To present the finest chamber music performances to the Denver metropolitan area for the enrichment of diverse audiences; to introduce chamber music to new audiences.
Also provide education and outreach programs for children and adults in the community..
For over 70 years, Friends of Chamber Music has presented the world’s most celebrated chamber musicians on its diverse chamber music series.
Each season, FCM presents an acclaimed eight-concert series at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts, featuring world-renowned ensembles and soloists. Additional performances take place in unique venues across the metro area, offering audiences fresh and intimate ways to experience the power of live chamber music.
From Baroque masterpieces performed on period instruments to groundbreaking contemporary works and world premieres, FCM’s programming spans centuries and styles—honoring tradition while embracing innovation.
Beyond the concert stage, Friends of Chamber Music is deeply committed to education and community outreach. Through in-school music programs, FCM brings the magic of chamber music directly to students—especially those in underserved communities. The organization also presents 6–8 free community concerts each year, reaching audiences across Denver with performances in libraries, cultural centers, and other neighborhood venues.
With a mission to inspire, connect, and enrich through music, Friends of Chamber Music continues to expand access, foster inclusivity, and elevate the cultural life of Colorado—one unforgettable performance at a time.
EVENTS (2025-26 SEASON)
Pacifica Quartet with the Colorado Children’s Chorale
With a career spanning nearly three decades, the multiple GRAMMY Award-winning Pacifica Quartet is an FCM audience favorite, known for its virtuosity, exuberant performance style, and adventurous programming. In an exciting new partnership, the Colorado Children’s Chorale will join the quartet for the world premiere of Pitch In by James Lee III.
The Pacifica Quartet is “…nothing short of phenomenal… ” —The Telegraph
Since 1974, the Colorado Children’s Chorale has brought its artistry and charm to audiences throughout the world. With a diverse repertoire ranging from fully-staged opera and musical theater to standard choral compositions in classical, folk, and popular traditions, the Chorale performs with an innovative stage presentation and a unique theatrical spirit.
Sunday, September 7, 2025, 4:00 PM
Gates Concert Hall, Newman Center for the Performing Arts
2344 E. Iliff Avenue, Denver
Calidore String Quartet and Sharon Isbin, guitar
Children and adults will celebrate Día de los Muertos like never before at this event — an unforgettable day where music, art, and tradition will light up the Aurora Cultural Arts District. Experience the power of live performance as Mariachi las Dahlias and a narrator guides you through the heart of the holiday, blending vibrant sounds with rich storytelling that honors the holiday.
Down the street, dive into hands-on art projects where kids and adults alike craft sugar skulls, flower crowns, and keepsakes for the community altar.
Come not just to celebrate, but to reflect, remember, and embrace the vibrant spirit of a tradition that connects us all.
Monday, October 13, 2025, 7:30 PM
Gates Concert Hall, Newman Center for the Performing Arts
2344 E. Iliff Avenue, Denver
Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra
Globally acclaimed and Canada’s most toured orchestra, Tafelmusik is renowned for breathing vibrant new life into centuries-old scores. With period instruments and a passion for historical authenticity, this powerhouse ensemble redefines what “early music” can sound like—bold, expressive, and anything but dusty.
Catch this rare Denver appearance by one of the world’s leading Baroque orchestras.
Sunday, November 9, 2025, 4:00 PM
Gates Concert Hall, Newman Center for the Performing Arts
2344 E. Iliff Avenue, Denver
Stefan Jackiw, violin, and Kevin Ahfat, piano
Violinist Stefan Jackiw returns to Friends of Chamber Music with his signature blend of poetic expression and jaw-dropping technique. This time, he’s joined by rising star Kevin Ahfat, a pianist praised for his mix of fire and finesse.
Their bold, wide-ranging program features works by Handel, Prokofiev, and composer-pianist Conrad Tao, and closes with the drama and depth of Brahms’s Sonata No. 3.
- Wednesday, December 3, 2025 | 7:30 PM
Gates Concert Hall, Newman Center for the Performing Arts
2344 E. Iliff Avenue, Denver
Paul Lewis, piano
Renowned British pianist Paul Lewis returns to the FCM stage for a third time, performing his program “Mozart Plus.”
Paul Lewis, celebrated for his masterful interpretations of the central European piano repertoire, brings a program of profound musical contrasts. From Mozart’s lyric Sonata in C Major (K.330) and the stormy Sonata in C Minor (K.457) to the charm of Poulenc’s Improvisations, Lewis’s program showcases both virtuosity and deep musical insight.
“…a majestic and insightful performance…” — The New York Times
- Sunday, January 11, 2026 | 4:00 PM
Newman Center for the Performing Arts
2344 E Iliff Ave, Denver, CO 80210
Zlata Chochieva, piano
In her highly anticipated FCM debut, Russian pianist Zlata Chochieva brings her deep passion for chamber music to a captivating and wide-ranging program. Alongside Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 13, Op. 27 and selections from Schumann’s Fantasiestücke, she explores the vivid soundscapes of Bartók, Bach, Sibelius, and Scriabin.
“I can think of few piano recitals finer than this.” — Seen and Heard International
- Thursday, February 5, 2026 | 7:30 PM
Newman Center for the Performing Arts
2344 E Iliff Ave, Denver, CO 80210
Brentano Quartet
Making their first return to FCM since 2016, the distinguished Brentano Quartet has been a cornerstone of American chamber music for over 30 years. Renowned for their profound musical insight, the quartet has captivated audiences worldwide, earning both critical and popular acclaim.
“[A] remarkable capacity for magical ensemble playing…effervescent.” — The Washington Post
- Monday, April 6, 2026 | 7:30 PM
Newman Center for the Performing Arts
2344 E Iliff Ave, Denver, CO 80210
Jean-Yves Thibaudet, piano
For more than three decades, Jean-Yves Thibaudet has dazzled audiences across the globe. He has recorded over 50 albums and earned a reputation as one of today’s most extraordinary pianists. In a rare recital appearance, Thibaudet brings his signature color and refinement to Debussy’s complete Préludes, Books 1 and 2—an immersive journey through shimmering impressionistic landscapes and evocative musical poetry.
“Sophistication and suavity, both clarity and freedom.” —The New York Times
- Thursday, May 7, 2026 | 7:30 PM
Newman Center for the Performing Arts
2344 E Iliff Ave, Denver, CO 80210
Owls
Owls is a fresh and original new string quartet collective featuring some of chamber music’s most creative voices, including violinist Alexi Kenney, violist Ayane Kozasa, and cellists Gabe Cabezas and Paul Wiancko.
This concert will be presented at the Lakewood Cultural Center as part of our “Friend in New Places” offerings . . . world-class artists in two new venues, with free parking. We look forward to making new friends in the community!
“…free from constraint, danceable, rapturous.” — The Strad
- Sunday, March 1, 2026 | 4:00 PM
Lakewood Cultural Center
470 S Allison Pkwy, Lakewood, CO 80226
Le Consort
Formed in Paris in 2015, Le Consort is a dynamic chamber music ensemble that breathes new life into Baroque music with a special devotion to the trio sonata. These four exceptional musicians bring their energy and artistry to “A Trio Sonata Soiree,” featuring works by Albinoni, Telemann, and Bach.
This concert will be co-presented with Augustana Arts at Augustana Lutheran Church as part of our “Friend in New Places” offerings . . . world-class artists in two new venues, with free parking. We look forward to making new friends in the community!
“Ravishing, exhilarating, and uniquely beautiful.” — BBC Music Magazine
- Thursday, March 19, 2026 | 7:30 PM
Augustana Lutheran Church
5000 E Alameda Ave, Denver, CO 80246