The Chamber Music Society of the Carolinas (CMSC), formerly the Swannanoa Chamber Music Festival was founded in 1970 by Lili Kraus - one of the foremost pianists of the time. 

 

 

The Society has been the premier chamber music festival of the Carolinas for these 45 years. For those who love to play and those who love to listen, the Society's Music Festival has been a focal point for the celebration of chamber music. In a series of twelve concerts during the month of July, CMSC is pleased to be able to share exceptional classical music performances with a wide audience in three different southern cities: Asheville, NC; Waynesville, NC; and Greenville, SC. 

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CMSC is able to welcome widely beloved and internationally acclaimed musicians from all over the world to its annual four-week season. These musicians come to the mountains of North Carolina each year to collaborate with each other and hone their craft. In past seasons performers included a winner of the gold medal at the Van Cliburn competition, silver medalist of the Tchaikovsky competition, Grammy winners and Grammy-nominated ensembles, plus concertmasters of major US orchestras. 

CMSC is as proud of the high caliber of musicians in residence as we are of our unique approach to performance. Taking place in small venues, the festival is able to favor an intimate interaction between performer and listener. CMSC values audience experience and an atmosphere in which listeners feel welcome and comfortable to cultivate their love of music. 

 

The Chamber Music Society of the Carolinas is a program of  Warren Wilson College. Located in the scenic Swannanoa Valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the festival is proud to call the college its home.