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 2009

Melvyn Tan (replacement for Nelson Goerner)
"Tan's intimate interpretations of Schubert transform the atmosphere into one of warmth and colour with an invitingly soft, gentle melancholy"

Christianne Stotijn(mezzo soprano) & Joseph Breinl(piano)
"If Schubert had never written anything else, he would still have a prime place in musical history for his songs. The range and wealth of invention in the piano parts alone were beautifully highlighted in the excellent playing by Joseph Breinl at the closing concert of the Schubert festival successfully promoted by the Belfast Music Society."

Trio Wanderer
"Schubert’s mastery of melody was safe in their hands, a golden tribute to a composer whose rich and priceless legacy was so ably examined in this weekend’s Belfast Music Society feast of the best in chamber music."

Wihan String Quartet and Raphael Wallfisch
"In a long and demanding programme on Saturday evening, they demonstrated their robust and meticulous approach to music connected by a sense of moodiness and power."

Upcoming Events

International Festival of Chamber Music 2010 - 19th, 20th, 21st February 2010

Summer Celebrity Recital 2010 - 5th June 2010