A small ensemble creates a big sensation

The entire month of May gathers performers and instrumentalists to play their music for National Chamber Music Month!

Chamber music is defined as music specifically composed for small ensembles. According to britannica.com, it is “referred to music composed for the home, as opposed to that written for the theatre or church,” where “home” could include small concert halls, auditoriums, or simply any room big enough to fit an ensemble and its intimate audience. This form of music is special in that it utilizes a limited number of performers; with usually one person dedicated to a part, in contrast to an orchestra where a number of musicians all play to fulfill one part of a classical piece. Chambermusiccolumbus.org also adds that “because of its intimate nature, chamber music has been described as ‘the music of friends’.”

While chamber music still carries on from its prestigious and palace-exclusive origins through the passions of our musicians today, the pandemic has certainly hampered much of the performances during these times. According to chamber-music.org, “the COVID-19 pandemic has caused event cancellations, financial losses, and other disruptions to our field,” as expected from an art form reliant on the gathering of players and listeners alike. But in spite of the challenge, Chamber Music America hopes to take National Chamber Music Month as an opportunity “to celebrate the creativity and resiliency of the ensemble music community” by showcasing virtual performances and raising media awareness.

Help take this month of May as an opportunity to support and celebrate the chamber musicians out there as well. Be part of the audience and check out their musical content and chamber performances on social media throughout National Chamber Music Month.