In Memoriam: Peter Frelinghuysen (1941-2018)

With tremendous sorrow the board, artists, and staff of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center mourn the passing of Peter Frelinghuysen who led CMS for more than a decade, alternatively as President and Chairman. His depth of musical insight, passion for chamber music, love of the CMS artists and devotion to CMS and its staff infused this organization throughout his long service to CMS, and created a legacy that will enrich it forever. Under his leadership, CMS grew exponentially, partnering with Lincoln Center to achieve an acoustically exquisite renovation of Alice Tully Hall, bringing in exciting new artistic directors, and in 2010 laying down a strategic vision for CMS leading up to its 50th Anniversary season in 2020. His extraordinary influence touched every aspect of CMS. He was identified with it by everyone who knew him. He loved CMS and was beloved in return. We will miss him terribly, can’t imagine Tuesday night concerts without him, and will think of him constantly, particularly when we perform some of his favorite works - the Hummel Septet in D Minor and the Brahms Quintet in F Minor. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Barrett and his family for their enormous loss. Kind, fun-loving, insightful, learned, curious, principled, generous, he was an incredible man.

James P. O’Shaughnessy, Chairman
David Finckel and Wu Han, Artistic Directors
Suzanne Davidson, Executive Director