In the spring of 2003, a new musical entity, the Rochester Chamber Music Society, was formed in the Rochester community. Dedicated to the art of intimate instrumental and vocal collaborations of the highest artistic level, our mission is to promote chamber music in a personal, accessible, and artistically excellent manner.

We invite you to come and experience the personal delights of an evening of chamber music.


Board of Directors
Horacio Nuguid, Artistic Director
Joan Smith, Executive Director
George Cooper
Jane Cooper
Shelley Cross
Robert S.P. Gardner
Lois Marsh
W. Richard Marsh
Mark Scheitel
Shelley Shen
Elizabeth Sherman
Elise Topazian
David Townsend
Paul Walker
Hong Wang
Tomohiko Yamada


Our History

Originally “chamber music” was music intended to entertain small social gatherings in a room – a chamber, as opposed to a church, a theater or a public concert hall. To continue this rich musical tradition of small ensembles in Southeastern Minnesota, Rochester pianist Horacio Nuguid and violinist Beedarn Pang had a vision for a local music series focused on chamber music that would serve musicians and music lovers alike through professional level performances and educational opportunities.

In the year 2000, Nuguid, Pang and several guest artists “tested the waters” by presenting concerts under the name RST Chamber Music Series. Encouraged by the positive response to these concerts, a board of directors was formed in 2003, and RCMS obtained its 501c3 nonprofit status. From 2003-2008 RCMS enjoyed steady growth, established a loyal following, and garnered a reputation for artistic excellence amongst regional musicians.

For the 2009-2010 season, RCMS offered concerts free of charge. Thereby, we were better able to promote chamber music to all in a personal, accessible and artistically excellent manner. Ongoing financial support from funding entities in the community has uniquely enabled RCMS to thrive in this new model and successfully launch our eighth season.
Our Mission

The mission of RCMS is to enrich lives by offering a personal, accessible, and artistically excellent chamber music experience. Our goal is to give talented musicians the opportunity to perform small ensemble music to an audience seeking a more intimate concert experience. Our primary value is that we enrich our community by immersing them in the intimacy of chamber music. In order to best reach the under-served population of Southeastern Minnesota, RCMS offers our programs free of charge.

The purpose of chamber music is to create a rapport between its performers and their listeners. With its excellent acoustics, Christ United Methodist Church offers a conducive environment for such an experience. The informality of the musicians explaining their music further creates a bond, making the music personal and accessible for the listeners and the performers.
Our Artistic Goals

– Promote the enjoyment and appreciation of chamber music through excellent performances in a setting that allows the performers and their listeners to be close to each other
– Increase community awareness and interest in chamber music by having the artists offer information about the music they will perform
 – Present music, new and familiar, performed on a variety of instruments by master musicians
– Give professional musicians an opportunity to rehearse and perform exquisite music not often performed for the public, striving for the highest level of artistry in an ensemble setting
– Provide accessible concerts to the community by offering a “pay what you can” admission policy



Rochester Chamber Music Society 2010