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HISTORY OF THE CHICAGO CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY

The Chicago Chamber Music Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to furthering chamber music in our city, has prospered in Chicago for more than 70 years.

The Chicago Chamber Music Society’s long history dates back to the economically bleak days of 1935 and 1936 when a group of prominent women joined together to provide a venue for gifted Chicago musicians. These women, all of whom were officers of a musical group called the Russian Trio, founded the Chicago Chamber Music Society (CCMS.) The Russian Trio, as the Society’s first beneficiary, performed several series of concerts. In 1948, The Russian Trio was renamed The Pro-Musica Trio and included the well-known Chicago cellist Karl Fruh. The origin of the Russian connection was as much a mystery 60 years ago as it is today. In 1948, Judith Cass of The Sun Times wrote “The Pro-Musica Trio … flourished under the title of The Russian Trio until people began saying ‘but why Russian?’ … How the trio happened to be called Russian in the first place, no one now connected with it remembers.”

In the late 1950’s, CCMS concert formats changed from programs performed only by local artists to include those of national and international renown. The artistic expansion continued successfully under the leadership of Mrs. Moise Dreyfus followed by Ms. Rose du Moulin. In the late 1960’s the Board turned to impresario Harry Zelzer for assistance in finding its next program chairman. Fortunately, he recommended his wife, Sarah Zelzer, who ably selected ensembles until 1968 when she handed over the reins to Mrs. Frank Ruehle. Mrs. Ruehle brought outstanding chamber music to CCMS audiences for more than two decades and was honored during a dinner and concert in May, 2007 when her retirement was announced. Mrs. Ruehle has been succeeded by Mrs. John Stanek.

As its contribution to the Chicago Millennium celebration, past president, Mrs. Douglas F. Schroeder, and the Board of Directors of the CCMS commissioned a chamber piece by Chicago composer and journalist, Dan Tucker. Mr. Tucker chose the writings of Carl Sandburg to set to music. Up in Rootabaga County was performed by The Chicago Ensemble at the Chicago Cultural Center in September, 1999. The CCMS presented the original score to The Newberry Library in a dedication ceremony in February, 2007 at which time a reading of the charming Sandburg Story and musical performance of the work were presented. The original score is now preserved in the archives of The Newberry Library.

The CCMS presents four to five concerts each season. Now in its 73rd year, with the support of its subscribers and friends, The Chicago Chamber Music Society continues to bring great musical performances to Chicago.

The Chicago Chamber  Music Society

P.O. Box 350
Kenilworth, IL 60043

Phone: 847.251.1400
ext. 0

info@chicagochamber
musicsociety.org

contact us

Board of Directors

Leora Douraghy,
    President

Joan N. Blew
Dr Iris Cosnow
Helene Feingold
Sydney Fishburn
Lola Flamm
Adrian Foster
Nancy Furr
Diane K. Gottlieb
Anita Greenberg
Clarine Hall
Donna M. Inlow
Jan Jentes
Kerma Karoly
Paula Kiefer
Diana Hunt King
Carola Kupfer
Ann Wilhelmina Kuppe
Frances Lambrecht
Bonnie Lipe
Gia McDermott
Theodora Nicolandis
Elizabeth Peters
Marina Phelps
Marilyn Rosengarden Frederick
Joan Fiona Ross
Mary Ann Sartin
Joanne Schroeder
Laura M. Spingola
Dr. Gay Stanek
Susie Stein
Eleanor W. Tippens
Lynn Urstadt
Dr. Draga Vesselinovitch
Carilane Vieregg
Florence C. Winters