Belfast Music Society - world-class chamber music since 1921

The Belfast Music Society is a long-established organisation, founded in 1921 to promote the performance and enjoyment of classical chamber music. Initially a branch of the British Music Society, from 1921 to 1983 the society continued to organise concerts, bringing some of the most eminent musicians in Europe to entertain Belfast audiences. The name changed to Belfast Music Society in 1983 and since then it has continued to deliver quality performances. Its programme of concerts has been one of the mainstays of Belfast’s musical and cultural life, providing access to an extensive repertoire of quality chamber music.

Since 2005, BMS has hosted an annual International Festival of Chamber Music giving Belfast audiences an exclusive opportunity to experience world class artists in the enchanting setting of Queen’s University’s Great Hall, with its intimate atmosphere where every note and breath resonates.

Currently Arts Council funded through lottery project funding, Belfast Music Society has successfully forged links with key partners in the City including the BBC and Queen’s University. Partnership is an important part of the BMS ethos, one of the reasons for the Society’s longevity in changing times.

BMS has always been an active champion of local young musicians, offering recital opportunities to soloists and ensembles from NI at the very beginning of their professional careers. Whenever possible, BMS has also included workshops for promising student instrumentalists and singers with the international soloists who come to perform during the Festival.

Reviews on the International Festival of Chamber Music 2010

What a great theme/festival/series of events!
Bravo to you and all concerned for another wonderful weekend.

About Alexander Baillie and James Lisney (encore Moeran Prelude for Cello and piano)
A beautiful tribute to his paternal homeland, and a fitting end to a fantastic evening of music from two outstanding players.

About the Meta4
The finale of the concert was the String Quartet in D minor by Sibelius, ’Voces Intimae’. This was a thrilling performance of a remarkable work, full of nuance and intelligence, a definite highlight from a weekend full of delights. Bravo BMS presenting so many facets of the jewel that is folk-inspired music.

About Mark Wilde and David Owen Norris
The afternoon is certainly one of the festival’s great successes, an excellent tribute to Peter Pears, and a fine way to end off the weekend in style.

Read all reviews

Upcoming Events

Gala Recital and Festival Launch with Belfast Piano Trio
Belfast City Hall 2nd December 2010
Tickets for this event are available by invitation only. If you would like to attend, please click here to add your name to our database.
International Festival of Chamber Music 2011 - 17th - 20th February 2011