Winter is coming. And if Disney’s Frozen has taught us anything, music can pull us through. Portland’s Friends of Chamber Music has programmed powerful live music experiences from October through April, bringing world-class artists to the city for inspired, intimate shows. Cozy venues and breathtaking live performances across three series—Classic, Beyond Classic, and Vocal Arts—await, granting something special for every listener.

VOCES8

October 15

Already sold out, British a cappella group VOCES8 brings an ethereal, moving performance of classical sound to Portland. To celebrate their 20th anniversary, the intimate program features the group’s favorite and most popular tracks, some composed by members’ heroes and friends, others paramount to their personal musical journeys.

Esmé Quartet

October 20 and 21

Lauded for their artistry, commanding stage presence, and warm sound, the string quartet brings two nights of musically intelligent classics. Formed in Germany and now serving as Ensemble-in-Residence at San Francisco Performances, the well-decorated fourpiece has wowed audiences around the globe.

Invoke with Clarice Assad

November 2

This multi-instrumental quartet just might have made something wholly new. Melding a violin, banjo, viola, mandolin, cello, and vocals—plus the piano, electronics, and vocal stylings lent by special guest Clarice Assad—the group transcends bluegrass, Appalachian fiddle tunes, jazz, and Americana to carve out their own contemporary sound.

Hermitage Piano Trio

November 3 and 4

Misha Keylin (violin), Sergey Antonov (cello), and Ilya Kazantsev (piano) comprise one of the United States’ few full-time piano trios; their passion for classical scores and impeccable musicianship have earned the trio several Grammy nominations and coveted spots in international chamber music festivals. Their two-night run at Lincoln Performance Hall boasts compositions ranging from Dvořák’s "Dumky" to a fantasy-tinged piece from Spanish cellist Gaspar Cassadó

Trio Mediæval with special guest Caroline Shaw

December 3

The venue—St. Philip Neri Catholic Church—reflects the otherworldly aspect of Trio Mediæval’s work. The vocal trio’s sacred medieval music, folk tunes, and hymns meld the secular and the sacred, especially present in their seasonal “Yule” holiday program. Composer, violinist, and vocalist Caroline Shaw joins the vocal trio, lending a contemporary feel to the evening. 

Takács Quartet and Jordan Bak

December 8 and 9

Celebrating their 50th season, the Hungary-born quartet is known for innovative programming, weaving together disparate works with effortless chemistry; their recent NPR Tiny Desk performance serves as a sneak peek into their artistry. The December 9 show includes guest violist Jordan Bak, bestowing a special treat: rarely-performed Mozart viola quintets.

Axelle Fanyo and Julius Drake

January 25

Both lauded as artists at the peak of their field, French soprano Axelle Fanyo pairs with pianist Julius Drake for a five-composition program full of charisma. Coming off a 2025 Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording, Fanyo’s star continues rising in the opera and concert music realms.

Cuarteto Casals

February 2 and 3

From under-the-radar Spanish composers to Viennese classics, the 27-year-old Spanish string quartet plays from a deep repertoire that has landed them repeated appearances at Carnegie Hall, Philharmonie Berlin, and the globe’s most prestigious concert halls. Two nights of Portland performances promise fine-honed precision and delicate, multi-layered sound that captivates audiences.

Ruckus and Davóne Tines

February 5

Ruckus might be a baroque band, but their creativity imparts almost a rock-like quality; joined by groundbreaking classical singer Davóne Tines, the sound is decidedly fresh. Co-presented with The Reser, the evening travels through four centuries of reimagined songs to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, all while looking to the future with compassion and conviction.

Tambuco

February 22

Mexican chamber percussion ensemble Tambuco makes music from everything: body percussion, sticks and stones, modern percussion instruments, and anything in between. Always dynamic and innovative, the fourpiece shifts like chameleons between instruments for vibrant, ever-entertaining performances. Countless performances around the globe have garnered four Grammy nominations and a world of fans.

Quarteto Nuevo

March 8

Spanning the ancient to the contemporary, western classical to eastern European folk, and Latin to jazz, the innovative, curious quartet features soprano saxophone, woodwinds, acoustic guitar, cello, and percussion. Expect a fusion of worlds with mesmerizing rhythms.

Pavel Haas Quartet

March 16 and 17

Internationally-lauded Pavel Haas Quartet draws from Czech tradition, the requisite warmth, intensity, and individuality shining through every performance. But what distinguishes the group is a certain risk-taking, a deep rapport among the members that breeds moving performances that have captured five Gramophone Awards.

Huntertones

April 12

High energy is a given at a Huntertones show. The Brooklyn-based band will announce their program live from the stage, but audiences can expect horn-driven sound and unconventional covers from the sextet. Part jazz, part funk, part something altogether genre-bending, the group brings joy and playfulness to every track.

Chanticleer

April 15

Named for a fairytale rooster with musical talent, the 12-man vocal ensemble’s Grammy Award-winning repertoire has roots in the renaissance, lending an ​​Elysian quality to their vocal arrangements. Wide-ranging works from classical and gospel to bespoke compositions feature voices melding in breathtaking fashion; the group will perform their fresh Our American Journey program, a showcase of the country’s diverse musical heritage.

A full season lineup and ticket purchasing can be found here.