The 2025-26 season of the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society offers local lovers of classical music played by smaller, more intimate ensembles the highest quality of music performed by musicians of the highest stature at the most reasonable of prices. In this, its 40th season, PCMS continues that tradition with a roster of breathtaking programs presented in two of the city’s most inviting venues: the Kimmel Center’s Perelman Theater and the American Philosophical Society’s Benjamin Franklin Hall.

“Before PCMS presented its very first concert — the Guarneri String Quartet on October 27, 1986 — audiences here often wondered why world-renowned groups and recitalists appeared regularly in New York City, Washington, D.C., and elsewhere, but almost never in Philadelphia,” recalled PCMS Artistic Director Miles Cohen and Executive Director Philip Maneval. “It was a glaring gap in the cultural life of our city.

“PCMS was founded to change all that – to enable audiences to experience the greatest works ever composed, and the leading musicians and composers of our time. We also began with an operating model that focused on the highest standards, on a richly diverse roster, and on opening doors to all audiences through affordable prices and a friendly, welcoming environment.”

PCMS’ foundational mission has been a raging success. Over the past four decades, the society has presented more than 1,800 recitals and concerts, commissioned more than 100 new scores, opened up classical music to communities that were (and still are!) historically overlooked, making our town the envy of the nation and the world.

PCMS’ season is divided into neatly defined groupings. There are two chamber music series: one named after Dorothy and Donald Kardon and another named after Julian and Lois Brodsky. There’s also the Elaine Kligerman Piano Recital Series, the Joseph and Marie Field String Recital Series, a Vocal Recital Series, a Master Artist Series presented in partnership with Ensemble Arts Philly (the presenting arm of Kimmel Center Inc.), a “livestreamed” PS Chamber & Recital Series, a Drs. A. Charles & Susan Giesecke Winkleman Debut Series, and an Early Music Series.

PCMS also presents Concerts for the Community with their Laurie Wagman Century Series and Musical Fund Society Series. Finally, there will be a PCMS 40th Anniversary Gala Tuesday, March 31.

PCMS’ 40th Anniversary Season opens Thursday, Oct. 16, with Sphinx Virtuosi and cellist Sterling Elliott in Perelman Theater. Hot on their heels will be The Sebastians and soprano Lucy Fitz Gibbon on Sunday, Oct. 19, at the American Philosophical Society, in the Society Hill section of Center City. PCMS will round out the month of October with the Belcea Quartet on Friday, Oct. 24, and pianist Imogen Cooper on Tuesday, Oct. 28, both in the Perelman Theater.

Maneval and Cohen assured subscribers, “We are celebrating PCMS’ legacy and our milestone anniversary, with all of you who attend our concerts, encourage our efforts, support our Annual Fund and education programs, and enjoy the amazing talents of our artists. We look forward to sharing with our audiences our 2025-26 season, and the next chapter of our exciting musical journey.”

For more information regarding PCMS’ entire 2025-26 season call 215-569-8080 or visit www.pcmsconcerts.org.

You can contact NOTEWORTHY at Michael-caruso@comcast.net.