“Valuable and Irreplaceable”: 40 Years of the MIT Chamber Music Society

Musicians rehearsing Haydn's Quartett No. 41, Op. 76, No. 2

Guest blogger: Peter Dunn

Chamber music ensembles are the lean startups of the orchestral world—a handful of colleagues must cover a wide range of situations, without the reinforcement or management hierarchy of a symphony orchestra.

That model creates both transcendent music and teaching opportunities, and it is a primary factor in the enduring success of MIT’s Chamber Music Society, which this year marks its 40th anniversary under the direction of founder Marcus Thompson, the Robert R. Taylor Professor of Music.

“There’s more individual responsibility in a small group—you can’t hide behind other people playing the same part,” says Thompson, an internationally prominent chamber violist who also teaches at New England Conservatory and is artistic director of the Boston Chamber Music Society. “At the same time, four or five people have to work together, giving up something of themselves to the ensemble, just as you do in sports and other collaborative efforts.”

After passing auditions, the society’s 100 student members commit to challenging rehearsal schedules and weekly coaching to prepare for end-of-semester recitals by about 25 ensembles, which range from piano and violin trios and quartets to wind ensembles and small choral groups.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the society,” says pianist and first-year biological engineering student Connor Duffy. “Setting aside time each week to make music with two of my closest friends is a valuable and irreplaceable part of my life.”

Cellist Emily Mackevicius, a brain and cognitive science PhD student and society member since 2011, agrees. “Chamber music is a refreshing break from lab work, because it requires a totally different type of focus. It's great to just pay attention to making music and fitting in with the other people in my group while incorporating advice from the coaches.”

Thompson notes that this spirit is prevalent on campus, with 400 students participating in official MIT ensembles like the Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble and Concert Choir, and about 200 pursuing music majors, minors, or concentrations.

“People come here with all these facets, and MIT’s leadership has recognized for decades that we need be able to teach them through various avenues and challenge them as they move across disciplines,” he explains.

“We’ve gone from being a tech school to being a place that prepares people to take a leadership role in society. To do that, you have to understand the human condition, ambiguity, how peoples’ thoughts and feelings are shaped, communities that are different from your own. These are all part of the discipline of music, and chamber music has a great literature that lets that happen on a small scale.”

Enjoy past performances via the MIT Listening Room.