMR Concert Series

SCMR Outreach

SCMR Competitions