The violinist will serve as the Gilbert Omenn and Martha Darling artistic director through 2032
Seattle Chamber Music Society (SCMS) has announced that James Ehnes has signed a new eight-year contract and will continue to serve as the Gilbert Omenn and Martha Darling Artistic Director through 2032. Ehnes was first named to the position in 2012.
’Seattle Chamber Music Society is truly my artistic home and I am honoured to continue our work together,’ said Ehnes. ’There has been no greater pleasure in my career than having this opportunity to present the greatest music with the greatest artists for our wonderful audiences in Seattle and beyond.’
’As one of the most celebrated musicians of his generation, James Ehnes’s choice to dedicate such a significant part of his career to chamber music is a major win for this art form and its role in shaping the cultural landscape of our cities,’ said John Holloway, executive director of SCMS. ’I believe chamber music will be the cornerstone of classical music in American cities moving forward, and James’s decision only strengthens that vision.’
SCMS’s 2025 Winter Festival, scheduled from 24 January to 2 February, will feature works from 1850-1950 by 18 different composers, focusing on ’perhaps the richest hundred years in the history of chamber music,’ according to Ehnes.
SCMS has been a cornerstone of Seattle’s arts scene since 1982, presenting world-class performances and enriching the community with its mission to make high-quality chamber music accessible to all.
During Ehnes’ tenure as artistic director, SCMS has opened its Center for Chamber Music, created the SCMS Virtual Concert Hall, established chamber music academies for both students and adults, and more than doubled its yearly concert activity.
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